TRAIL
Results of the 2023 K-Way SkyRun
100km Men
1 |
Simon Tshabalala |
14:14:40 |
2 |
Thato Kabeli |
15:59:58 |
3 |
Dirk Immelman |
15:59:59 |
100km Women
1 |
Simone Malan |
16:23:54 |
2 |
Jess Barrow |
18:35:39 |
3 |
Suzette von Broembsen |
22:53:00 |
65km Men
1 |
Tonic Masilo |
8:26:51 |
2 |
AJ Calitz |
8:30:51 |
3 |
Herold Klingenberg |
9:43:38 |
65km Women
1 |
Neelke Stadler |
11:55:06 |
2 |
Lindi Georgiou |
12:29:04 |
3 |
Courtney Pulford |
12:29:04 |
38km Men
1 |
Schutte Venter |
5:22:07 |
2 |
Filippo Faralla |
5:58:24 |
3 |
Conrad van den Berg |
6:32:43 |
38km Women
1 |
Anya Kleynhans |
8:02:32 |
2 |
Frances van der Merwe |
8:20:41 |
3 |
Nadine Hill |
8:54:52 |
Men ’ s 100km winner Simon Tshabalala
Women ’ s 100km winner Simone Malan
sensation dominated the 2023 edition of the race to take the win in 14:14:40 . This was Tshabalala ’ s third consecutive victory in one of the most challenging ultra-trail mountain races in the world , and once again not only showcased his fitness and technical running skill , but also underscored his mental fortitude . Known for his strategic approach to racing , he established a commanding lead early in the race , and left spectators and fellow runners in awe of his technical skill as he flew up and down the many ascents and descents . His ability to adapt to the unpredictable mountain conditions , including gale force winds , also paid dividend in this year ’ s race .
After crossing the finish line , a tired but elated Tshabalala expressed his gratitude to the organisers and volunteers , and reflected on the significance of the achievement . “ The K-Way SkyRun is a race that tests every aspect of a runner – physical , mental , and emotional . Winning it three times in a row is a humbling experience , and I am grateful for the support of my team and sponsors , and my fellow competitors who push me to be my best ,” he said .
The next men over the line were Thato Kabeli ( 15:59:58 ) and Dirk Immelman ( 15:59:59 ), just over one hour 45 minutes off the winning pace ! Behind them , the women ’ s 100km race also saw a repeat win as Simone Malan retained the title she won in 2022 .
She crossed the line sixth overall in 16:23:54 , taking more than an hour off her previous time , and she said , “ It is such a privilege to run this race . It was definitely tough out there today , but I was well prepared and was able to run with the most unbelievably amazing people .” Second place in the women ’ s race went to Jess Barrow in 18:35:39 , more than two hours adrift .
In the 65km race , 2021 winner Tonic Masilo took first place in 8:26:51 , with SkyRun legend AJ Calitz second in 8:30:51 . Neelke Stadler took the women ’ s 65km title in 11:55:06 , with Lindi Georgiou and Courtney Pulford tied for second place in 12:29:04 . The winners in the 38km event were Schutte Venter ( 5:22:07 ) and Anya Kleynhans ( 8:02:32 ).
The next edition of the K-Way SkyRun takes place in November 2024 . More info at www . skyrun . co . za
85