“ We are excited to welcome these eager trail runners and avid AFRICANX supporters as ambassadors in 2021 ,” says Michael Meyer , founder of the event and Managing Director of Stillwater Sports . “ If you look at the background of each of the ambassadors , you ’ ll realise that trail running really does appeal to a large audience . The common denominator is that they love trail running , and most importantly , they love the AFRICANX Trailrun . We are proud to welcome them as part of our team and look forward to seeing them in action .”

Familiar Faces

An AFRICANX regular , Noel Ernstzen has won or podiumed in the veteran men ’ s category at four previous editions of the event . “ AFRICANX has been from the outset , one of my most enjoyable events on the calendar . It has all the elements I look for in an event , including that it draws all the top trail runners in the country . The routes are fairly technical , but still easy enough for roadies to get a taste of trail running , and the organisation has always been top class . This

event has definitely played a major role in the huge uptake of trail running in SA .”

According to Ashraf Orrie , AFRICANX is the “ lekkerste ” stage race in SA . “ I won ’ t miss it for anything , because it ’ s a chilled , not too technical , novice-friendly stage race . It ’ s well organised , and the routes are beautiful . I ’ ll be teaming up with my wife , and our team strength will definitely be patience . We run very well within ourselves , and there will definitely be no sprinting !”

“ AFRICANX is my favourite trail run by far ,” says Songo Fipaza . “ I love the route , the amazing views , and the food . I ’ ll be teaming up with Gugulethu Joy Makhathini . We ’ ve both done AFRICANX in the past , but this will be the first time that we take part together . It helps that we both know what to expect , and our goal will be to finish comfortably , while enjoying all that the event has to offer .”

Environmental campaigner Blake Dyason says , “ The AFRICANX Trailrun is one of my favourite events , because I love the vibe in the race village , and I always make amazing friends . It ’ s great that people of all ages and fitness levels can take part in AFRICANX . It ’ s a beautiful community and the trails are spectacular . Oh , and I really love the dress-up day !”

Welcoming Newcomers

AFRICANX debutante Nonhlakanipho Tau is really

looking forward to the challenge . “ I feel honoured and privileged to be chosen as an ambassador , as I ’ ve only received positive feedback and high ratings from trail runners regarding the event . I ’ ll be teaming up with Kennedy Sekhuthe – he is helping me to get ready for my first 100km race , and will be there to push me to a great finish each day .”

Meanwhile , AFRICANX will officially be musician Luca Hart ’ s first trail race . “ I ’ ve been running for a few years , but this will be my first race , so I ’ m honoured to be an AFRICANX ambassador . I ’ ve always wanted to bring my two passions together , music and nature , and I hope this will bring me one step closer to that dream .”

“ I feel truly blessed and couldn ’ t be more grateful and excited to be associated with AFRICANX ,” says Franza Landman . “ After a tough year for everyone , I am really looking forward to the build-up to race day and spending time with likeminded people . The location , routes and beautiful scenery are something to be excited about .”

According to Nico Sterk , AFRICANX is the benchmark trail running stage race in the country . “ I am so happy to see it back on the calendar in 2021 . It ’ s a huge honour to have been chosen to represent such an awesome event . I ’ ll be teaming up with my wife , but we will probably be racing each other , as the verdict is out on who is the best runner between the two of us !”

Images : Action Photo SA , Cherie Vale , Geo Botha , Kate Del Fante Scott , Liam Victor , Paige Fiddes , Tobias Ginsberg & courtesy Blake Dyason & Nico Sterk

Nonhlakanipho Tau

Luca Hart

Franza Landman

Nico Sterk

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ISSUE 139 MARCH 2021 / www . modernathlete . co . za