Atlantic Athletic Club

Atlantic Athletic Club: Cape Town’s Premier Running Community

Welcome to the Atlantic Athletic Club (AAC) – your ultimate destination for runners in Cape Town! Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner, a casual jogger, or just starting, our club offers a supportive environment to help you achieve your running goals.

Our diverse training programs cater to all distances and skill sets, fostering both physical fitness and a vibrant community spirit. Members enjoy regular social events, group runs, and participation in local races. It’s the perfect place to connect with fellow running enthusiasts and empower your running journey with Cape Town’s most sociable club.

Our Rich History

Our story began on December 15, 1979, when the Cape Argus newspaper hinted at a new club for “seaboard athletes.” The secret was unveiled on December 20, 1979, at the Arthur’s Seat Hotel. Founders Robin Breakey and Mike Russell, now legendary figures, were key contacts. The club aimed to promote athletics in Green and Sea Point, Camps Bay, and Hout Bay.

The First Meeting: December 1979

Thirty-four people reportedly attended our inaugural meeting, with 21 signatures recorded. Early key figures included Les Barchard, Leon Kaimowitz, Cyril George, and the founders. Our first committee meeting on January 7, 1980, at President Aaron Lewis’s home, saw Robin Breakey as Chairman, Leon Margolis as Treasurer, Jeremy Kropman as Information Secretary, and Cyril George as Club Captain. The treasurer proudly announced R595 in the bank and 44 members already!

Our Iconic Club Colours

A lively discussion at the first meeting led to a vote: royal blue shorts were chosen by the majority. Founder Steve Townsend designed our distinctive Atlantic logo, incorporating both Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. The Western Province Amateur Athletics Association then approved our white vests with blue hoops and royal blue shorts.

Our Famous Races

Atlantic Athletic Club has been instrumental in three highly successful Cape Town road races over the years:

The Bay to Bay (formerly Atlantic Road Race): AAC managed this 32km race for 31 years (1981-2012). We introduced the popular 5km fun run in 1982, shortened the main distance to 30km in 1983, and added a 15km relay. In 1989, Chairman Mike Russell proposed the name “The Bay to Bay” to reflect its route through Camps Bay and Hout Bay.

The Gun Run Half Marathon: First run in 1992, this race famously starts at 9:30 AM, with the finish line signaled by the noon gun from Signal Hill. Seeff and the Cape Argus were the original sponsors, with the race finishing at the old Green Point Stadium. Over the years, we added popular 10km and 5km fun run options. Mark your calendars: The OUTsurance Gun Run 2025 is set for September 13th and 14th, starting and finishing in Mouille Point, Cape Town. It will feature the 21.1km Half-Marathon, 10km Race, 17km Trail Run, 5km Fun Run, and a 5km Pet Walk.

Ready to lace up and join Cape Town’s most dynamic running community?