North-West Province – Teboho Noosi (Maseru, Lesotho) secured his hat-trick victory in the Fedhealth Platinum Trail Run Long/+-24km race that took place at the ATKV Buffelspoort on Sunday 29 August 2021. Noosi claimed gold in a deserving time of 01 hour 24 minutes 08 seconds, while Charne Bosman (Menlo Park, Pretoria), who made her event debut on the day, claimed gold in the women’s race in a time of 01 hour 50 minutes 47 seconds.
Celebrating its 8th anniversary on the day, trail runners could choose between the Long/+-24km, the Short/+-12km, a Fun Run/+-8km and a 2.5km Kids Event.
According to Teboho Noosi, the Long/+-24km race was tough. “It was very windy. The course has changed from previous years, I could feel it on some of the climbs, but mostly the route was favourable for my style of running. I led from the start so I can’t tell you what the competition was like. I did not look back. I will definitely be back next year.” Retsepile Khotle came in 2nd, while Collin Kanyimo finished 3rd.
Charne Bosman took no prisoners in the women’s race. “I expected the route to be more challenging,” admits Bosman. “I was quite scared to run this race after running the THIRSTI AFRICANX in March. The route was hilly, but it was runnable. I’m quite strong on the climbs, so I enjoyed those sections the most, but I’m still scared of falling on the down hills. The event was well organised, and the route was very nice. I am very happy with my run.” Angela van Aardt came in 2nd, while Taryn Snyman finished 3rd.
Renier Grobler (Murrayfield, Pretoria) claimed the top spot on the podium in the Short/+-12km race in an impressive time of 59 minutes 37 seconds. “I’m actually a road runner, so it’s fun for me to get onto the trails,” says Grobler. “I enjoyed the race a lot. I’ve just come back from an injury and would’ve liked to do the 24km race, but it was nice to still run the 12km and even win it. I really liked the steep up-hills, that’s where I got my gap. I’ll definitely be back next year for the 24km race.” Ryan Mathaba came in 2nd, while Tyron Bothma finished 3rd.
Leilani Scheffer (Rustenburg) was happy with the challenge of the Short/+-12km race. “They’ve changed the route up a bit, so it was a little more difficult than in previous years,” says Scheffer. “The wind was nice and cold, while the terrain was nice and difficult as always. I’ll definitely be back next year.” Scheffer claimed the top spot on the podium in the women’s race in a time of 01 hour 04 minutes 51 seconds. Rone Reynecke came in 2nd, while Elizabeth Lizzy Dlhiwayo finished 3rd.
Itumeleng Khumalo (Marikana, Rustenburg) sprinted to victory in the Fun Run/+-8km in a time of 45 minutes 51 seconds. “The race was fantastic,” says Khumalo. “I currently have a knee injury, as a result I’ve only been able to train twice, but I was fine today. I enjoyed everything about the race. Next year I’ll do the longer race and I will do even better than today.” Tshepo Miya came in 2nd, while Marius van den Berg finished 3rd.
Gezela van den Berg (Rustenburg) was the first runner home in the women’s race crossing the finish line in 47 minutes 54 seconds. “I really enjoyed today’s race,” says van den Berg. “It was tough, but doable. I’ll definitely be back next year, most probably for the 24km event.” Jana van den Berg came in 2nd, while Lana Harmse finished 3rd.
“We are proud to have hosted a successful Fedhealth Platinum Trail Run at ATKV Buffelspoort today. Thank you to the trail runners from all age groups who joined us in the North West for this event – we hope you had as much fun on the trails as we did! Although we had to organise this event a bit differently due to COVID-19, it was wonderful to be active and outdoors again, surrounded by participants and their families. We hope to see you on the trails in future!” said Fedhealth Principal Officer, Jeremy Yatt.
The 2021 Fedhealth Platinum Trail Run Long Route (+-24km) boasted a R22 000 Prize Purse. To view the Prize Purse Breakdown visit: https://www.stillwatersports.com/fedhealth-magalies-monster-platinum-trail-run-prize-purse/
CHARITY SUPPORT: The Fedhealth Platinum Trail Run proudly supports The Kindness Collaboration. Founded by Fedhealth and Operation Healing Hands (OHH), The Kindness Collaboration fucuses on supporting South Africans who cannot afford quality medical care. Trail runners could make a donation towards the cause when entering the events online.
For more information or to make a direct donation towards The Kindness Collaboration visit https://www.fedhealth.co.za/kindness-collaboration/ For more information about Operation Healing Hands visit http://ohhsa.net/
Follow us on Instagram: @stillwater_trail_running
Like our Facebook Page: Stillwater Trail Running
Hashtags: #fedhealth #platinumtrailrun
For more information on the Fedhealth Platinum Trail Run contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045, email [email protected] or visit www.stillwatersports.com.
