“Let Nature Give You A Run For Your Money”
After a dominant performance at the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day Stage Race in March this year, the trail running bug has clearly bitten with a number of Nedbank Running Club’s elite athletes eagerly signing up for the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 1-Day XPERIENCE that will take place at Paul Cluver Wines, Grabouw (Western Cape) on Saturday 18 September 2021.
Top Nedbank runners to look out for will include: Anél Terblanche and Raydon Balie in the 24km race, and Chrizell Roberts, Eric Ngubane, Juan Van Deventer and Collin Kanyimo in the 42km race.
Anél Terblanche (Bellville) is excited to make her AFRICANX debut at the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 1-Day XPERIENCE. According to Terblanche, she tries to incorporate trail running weekly into her training program. “It’s such a lovely break from road running. While most of the road and cross-country races in the Western Province have been cancelled over the past 18 months, some of the smaller trail races have continued under strict lockdown rules. I started by running the Run the Vines trail events and just fell in love with the sport. When I saw the advert for the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN, I couldn’t resist! I am looking forward to the beautiful scenery and the awesome atmosphere. My goal will be to enjoy the race, fall as little as possible and secure a spot on the podium!”
Raydon Balie (Eerste River, Cape Town) broke the course record at the 2017 36.1km UTCT and in 2020 he placed 4th at the Cape Peninsula Half Marathon. “Most of my training is done off road, specifically on dirt roads,” says Balie. “I’m excited that events are back and am really looking forward to being back on the trails. My goal will be to enjoy the experience, while giving it a good effort on the trails.”
Chrizell Roberts (Standerton, Mpumalanga) celebrated her THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN debut in style in March when she and her running partner, Deanne Laubscher, secured the overall 2nd spot on the podium in the Women’s Team Category of the 3-Day Stage Race. “The 3-Day Stage Race had the best vibe of any race I have experienced so far,” says Roberts. “It was amazing that my legs were still responding on day three and we actually ran the fastest on that day. The routes were so well marked, not once did we get lost, while the views and venue were beyond beautiful. I am due to run my final long run that weekend in preparation for the SA Marathon Champs. I think the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 1-Day XPERIENCE at Paul Cluver is great preparation for that. I am looking forward to the vibe, views and wine at Paul Cluver of course.”
Eric Ngubane (KwaXimba, Cato Ridge, KZN) and Juan van Deventer (West Rand, Krugersdorp) dominated the field at the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day Stage Race in March claiming gold in the Men’s Team Category after completing the three stages in an impressive combined time of 05 hours 08 minutes 36 seconds.
“The Event Organisers did a superb job hosting a quality event during very difficult times caused by the pandemic,” says Ngubane. “The competition at the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day Stage Race was of the highest quality. I expect that the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 1-Day XPERIENCE will have a very different race strategy. It’s an individual entry race and as we currently don’t have many races to compete in. I expect the competition to be extremely high. I will be prepared for it though. It’s always an honour to come to Cape Town to race, because that is where a lot of the good trail runners live. I am looking forward to a very interesting race. My goal is very simple, to enjoy the race while giving my all on route.”
According to Van Deventer, the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day Stage Race was a unique and fun experience. “I enjoyed the challenge of running competitively for three days in succession,” says Van Deventer. “I am really looking forward to the single day trail race. It will be my first competitive individual trail race. I will be running an ultra-trail race at the end of November, so the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 1-Day XPERIENCE fits in perfectly with my planning and preparation for the rest of the year. My goal is to run a competitive race and be in contention with the top runners.”
Collin Kanyimo (Bashewa, Pretoria) placed 7th in the Men’s Team Category of the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day Stage Race with teammate Ludwick Mamabolo. “The THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day Stage Race was the first time that I got to experience a world-class three-day stage trail run. I was nervous at first but soon got into my rhythm. With this being a one-day race there is guaranteed to be competition from start to finish, as you don’t need to hold back for the next day. I love competing against the best and look forward to pushing myself to the limit. My goal is to win the race.”
EVENT CALENDAR: THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN
| 1. THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 1-Day XPERIENCE | Date: Saturday 18 September 2021 |
| Venue: Paul Cluver Wines, Grabouw (Western Cape) | |
| Format: 1-Day Trail Run | |
| Entry Format: Individual Entry | |
| Entry Fees:
· OPTION 1: 6km / R100 · OPTION 2: 12km / R350 · OPTION 3: 24km / R600 · OPTION 4: 42km / R950 |
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| 2. 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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| 3. 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
