The THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 1-Day XPERIENCE delivered exciting trail running at Paul Cluver Wines (Grabouw, Western Cape) on Saturday 18 September 2021 with Collin Kanyimo claiming gold in the 42km men’s race, while Kerry-Ann Marshall stamped her authority in the women’s race.
Synonymous with magnificent trails, spectacular views, mouth-watering food, a relaxed atmosphere and great vibe, the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 1-Day XPERIENCE entrants could choose between a 42km, 24km, 12km and 6km route.
The 42km event boasted a total climb of 1160m and featured Paul Cluver’s most iconic trails including trails that are usually closed to the public. Based on the variety of terrain combined with the views, climbs and descents, this route could be considered trail running heaven!
Collin Kanyimo secured the top spot on the podium in an impressive time of 02 hours 58 minutes 21 seconds. “The race was nice, but the weather conditions were very windy. It made the race tough,” says Kanyimo. “The route was nice, there was a good mix of terrain. Crossing the finish line first is just a bonus, as each and every person who ran the race is a winner. I am very happy though and would like to come back next year.” Kennedy Sekhuthe came in second, while Juan van Deventer finished third.
Kerry-Ann Marshall secured victory in the women’s race in a time of 03 hours 32 minutes 11 seconds. “The 42km route was hard, but it was a great run,” says Marshall. “The course is beautiful, flowing with some single track and farm roads. There was a lot of wind at the top of the mountain, but it was a great day out. Everyone was cheering each other on. AFRICANX invites all levels of runners, the routes are flowing and fast. It’s just such a smoothly organised event that has such a vibe. I really enjoyed the whole event.” Suzette Mcivor came in second, while Elmė Middlemost finished third.
The 24km event featured a 750m climb and included a good mix of open, fast trails, smooth single track and some technical terrain, offering the perfect balance between exciting trails and beautiful views.
Siviwe Nkombi was on fire in the men’s race crossing the finish line first in a lightning-fast time of 01 hour 34 minutes 51 seconds. “I ran my first AFRICANX, the 3-Day Stage Race, in March this year and told myself that I want to come back for the next race,” says Nkombi. “Today was brilliant. Everything was amazing, the route was well marked, water points were great, everything was cool. The vibe is awesome. My goal was to win the race in a very fast time. It feels amazing to cross the finish line in first place. I’ll definitely be back next year.” Nkosinathi Madyo came in second, while Raydon Balie finished third.
Anėl Terblanche was the lady to beat in the women’s race. Her dominant performance saw her claiming gold in a time of 01 hours 49 minutes 09 seconds. “The race was awesome,” says Terblanche. “The scenery was amazing. The wind was a bit strong, and affected us on the up hills, but the scenery made up for it in so many ways. I was hoping to get on the podium today, but I’m not a trained trail runner and I haven’t been doing a lot of long runs. I thought I’d just start slow and see how it goes. It was so much fun. I loved the vibe. It’s just amazing. The 3-Day Stage Race is definitely on my bucket list.” Danette Walley came in second, while Sarah-Jane Silber finished third.
The 12km event had a total climb of 380m and was ideal for all trail runners who were looking to push themselves beyond 10km or road runners who were looking for a challenge on the trails. Runners were treated to a good mix of farm roads that went past orchards and vineyards, and fun single track.
Calvin Hammond was the first runner home in the men’s race. Lucien Chapotte came in second, while Christoff Longland finished third.
Uta Lehmann was victorious in the women’s race. Kim Hoatson came in second, while THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN ambassador, Franza Landman finished third.
According to Landman the event was absolutely amazing. “On every single turn you saw beautiful routes. The weather was divine. It was a wonderful race. The 1-Day Xperience definitely was a nice teaser building up to the 3-Day event. We just don’t want to go home.”
The 6km event was the perfect family event and was suited to young and old. It was ideal for newcomers to the sport that wanted to experience the AFRICANX vibe!
Joseph Stauch secured the top spot on the podium in the men’s race. De Wet Wentzel came in second, while Wichardt Von finished third.
Mika du Plessis claimed victory in the women’s race. “The 6km Trail Run was very nice,” says du Plessis. “I entered just to have fun with my family. I didn’t think I’d finish first. The trails are beautiful. I really enjoyed it and will definitely be back next year.” Ester van der Merwe came in second, while Grace Hoatson finished third.
“This is our second time experiencing the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN series of events and the team have once again hit it out of the park. Congratulations to all who took part – getting outside, enjoying our beautiful country and reminding ourselves of how privileged we are to be in good health and good company in these challenging times. We were particularly pleased with the strong representation from the Nedbank Running Club whom we are proud water partners to,” says Rob Hoatson, Managing Director of THIRSTI Water.
NEXT UP: THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN
| 1. THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day Stage Race | Date: Saturday 19 – Monday 21 March 2022 |
| Venue: Houw Hoek Hotel (Western Cape) | |
| Format: 3-Day Stage Trail Run | |
| Entry Format: Teams of Two Runners (male / female / mixed) | |
| Entry Fees:
· OPTION 1: R3600 per runner · OPTION 2: R4200 per runner · OPTION 3: R4600 per runner |
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| 2. THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 2-Day XPLORE | Date: Saturday 09 – Sunday 10 April 2022 |
| Venue: Normandien Farms (Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal) | |
| Format: 2-Day Stage Trail Run | |
| Entry Format: Individual Entry | |
| Entry Fees: R2950 per runner |
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For additional information on the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day, 2-Day and/or 1-Day events please visit www.stillwatersports.com, contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045 or email [email protected].
Who is THIRSTI?
THIRSTI is more than just Natural Spring Water; THIRSTI is a way of life. THIRSTI attracts a young, vibrant market with a thirst for life and authentic experiences.
THIRSTI started production at the end of 2015 with their iconic Still and Sparkling ranges. 2019 saw the release of the ultimate sports drink, ISOFIT+, and a bold THIRSTI Flavours range was added in 2020.
With its unique taste, attractive design, and a pH level of 8, THIRSTI has made massive strides in its relatively short time in the market with listings in all major retailers throughout South Africa.
THIRSTI has a strong focus on event sponsorships across multiple sporting codes and, in 2019, they became the hydration partner to both the Comrades Marathon as well as The Sharks rugby team. Adding to this, was the 2021 announcement of the ASBA Cape Epic official water partnership.
For more information about THIRSTI, please visit www.thirsti.co.za
