Blaine Dillon
proudly sponsored by Yellow Box Containers SA

Meet Blaine  - Long Distance Runner

I was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa and from a young age I enjoyed competing in various track and field events at my school. Back then I was more of a sprint runner and broke numerous track records at the local Stadium. Later, I attended Monument High School in Krugersdorp were I’d rather focused on playing Rugby for the school. Fitness training played a huge role in our preparation for each season and most of that training I still use today.

In 2019 my family and I got the opportunity to move to Cape Town. Here we made a lot of new friends, most of them living healthy and active lifestyles. One of my good friends now heard in conversation that I enjoy the occasional run and that I would like to get more active with road running, even if only meant as a social gathering at the time. My wife will also tell you that every year when we followed the Comrades Marathon or Two Oceans Marathon, I say that I would like to participate one day.

As time went on and me being the competitive person that I am, the social outings at Meerendal Wine Estate and Tuesday Track Sessions with the guys pushed me in seeking more out of my running. I stepped it up a notch when I entered my first ever race in May 2022 False Bay 50km Ultra Marathon. I knew early on in March 2 months before the race that I had to train harder than I had ever before. In the last week of training leading up to the race my nerves were shot, as I did not know what to expect and if my game plan for the race would result in a reasonable finish time. On race day all my preparation, planning and mental strength came together, and I ended up being in the top 90 athletes Top 5% of the field receiving my silver medal. I was hooked…Since then I competed in 4 more races for the year Blouberg Marathon, OUTSurance Gun Run, Cape Town Marathon, and The Landmarks.

I am privileged to be the father of 2 boys, whom I want to guide from a young age and demonstrate that it’s important to set goals and work tirelessly in achieving those goals. You may not always succeed at first, but it’s important to remain calm, focused and progress no matter how little or slow.

Now, I don’t run just to be healthier, but also to inspire the people around me, starting with my family, friends, and colleagues. I can tell you from my personal experience that the emotions run high when you’ve worked so hard towards your goal and achieving it, but it doesn’t top the feeling of having your support crew wife, kids and friends cheering you on next to the road or waiting you in at the finish line.

I’m looking forward to the 2023 season!