{"id":41304,"date":"2021-03-23T21:08:08","date_gmt":"2021-03-23T19:08:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/?p=41304"},"modified":"2021-03-23T21:08:08","modified_gmt":"2021-03-23T19:08:08","slug":"thirsti-africanx-attracts-an-impressive-list-of-contenders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/more-sport\/thirsti-africanx-attracts-an-impressive-list-of-contenders\/","title":{"rendered":"THIRSTI AFRICANX attracts an impressive list of contenders!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cLet Nature Give You A Run For Your Money\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Set to take the Houw Hoek Hotel (Western Cape) by storm this coming weekend (26 \u2013 28 March), the 11th<\/sup> edition of the THIRSTI AFRICANX Trailrun has attracted an impressive list of top contenders.<\/p>\n

The race is on in the Open Men\u2019s Team Category<\/strong> with defending champions, AJ Calitz<\/strong> (Melkbosstrand) and Bernard Rukadza<\/strong> (Harare, Zimbabwe) eager to secure their fourth victory.\u00a0 Calitz and Rukadza have proven to be a formidable force having claimed gold at AFRICANX three times already (2014, 2015 and 2018).<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are very fortunate to have been able to run and win,\u201d says Calitz.\u00a0 \u201cWe have become such good friends in the process, and that is what it\u2019s all about!\u00a0 AFRICANX is such a festive event.\u00a0 We wouldn\u2019t miss it for the world.\u00a0 The routes are quite flat and fast particularly on Day One.\u00a0 It pushes me out of my comfort zone, but the climbing on Day Two and Three makes up for it.\u00a0 I\u2019ve heard that quite a few roadies have entered. This definitely makes me nervous as they are super quick, but let\u2019s hope that they are not used to multi day running and climbing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am really proud to be able to say that we\u2019ve claimed gold at AFRICANX three times already,\u201d says Rukadza.\u00a0 \u201cIt motivates me to work harder as I want to keep the title.\u00a0 I am happy to hear that more road runners are starting to enter AFRICANX. Trail races are very different to road races though.\u00a0 I would definitely recommend AFRICANX to other trail runners.\u00a0 My advice is to run your own race at your own pace.\u00a0 Aim to finish, enjoy nature and have fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

No stranger to the event, Thabang Madiba<\/strong> (Ga-Rankuwa, Gauteng) will team up with AFRICANX newcomer, Renier Grobler<\/strong> (Willows, Pretoria).\u00a0 \u201cAFRICANX is 100% a teambuilding event,\u201d says Madiba.\u00a0 \u201cI really enjoy the atmosphere and the joy that is shared amongst runners.\u00a0 I am very happy to hear that the event will take place at the Houw Hoek Hotel again this year.\u00a0 That is where everything started.\u00a0 AFRICANX is not just about winning, it\u2019s about enjoying the routes and working together with your teammate.\u00a0 It\u2019s about enjoying what you love.\u201d \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to Grobler, as an ultra-road runner he wanted to venture into trail running at some stage.\u00a0 \u201cAFRICANX is the perfect stepping-stone,\u201d says Grobler.\u00a0 \u201cRunning in a team with Thabang, who is such a prolific trail runner, will surely teach me a lot about the trails.\u00a0 As a team we have a good mix of endurance and speed.\u00a0 My advice to other entrants is to go out and enjoy every second, that\u2019s what I am going to do as a first-timer!\u201d<\/p>\n

Well-known SA triathlete Vicky van der Merwe<\/strong> (Stellenbosch) and runner (road and trail) Danette Walley<\/strong> (Somerset West) will be strong contenders in the Open Women\u2019s Team Category<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cAFRICANX has always been on my bucket list,\u201d says van der Merwe.\u00a0 \u201cIn the past the date had clashed with that of a triathlon that I had entered.\u00a0 I can\u2019t wait to explore new stunning trails with one of my best friends and training partner.\u00a0 We have always wanted to do a race together and I can\u2019t think of a better event.\u00a0 My strength is speed, while Danette\u2019s strength is endurance.\u00a0 She has finished in the Top 10 at Comrades.\u00a0 As a team I think that our strengths will complement each other.\u00a0 We are also both mentally tough.\u00a0 Our goal is to podium.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walley is no stranger to AFRICANX having competed five times already.\u00a0 \u201cThere have been many moments where I have been in awe of the beauty that surrounded us and times when our teams had to dig deep.\u00a0 We\u2019ve also shared many laughs in the race village,\u201d says Wally.\u00a0 \u201cEvery year I have walked away feeling inspired by the amazing people that I got to share these moments with.\u00a0 The toughest part of AFRICANX is to find the balance between pushing yourself every day and pacing yourself in such a way that you are able to run well for three days.\u00a0 Vicky likes running fast and I like running far, so we will need to meet each other in the middle.\u00a0 It would be amazing to podium at AFRICANX, but more importantly we want to fully appreciate the opportunity to race again.\u00a0 We also just want to have lots of fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

Green Point residents Daneil Feldmann<\/strong> and Davide Del Fante<\/strong> will be back to defend their title in the Open Mixed Team Category<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had such a fantastic experience in 2018,\u201d says Feldmann.\u00a0 \u201cAt AFRICANX the trails, the food, the facilities – every detail is well organised and thought-out.\u00a0 I\u2019m excited that the event will return to the Houw Hoek Hotel this year.\u00a0 I can\u2019t wait to explore new trails as my first AFRICANX was in 2018 when the venue was in Franschhoek.\u00a0 Our goal is to take in the whole experience while enjoying being able to take part in events again.\u00a0 AFRICANX is more than just running, it\u2019s an experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving the chance to go out and share some amazing trails and positive energy with the trail community is just what we need after the last twelve months,\u201d says Del Fante.\u00a0 \u201cWhen I think about a trail running stage race, I think about AFRICANX. With so many years under its belt, AFRICANX definitely has the recipe to put on a good show.\u00a0 The trails, logistics and social atmosphere – this race offers it all.\u00a0 Our goal is to soak up the positive energy while having a fun weekend on the trails with mates.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pretoria based husband and wife duo, Natalie<\/strong> and Nico Sterk<\/strong> will make their THIRSTI AFRICANX debut in 2021.\u00a0 Strong trail runners that are extremely competitive by nature, this team is sure to give the defending champions a run for their money.<\/p>\n

\u201cAFRICANX has been on my bucket list for quite some time now,\u201d admits Natalie.\u00a0 \u201cThe event is known for its challenging but magnificent trails.\u00a0 The teamwork aspect and its reputation as one of South Africa’s premier races makes it a must do event for every runner.\u00a0 Our goal is to finish in a competitive position, but I guess it all depends on the competition come race day.\u00a0 Either way we will be there to have a good run and enjoy everything the event has to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to Nico, AFRICANX is the benchmark trail running stage race in the country.\u00a0 \u201cI am so happy to see it back on the calendar in 2021.\u00a0 I\u2019m excited to team up with Natalie.\u00a0 We will probably be racing each other though as the verdict is out on who is the best runner between the two of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Other Mixed Teams that should not be underestimated will be Comrades Marathon Champion (2016) Charne Bosman<\/strong> with\u00a0Karel Burger<\/strong>, and well-known trail runner Chantel Nienaber<\/strong> with Chris Visser<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

ROADIES JOIN THE MIX<\/u><\/em>:<\/em><\/p>\n

The THIRSTI AFRICANX Trailrun has attracted the attention of twelve elite runners from the Nedbank Running Club.\u00a0 These runners are Eric Ngubane<\/strong> (KwaXimba, Cato Ridge, KZN) with <\/em>Juan van Deventer<\/strong> (Johannesburg), Ludwick Mamabolo<\/strong> (Polokwane) with Collin Kanyimo<\/strong> (Bashewa, Pretoria East), Phillimon Mathiba<\/strong> (Thembisa, Gauteng) with Malusi Dlomo<\/strong> (Pretoria), Siyabonga Sakwe<\/strong> (Cape Town) with Lindikhaya Mthangayi<\/strong> (Khayelitsha), Etienne Plaatjies<\/strong> (Oudtshoorn) with Lloyd Bosman<\/strong> (George) and Deann\u00e9 Horn<\/strong> (Lichtenburg, North West) with Chrizell Roberts<\/strong>\u00a0(Standerton, Mpumalanga).<\/p>\n

Combined the twelve athletes boast a long list of impressive achievements including:\u00a0 6th<\/sup> in the 1500m at the 2008 Olympics, 1st<\/sup> at Om die Dam 50km in 2020, 1st<\/sup> at Om die Dam Ultra in 2017, 1st<\/sup> at Comrades Marathon in 2012, 7 consecutive gold medallist at Comrades Marathon, ASA u\/23\u00a0800m Champion, u\/23 X-Country Champion, numerous top finishers at Two Oceans, 1st<\/sup> at the Oxpecker Trail Run 32km 2-Day Stage Race in 2018, 1st<\/sup> at the Mauritius 2-Day Stage Race in 2019, 1st<\/sup> at the Sky Run 65km in 2020 (and record holder) to mention just a few.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

To say that the THIRSTI AFRICANX Trailrun is going to be fast would be an understatement!<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

2021 Event Information<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/strong>THIRSTI AFRICANX Trailrun<\/p>\n

Teams of two trail running enthusiasts (male\/female\/mixed) will be seen battling it out on a route varying in distances each day.\u00a0 Each stage will feature a different route that is guaranteed to keep things exciting while leaving runners in awe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Date:<\/strong><\/td>\nFriday 26 March 2021 \u2013 Sunday 28 March 2021<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Format:<\/strong><\/td>\nThree-day stage race \/ teams of two (male\/female\/mixed)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Festival Village:\u00a0 <\/strong><\/td>\nOn the grounds of the Houw Hoek Hotel (Bot River, Overberg Region \/ Western Cape)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Distance:<\/strong><\/td>\nDay 1:\u00a0 +- 24km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nDay 2:\u00a0 +- 32km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nDay 3:\u00a0 +- 18km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Iconic to the THIRSTI AFRICANX Trailrun, ALL entrants will receive an event hoodie<\/strong> and an exclusive finisher\u2019s t-shirt<\/strong>, amongst other exciting sponsor gifts!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PLEASE NOTE<\/u><\/strong>:<\/strong>\u00a0 The event organisers will at all times adhere to Government Regulations regarding COVID-19.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Follow us on Face Book:\u00a0 <\/strong>@ThirstiWater<\/a> \/<\/strong>\u00a0@stillwatertrail<\/a><\/p>\n

Follow us on Instagram:\u00a0 <\/strong>@thirstiwater<\/a> \/ <\/strong>@runtheAFRICANX<\/a>\u00a0\/ @stillwater_trail_running<\/a><\/p>\n

Follow us on Twitter:\u00a0 <\/strong>@runtheAFRICANX<\/a>\u00a0\/ @StillwaterTrail<\/a><\/p>\n

Hashtag:<\/strong>\u00a0 #MyAFRICANX #RunTheAFRICANX<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For additional information on the THIRSTI AFRICANX Trailrun please visit www.stillwatersports.com<\/a>, contact Stillwater Sports on 082\u00a0991 0045 or email entries@stillwatersports.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Who is THIRSTI<\/u><\/em>?<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

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.<\/em>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

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.<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

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.<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

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.<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

For more information about THIRSTI, please visit <\/em>www.thirsti.co.za<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cLet Nature Give You A Run For Your Money\u201d Set to take the Houw Hoek Hotel (Western Cape) by storm this coming weekend (26 \u2013 28 March), the 11th edition of the THIRSTI AFRICANX Trailrun has attracted an impressive list of top contenders. The race is on in the Open Men\u2019s Team Category with defending […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":58746,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[3107,2771,8822,3108],"class_list":["post-41304","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-more-sport","tag-africanx","tag-africanx-trailrun","tag-thirsti-africanx","tag-trailrun"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41304","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41304"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41304\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41304"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41304"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41304"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}