MULTISPORT
dipped and the other flailing about , so I encouraged him to run and sat back and watched a perverted version of Quasimodo give it his best .
He persisted for a few minutes , until he realised that I was comfortably keeping up with him just by walking . He gained my respect for his grit and determination , execution less so . From his previous longest run of 20-odd kilometres , he had accomplished three times that on a difficult course . I couldn ’ t have wished for better qualities in a partner .
We finally reached the finish a little before midnight . To keep up appearances , we did fake a run of sorts as soon as we came within sight of the few people waiting to welcome us . First amongst them was my dear wife , who had supported us so well throughout the day . The lack of numbers was more than made up by the boundless energy and enthusiasm of Tatum Prins , microphone in hand , an adventure racing legend and adventurer in her own right , dishing out compliments and beers . We were made to feel proud of having accomplished what we did , even though the leaders had already been snug in their beds for some time already .
It did not matter … We were proud , and mostly grateful , to have shared such an experience together , and realised that to have endured , suffered , joked and laughed all day long most certainly creates bonds that are special . I feel those now , months after crossing that finish line .
Proud finishers Stef and Charlie with relieved second , Dara
The 2022 Feral Duo24 Series offers challenging , but fun and accessible events
The Feral Duo24 Race Series
The inaugural Feral Duo24 Series in 2021 was affected by COVID restrictions , forcing the postponement of the Eden event , but the Wild Coast leg could take place in October . This year , the series is able to go ahead , with the second Wild Coast Feral Duo24 taking place from 17 to 19 June , followed by the Eden Feral Duo24 from 21 to 23 October . The organisers hope to add more race in the future , and also plan to add a championship race every two years .
These GPS-navigated , multi-disciplined events for teams of two adventure athletes last up to 24 hours , and include trail running , kloofing , mountain hiking , paddling and mountain biking – no ropework , zip lines or other obstacles . More info at http :// feralduo24 . co . za , www . facebook . com / feralduo24 , or mail the organisers at info @ feralduo24 . co . za .
Promises Kept
Every community has its own character traits , which its participants are known for . Amongst cyclists , the roadies have theirs , which are different to mountain bikers , as do trail runners versus road runners . The adventure racing community is , in my opinion , representative of the finest traits of all disciplines – every time I have participated in an AR event , it has felt like a family affair . And this is extended to the seconding crews , which are often made up of a few friends and family .
Dara was left with tasks not easy to accomplish alone , especially when inexperienced , like racking bikes or lifting and securing a kayak to the roof of a car , but she was offered assistance and kindness at every turn . Also , fellow competitors always have a kind word of encouragement or advice , and it is uplifting to meet this type of kin across our beautiful country .
This event delivered everything it promises … A journey race through nature ’ s splendour , pristine and untouched , a true privilege and a testimony to the hard work and dedication it took to put a course like that together . It ’ s a tapestry of experiences and vistas that only those that feel it can compose , so hats off to Peter and his crew , it ’ s truly a masterpiece .
This event is all about going wild on the Wild Coast
A Different World
An hour or so after finishing , groaning at my aches as I transitioned between the shower and the bed , my wife asked me what I enjoy about such outings . I paused to reflect , so that I could give an answer that I know my heart holds true : It ’ s the fulfilment of childhood dreams of explorations and adventure , of escaping the world where I have to wake up and adhere to rules and norms of everyday living , to a world where I can , if only for a little while , pretend to be a wild and wandering nomad , to belong everywhere and nowhere at the same time , to forge bonds with fellow humans beyond the conventional , which has dulled so much in us , to give and earn respect for qualities often forgotten and undervalued in the everyday . That ’ s what I enjoy . I get to be Peter van Kets for a day . I get to go feral !
About the Author
Stefano ‘ Stef ’ Migliore is a Johannesburg-based family man , an enthusiastic multi-sport athlete , and a passionate outdoorsman and traveller . His running career has seen him tackle the big road ultras , including Comrades and Two Oceans , as well as a number of trail ultras and multi-day stage races . A long-time mountain biker , he has completed many multi-day events , including the notorious Ruta de Los Conquistadores in Costa Rica and ultra-endurance events like 36One and the Munga .
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