Images : Kelvin Trautman , Zac Zinn , Sam Clark , Fahwaaz Cornelius , Jason Broderick , Devin Paisley , Mentz Germishuis , Jess Meniere

Ruth Croft of New Zealand dominated the women ’ s 100km to finish 10th overall in 12:12:20 , with Canadian Marianne Hogan having a strong race to finish second in 12:39:53 , while Ekaterina Mityaeva ( Russia ) was able to upgrade last year ’ s fourth place to a third place this year , crossing the line in 12:44:07 . This saw her countrywoman , Varvara Shikanova , relegated from third last year to fourth this year ( 13:20:15 ), and she was followed home by two South Africans , fifth-placed Sam Reilly ( 13:31:09 ) and sixthplaced Kerry-Ann Marshall ( 14:46:08 ).

“ I just wanted to do my own race , and I was being told the splits at the aid stations , so I knew I had a solid lead and just had to keep up the momentum ,” says Croft . “ I had done a recce of the route and thought it was really technical , but I did not find it

so bad today . That descent to Llandudno was pretty special , amazing to have the ocean right there . Up to Suther Peak was super tough , but I just tried to eat and drink a bunch and things turned around . It is a tough course , especially with the heat and no shelter .”

Hogan describes her race experience as an interesting day . “ I did not know what to expect , as I am coming back from a year of injury , so I am glad I came early this year to do the course again before the race . I twisted my ankle around 62km and had a tough time coming back from that , but then I saw Ekaterina and eventually was able to catch up to her . My favourite trails are when the mountain meets the ocean and that is why I love Cape Town , as we are served that almost the whole way .”

Mityaeva also had to overcome a painful experience out on the course . “ Early on I fell and hurt my knee , so it hurt on the downhills , but it is lovely to race with such strong girls , and I am happy with my result . It ’ s a wonderful race , I really like the technical course , and the views are amazing . In some parts you are so tired , and then looking around , you feel better .”

UT100 Women

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