{"id":43131,"date":"2022-01-24T22:02:18","date_gmt":"2022-01-24T20:02:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/?p=43131"},"modified":"2022-01-24T22:02:18","modified_gmt":"2022-01-24T20:02:18","slug":"thirsti-africanx-ambassadors-set-for-three-days-of-sensational-trail-running","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/more-sport\/thirsti-africanx-ambassadors-set-for-three-days-of-sensational-trail-running\/","title":{"rendered":"THIRSTI AFRICANX ambassadors set for THREE DAYS of sensational trail running!"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN ambassadors, Ashraf Orrie, Nicholas Rupanga, Blake Dyason, Nonhlakanipho Tau and Franza Landman are lacing up for a weekend of sensational trail running when South Africa\u2019s premier 3-Day Stage Race returns to the Houw Hoek Hotel (Western Cape) from Saturday 19 \u2013 Monday 21 March 2022 in celebration of its 12th<\/sup> anniversary.<\/p>\n

According to Ashraf Orrie <\/strong>(Plumstead, Cape Town<\/u>) the most important box to tick to ensure that a runner has the best AFRICANX experience possible, is to choose the correct running partner. For Orrie that partner is his wife, Roldah.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoldah has been my AFRICANX partner for the past five years. I have no choice, it\u2019s about saving my marriage,\u201d laughs Orrie. \u201cOn a serious note, we are equally paced and have podiumed at this event in the Masters\u2019 Category for the last couple of years.\u00a0 The 2021 event was awesome. We had three great days of running with our AFRICANX family and friends coupled with fantastic meals. Our goal this year is to introduce more friends to the event, while experiencing more laughs and highs. To the first-time entrant, don\u2019t overthink the race. It\u2019s a novice friendly race. Treat it like you\u2019re out exploring, run when you want to run and walk when you want to walk. Eat early and take in enough liquids. Most importantly ensure that you know your partner well before race day. It\u2019s the ultimate team building event.\u201d<\/p>\n

A legend in South African trail running circles, Nicholas Rupanga<\/strong> (Kenilworth, Cape Town<\/u>) is one of two runners (the other being sports journalist Adnaan Mohamed) that has taken part in the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day Stage Race ten out of the eleven times that it has been hosted. Rupanga is also one of the first winners, in 2009 he and team member Patrick Cox claimed gold in the Men\u2019s Team category of the inaugural event.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor me the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN is about making new friends and socialising,\u201d says Rupanga. \u201cThe event is well organized and I always enjoy the vibe. I will once again team up with Wandisile Nongodlwana. We\u2019ve been running together as Veterans for the past three years. Last year I injured my calf on the first day, but thanks to Wandisile, who was sympathetic towards my situation, we still managed to finish all three stages. Wandisile has the endurance while I am fast and strong. Our goal is to be competitive, while making new friends and having fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to Blake Dyason <\/strong>(Hout Bay, Cape Town<\/u>), the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN always delivers great trails, views and race village vibe. \u201cThe 2021 event was really special as it was the first time that many of us saw each other again since lockdown started,\u201d says Dyason. \u201cI loved connecting with the trail community, catching up with friends and making new friends. I also loved the race village and vibe. Each day is beautiful and offers a different view and experience. All the trails are well maintained and runnable. I have a friendly warning to all newcomers though, be prepared to pick up weight. The food at this event is amazing. Don\u2019t forget your funky outfit for Dress Up Day (Stage 3) and enjoy the nerves and excitement of SA\u2019s premier 3-Day Stage Trail Race.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nonhlakanipho Tau<\/strong> (Randburg, Gauteng<\/u>) and Kennedy Sekhuthe are hoping to better their performance at the 2022 THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day Stage Race. \u201cLast year\u2019s event truly was amazing. I even forgot that I had ankle issues during the run,\u201d says Tau. \u201cIt felt like a trail festival especially with Day Three being Dress Up Day. The\u00a0variety in the routes was amazing. We enjoyed a very fast Day 1, some climbing and technical effort on Day 2 (my favourite) and a hot but balanced Day 3. Lunching and dining with trail buddies was just awesome. I also loved the camping experience with hot showers throughout, that really is a rare experience at events. The stocked-up water tables will have you thinking that you are on an eating adventure. My advice is to control your nutrition and know what works for you. One thing is for sure, you won\u2019t go hungry or thirsty (no pun intended) at this event\u201d.<\/p>\n

According to Franza Landman <\/strong>(East London), the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day Stage Race sparked her love for trail running.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN is one of the best organized\u00a0events in South Africa,\u201d says Landman. \u201cThe 3-Day Stage Race is the perfect\u00a0event to share with someone special. Last year I didn\u2019t want the weekend to end. I will once again team up with my boyfriend, Liam. I believe that as a couple it is great to tackle the trails as a team. I\u2019m looking forward to the magical scenery paired with awesome people and the fabulous\u00a0vibe that you just can’t get enough of. I have one very important ritual before a race, I cannot take part in a race if I don\u2019t have a Beet It Sport shot an hour before the race starts. I also have a shot an hour before each training session the week building up to the race. Beet It Sport is a natural nitrate supplement that naturally boosts sporting performance. I can definitely feel the difference whether training or racing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

EVENT INFORMATION<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 2022 THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN<\/strong> 3-Day Stage Race<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Launched in 2009, the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN is synonymous with magnificent trails, spectacular views, mouth-watering food, a relaxed atmosphere, great vibe and most importantly, teamwork! 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 challenging, yet exciting while leaving runners in awe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Date<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/strong><\/td>\nSaturday 19 \u2013 Monday 21 March 2022<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Venue<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/strong><\/td>\nHouw Hoek Hotel (Western Cape)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Event Format<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/strong><\/td>\n3-Day Stage Trail Run<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Entry Format<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/strong><\/td>\nTeams of Two Runners (male \/ female \/ mixed)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Stage Distance<\/u><\/strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n

Stage 1:\u00a0+- 24 km<\/p>\n

Stage 2:\u00a0+- 32 km<\/p>\n

Stage 3:\u00a0+- 18 km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Entry Fees<\/u><\/strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n

OPTION 1<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/strong>R3600 per runner<\/p>\n

OPTION 2<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/strong>R4200 per runner<\/p>\n

OPTION 3<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/strong>R4600 per runner<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Entries Close<\/u><\/strong>:<\/strong><\/td>\nFriday 11 March 2022<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Entry Fee Includes<\/u><\/strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n