AJ Calitz and Bernard Rukadza
TRAIL RUNNING
teamed up with SA international triathlete Vicky van der Merwe . “ AFRICANX has always been on my bucket list , but in the past the date clashed with a triathlon that I had entered ,” says Vicky . “ I can ’ t wait to explore new stunning trails with one of my best friends and a training partner . We have always wanted to do a race together , and I can ’ t think of a better event . My strength is speed , while Danette ’ s strength is endurance , and as a team I think that our strengths will complement each other at AFRICANX .”
Trail running is about so much more than just speed . I am looking forward to standing on that start line with butterflies in my stomach .”
Trail Elites Accept Challenge
Of course , while much of the pre-race focus has been on the impressive list of roadies getting ready to tackle the AFRICANX challenge , the event has once again attracted some of the proverbial who ’ s who of South African trail running . These trail elites will undoubtedly be out to prove that their technical prowess on the off-road surfaces can trump the natural speed of the road running elites .
Leading the charge will undoubtedly be defending men ’ s champions AJ Calitz and Bernard Rukadza , who have won the event together three times ( 2014 , 2015 and 2018 ), while AJ also won it with Ben Brimble in 2016 and added a mixed category win with Nicolette Griffioen in 2017 , giving him five straight AFRICANX wins ! “ We are very fortunate to have been able to run and win ,” says AJ . “ Bernie and I have become good friends in the process , and that is what it ’ s all about ! Also , AFRICANX is such a festive event , and we wouldn ’ t miss it for the world .”
“ I am really proud to be able to say that we ’ ve claimed gold at AFRICANX three times already , and that motivates me to work harder , as I want to keep the title ,” says Bernard . “ I am happy to hear that more road runners are starting to enter AFRICANX , but trail races are very different to road races , though .”
AJ adds that he has long believed that road runners can do well in AFRICANX . “ The routes are quite flat and fast , particularly on Day One . That pushes me out of my comfort zone , but the climbing on Day Two and Three makes up for it . I ’ ve heard that quite a few roadies have entered . This definitely makes me nervous , as they are super-quick , but let ’ s hope that they are not used to multi-day running and climbing .”
A Few Hybrids Teams
Another team that could contend for the men ’ s title will feature former AFRICANX podium finisher and SA international Thabang Madiba , who
will partner with ultra-road runner and AFRICANX newcomer Renier Grobler . “ AFRICANX is not just about winning , it ’ s about enjoying the routes and working together with your teammate . It is 100 % a teambuilding event , and about enjoying what you love ,” says Thabang . “ I really enjoy the atmosphere and the joy that is shared amongst runners at this event .”
For his part , Renier says that he always wanted to venture into trail running at some stage , and that “ AFRICANX is the perfect stepping-stone . Running in a team with Thabang , who is such a prolific trail runner , will surely teach me a lot about the trails . As a team we have a good mix of endurance and speed . My advice to other entrants is to go out and enjoy every second – that ’ s what I am going to do as a first-timer !”
In the women ’ s category , former SA Trail Running and Road Marathon Champ , as well as Comrades gold medallist , Danette Smith has
Thabang Madiba
The open mixed team category sees Daneil Feldmann and Davide Del Fante back to defend their title , and another team to watch will be that of SA international Chantel Nienaber ( part of the 2014 women ’ s winning team ) and Chris Visser . “ We had such a fantastic experience in 2018 ,” says Dan , as she is known to many in trail running circles . “ At AFRICANX the trails , the food , the facilities – every detail is well organised and thought-out . I ’ m also excited that the event will return to the Houw Hoek Hotel this year , and I can ’ t wait to explore new trails , as my first AFRICANX was in 2018 when the venue was near Franschhoek .”
“ Having 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 ,” adds David . “ When I think about a trail running stage race , I think about AFRICANX . The trails , logistics and social atmosphere – this race offers it all – and our goal is to soak up the positive energy while having a fun weekend on the trails with mates .”
Safety First
The event will be based out of the historical Houw Hoek Hotel , on the N2 between Gabouw and Bot River . Runners will cover 26km on the first day ( Friday 26 March ), with 750m of climbing , followed by a 32km second stage with 900m of climbing , and a final stage of 18km , featuring 450m of climbing , on the Sunday . Of course , given everything that has happened in the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic , the AFRICANX will be somewhat different this year compared to previous editions of the event .
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