Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 50, September 2013

Race Report PROUDLY Some of South Africa’s top trail running talent headed to Europe in July and August to ?y the ?ag at two World Championship events. Contending with brutally tough courses and equally challenging hot conditions, they all did the green and gold colours proud. – COMPILED BY SEAN FALCONER Welsh Wonders 4th IAU World Trail Running Championships (77km), Llanrwst, Wales, 6 July M ore than 150 runners from 20 countries Chantel Nienaber, Linda Doke, Tracy Zunckel & Charl Souma ready for action. took on a course of ?ve 15km laps set in the Gwydyr Forest. Soaring UK temperatures and extreme conditions saw a high drop-out rate amongst runners, but the SA team was one of the few with a full complement to complete the race. The team did South Africa proud by claiming an overall seventh position out of 18 countries. “It was a great day for us, and we all fought our battles in one way or a nother. We had amazing support along the route – our team manager Altus Schreuder with Markus Nienaber stationed at the 9km table; my brother Graham and sister-in-law Marie, along with Marinda Cloete, manning the table at the start/end of each lap; and Tracy’s mum Pauline and friend Christa on the course, cheering us on. The vibe was fantastic and the energy amongst the team extremely positive. South African trail running was represented in full force, and on every count we held our heads high and did our country proud.” – Linda Doke “What an experience to compete against such phenomenal athletes, and I can honestly say I gave it all I had. Very proud of team SA, we were one of the few who had a 100% ?nish rate, even though we had our share of injuries or stomachs running faster than the athlete, and I even took a hard tumble at 60km. Many people simply gave up. Not the Saffas! We were gonna ?nish and we all did. Absolutely great support team of Altus Schreuder, Markus (Chantel’s husband), Marinda Cloete and Linda Doke’s family.” – Dirk Cloete some technical muddy sections and log jumps which became quite unwanted obstacles on the fourth and ?fth laps! In a pre-race interview, I said that I wanted to be in the top 10, so it felt amazing not only to be the top SA woman, but to also achieve that goal. Now to get onto that podium next time! And it was such a unique, blessed experience and privilege to share my dream of representing my country with my life partner!” – Landie Greyling “I am 32nd in the world and Landie 9th. Well done to my wife! Thanks for the support SA… We raced our hearts out for Sunny SA!” – Christiaan Greyling “I think that most SA athletes aspire to being able to step up to the starter’s line in the green and gold to represent their country. I felt honoured to be able to do just that. As Altus said, ‘It comes down to National pride.’ At the seconding station, my husband saw grown men cry, with athletes withdrawing due to various ailments and injuries. I am thrilled that all of our team managed to ‘vasbyt,’ no matter what was thrown at them. We went out as true ambassadors for our country; bringing back invaluable experience of racing on international soil.” – Chantel Nienaber Chantel Nien SA’s best, Landie Greyling. aber. SA’s MEN 32 Christiaan Greyling 6:58:01 42 Charl Souma 7:16:59 45 Dirk Cloete 7:21:17 Winner: Ricky Lightfoot (UK) 5:36:03 SA’s WOMEN 9 Landie Greyling 7:17:27 28 Tracy Zunckel 7:51:23 40 Linda Doke 8:22:07 Winner: Nathalie Mauclair (France) 6:38:45 Images: Courtesy Chantel Nienaber, Landie Greyling & Brett Nattrass 37 Chantel Nienaber 8:18:52 “The course was quite demanding, with two big climbs right at the beginning of each lap as well as 38 ISSUE 50 SEPTEMBER 2013 / www.modernathlete.co.za

Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 50, September 2013 | Page 38