TRAIL RUNNING
Gerda ’ s Amazing Comeback
The Sanet Wentzel Spirit Award is presented to an inspirational runner or team at each year ’ s event , based on nominations from their fellow AFRICANX runners . The award was established in 2010 in memory of the late Sanet Wentzel , who ran the first edition of the AFRICANX in 2009 , but was tragically hit by a car and killed while out training for the second edition . This year , the award went to Gerda Cilliers of Team Verbeek , who was nominated by her sister , Helene Verbeek , who wrote the following nomination .
“ I would like to nominate my sister , Gerda Cilliers , for this award . In 2014 I ran my first AFRICANX and we stayed over at their home in Bellville , Cape Town . She then had two pre-school boys and a four-monthold baby boy . She suffered from severe health issues then , including stress fractures in both heels , severe weight-loss – she weighed only 52kg – and she was completely worn out .
Her then husband was barely at home , as he was busy specialising , and Gerda was either crawling around in her house with the young baby on her back , or using a wheelchair . It was heart-breaking for us to see . But Gerda and I promised each other that one day we will run the AFRICANX together and it will be a celebration like no other !
Her health improved and in 2016 she moved to Pretoria , where we live . We decided to try the
AFRICANX together in 2016 and we made it to the halfway mark on day two , but had to pull out due to a labrum tear she developed in her hip . This resulted in surgery and recovery , and finally rehabilitation . This year we have lined up for the AFRICANX again . Gerda is healthy and strong , and we know we are going to complete this race with ease . It will be a celebration for her to come from crawling on the floor in 2014 , to running into Houw Hoek on the final day . God is good and everything is possible .”
Gerda and Helene were not actually staying at the race village during the event , so the organising team phoned Helene and asked her to make sure Gerda would be at the prize-giving ceremony on the Saturday night , so that she could be presented with the award . She is the 10th winner of the award , and the trophy was handed over by Adnaan Mohamed , first inductee of the new ClubX .
Thank You , THIRSTI
Stephen Kelly enjoys a Thirst-quenching Thirsti
As the new title sponsor of the AFRICANX , THIRSTI has injected a new ‘ thirst for life ’ into the event . THIRSTI started production at the end of 2015 with its iconic Still and Sparkling ranges of natural spring water sourced from the midlands of KwaZulu-Natal , with its unique taste and a pH level of 8 . In 2019 , THIRSTI launched the ultimate sports drink , ISOFIT +, and a bold THIRSTI Flavours range was added in 2020 .
THIRSTI is focused on event sponsorships , and in 2019 became the hydration partner to both the Comrades Marathon as well as The Sharks rugby team , adding the ASBA Cape Epic and AFRICANX in 2021 .
“ Trail running is a fantastic sport for THIRSTI to be associated with ,” says Rob Hoatson , Managing Director of THIRSTI Water . “ It has high energy , remarkable and engaged athletes , and the best kind of camaraderie – all in a beautiful setting provided by nature . Stillwater Sports is a superb partner , and has put on a seamlessly extraordinary event . Thanks for letting us be part of these extraordinary three days .”
Gerda and Helene finish the third stage Gerda receives the Sanet Wentzel trophy
For more information about THIRSTI , please visit www . thirsti . co . za .
Any Excuse to Dress Up
Another tradition at the AFRICANX is Dress-up Day , where runners are invited to don fancy dress or other accessories and have a bit of fun out on the trails . Over the years this has seen all sorts of weird and wonderful costumes being worn , including plenty of tutus and wings , safari suits , tennis outfits , full-length ‘ onesies ’ and even a massive bear-head , and this year once again saw some creative costumes out on the trails .
38 ISSUE 140 APRIL 2021 / www . modernathlete . co . za
Images : Action Photo SA , Tobias Ginsberg & courtesy Blake Dyason