TRAIL RUNNING
AFRICANX Ambassadors All Set
The slogan of the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN is to “ Let nature give you a run for your money ,” and with the 2022 edition of the three-day stage event coming up in March , the AFRICANX Ambassadors are looking forward to three days of sensational trail running ! – BY JACKY McCLEAN
On the long weekend of 19 to 21 March , teams of two runners will once again take to the trails of the Overberg area near Grabouw when the 12 th edition of the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day takes place . The event will once again be based out of the historic Houw Hoek Hotel , situated next to the N2 highway between Grabouw and Botrivier , and amongst the runners lacing up their trail shoes to tackle the three stages of approximately 24km , 32km and 18km respectively will be a select group of AFRICANX Ambassadors , who have been asked to fly the AFRICANX flag in the build-up to the event .
One of the Ambassadors is a legend in South African trail running circles , Cape Town-based Zimbabwean Nicholas Rupanga . He and sports journalist Adnaan Mohamed are the only two runners that have taken part in the event 10 times ( out of the eleven times that it has been hosted ). Nicholas is also one of the first winners – in 2009 he and teammate Patrick Cox claimed gold in the Men ’ s Team category of the inaugural event . still managed to finish all three stages . He has the endurance while I am fast and strong , so our goal is to be competitive , while making new friends and having fun .”
The Right Partner
According to another Capetonian Ambassador , Ashraf Orrie , 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 Ashraf , that partner is his wife , Roldah . “ She has been my AFRICANX partner for the past five years . I have no choice , it ’ s about saving my marriage !” he jokes . “ On a serious note , we are equally paced and have podiumed at this event in the Mixed Masters category for the last couple of years .”
Images : Tobias Ginsberg
“ For me , the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN is about making new friends and socialising . The event is well organised and I always enjoy the vibe ,” says Nicholas . “ I will once again team up with Wandisile Nongodlwana . We ’ ve 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
“ 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 ’ t overthink things , as it ’ s a novice-friendly race . Treat it like you ’ re out exploring , run when you want to run and walk when you want to walk . Eat early , take in enough liquids , and most importantly ensure that you know your partner well before race day . It ’ s the ultimate team building event .”
Another couple who will tackle the race together will be Franza Landman of East London and her boyfriend , Liam Victor , and she says the event sparked her love
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