TRAIL
Of Mountains and Sky
Conditions were at times tough in the 2023 edition of the K-Way SkyRun , but nothing could stop Simon Tshabalala from securing a remarkable third consecutive win in one of the ultimate mountain challenges of SA trail running . – BY KELLY BURKE with SEAN FALCONER
The K-Way SkyRun in the Eastern Cape is renowned for its unforgiving terrain and extreme altitudes , and thus it attracts trail runners from around the globe seeking to test their limits . It ’ s not a challenge for the faint of heart , though . With a course that traverses the remote and rugged landscapes of the Witteberg Mountains near Lady Grey , participants face steep ascents , technical descents , and unpredictable weather conditions as they run at an altitude of 2500m , much of it along an imposing ridge line . Furthermore , the 100km self-supported , self-navigational race demands extraordinary levels of physical and mental resilience , but that clearly ticks all of Simon Tshabalala ’ s boxes .
In a thrilling display of endurance and determination , the South African trail running
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Images : Craig Kolesky , Wayne Reiche