History of the
Club
Hollywood Athletics Club
The Hollywood Athletics Club came into inception in 2016 and was initially motivated by the idea to encourage Hollywoodbets team members to participate in athletics, road running and living a healthier lifestyle. Starting off with just 30 members in KwaZulu-Natal, the club witnessed a huge increase, reaching a membership milestone of 1000 within the first half of the year in the 2023 athletics season.
These members are inclusive of social runners within KwaZulu Natal, who chose to join the athletics club alongside team members. This growth was not confined to one region alone, as the club expanded its influence to the North and Central regions of Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Free State provinces.
The club’s popularity knows no boundaries, capturing the attention of numerous athletes nationwide. The introduction of elite runners in 2019 marked a significant turning point for the Hollywood Athletics Club as three years later the club achieved recognition as an elite team, this milestone was achieved by the well-known Nkosikhona Mhlakwana. who secured his inaugural podium finish at the 2022 Total Sports Two Oceans Marathon and was a top 10 finisher at the 2022 Comrades Marathon securing the first Comrades gold for the club.
The club has also succeeded in attracting revered figures inthe running world, such as Irvette van Zyl, who now proudly represents the Hollywood Athletics Club.
We believe in the power of a supportive and inclusive family unit. Our club is not just about achieving personal bests or breaking records; it’s about creating a tight-knit community where every member feels valued and supported on their running journey. Whether you are a seasoned runner or just starting out, we are dedicated to assisting each other in growing as individuals and as a team.
Running Stronger: How Our Club Has Grown Over the Years
In 2022, the club boasted 439 participating runners in the ultimate human race.
The event had impressive results: 1 gold medal, 31 silver medals, 110 Bill Rowan, 73
Robert Mtshali, and 75 bronze medals, along with 73 Vic Clapman medals. This
achievement significantly elevated the club’s profile. in the following year, the club continued its upward trajectory by enlisting over 500 members for the 2023
Comrades Marathon.
In 2023, the club took a strategic step by introducing a dedicated Marketing Team and elite club manager which has led to a remarkable escalation in the club’s brand value. With a robust presence across various media channels and a vibrant social media engagement, the Hollywood Athletics Club has undoubtedly
established itself as the go-to social club for running enthusiasts.
The journey of Hollywood Athletics Club has been defined by relentless growth,
dedication and commitment to excellence, and the spirit of family that unites
athletes across the nation. From its modest beginnings to becoming a well- recognised brand in the running community, the club’s growth has been driven by its willingness to grow and to do things differently and become a household brand. With the support of Hollywoodbets,the club is able to host events such as The Hollywoodbets Durban 10km.
