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Pride of the Mother City
Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula provided a majestic backdrop for a world-class ultra-trail running spectacle at the 2024 RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town , South Africa ’ s premier trail running festival , on the weekend of 22-24 November .
Against the dramatic silhouette of one of the world ’ s most iconic mountains , the RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town concluded after three extraordinary days of racing that pushed the boundaries of human endurance . As the finale of the Gran Canaria World Trail Majors series , this prestigious event has cemented its position as an unmissable destination for the global ultra-running elite .
The event ’ s spectacular growth since its 2014 inception was evident as more than 2800 athletes from 66 countries converged on the Mother City . Elite international competitors joined local champions and passionate trail runners to tackle six challenging routes across Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula , ranging in distance from 16km , 23km and 35km , to the flagship distances of 55km ( PT55 ), 100km ( UT100 ), and the gruelling 100-miler ( UTCT ).
PT55 : Display of Speed and Agility
Friday ’ s PT55 race showcased extraordinary athletic prowess , with Britain ’ s Robbie Simpson achieving a remarkable hat-trick victory in 5:18:58 . The stunning course , weaving through Table Mountain ’ s trails and rugged terrain , saw America ’ s Jeshurun Small demonstrate exceptional form to secure second place in 5:23:29 , closing his 2024 season with an impressive fifth-place finish overall in the series . South African trail legend Ryan Sandes , one of the country ’ s most decorated ultratrail athletes , demonstrated his enduring class with
PT55 men ’ s winner Robbie Simpson a third-place finish in 5:41:23 .
The women ’ s field delivered equally compelling performances , with Spanish veteran Anna Tarasova in first place , mastering the challenging route in 6:02:55 . France ’ s Louise Serban-Penhoat came home second , securing her third podium position in a remarkable season with a time of 6:14:40 , while South African favourite Landie Greyling , the 2022 champion , claimed third in 6:27:59 , adding another impressive achievement to her PT55 legacy .
PT55 women ’ s winner Anna Tarasova
Images : Claudia Robson , Fahwaaz Cornelius , Jason Broderick , Sam Clark , Zac Zinn
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