The RAC Tough One has been consistently ranked in a number of our surveys as a well organised and well presented event. Without fail this event achieves a high level of organisation, from an orderly start venue to well-appointed watering tables and a finish with the vibe of a big race. It is a good way to round off a year of running. 

The first Tough One was run on February 3rd, 1975. It was a Twenty Miler starting and finishing at the Randburg Sports Complex. It went across the rolling hills of the northern suburbs of Johannesburg. The overwhelming comment from the 280 finishers was, “Wow, that was TOUGH.” And thus, the Tough One began.

Initially, the route went over open veld with occasional small holdings, but over the years, many of the roads used have been changed due to development and changes in traffic flow. However, the core has remained the same.

The small holdings were an essential part of the race because their wind pumps were the only source of water for our refreshment tables. One year, during the dreadful drought the water holes dried up, creating a major problem for the race. Not being able to locate sufficient drums, Vreni Welsh came up with another solution. The first race to supply water in sachets.

Vreni approached “Kulfi” an ice cream manufacturer in Lenasia asking if they could make her several thousand “Water Lollies.” They agreed. Rand Athletics Club experimented with different sizes at their Time Trial and decided on the 250ml was the most convenient. The sachets were simple to transport and the Tough One became the first race to supply water in sachets.