Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 57, April 2014 | Seite 38

Race Report

The X Factor
ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun presented by New Balance,
Boland, 14-16 March
Bernard Rakudza and AJ Calitz.

Chantel Nienaber and Katya Soggot.

Images: Cherie Vale/Newsport Media & Jetline Action Photo

To say that this event has the
‘X Factor’ is putting it mildly –
and not just clever wordplay
– which explains why the
AfricanX keeps growing, both
in numbers of entries and
reputation as South Africa’s
premier team stage trail run.
– BY SEAN FALCONER
This year the AfricanX once again
comprised three days of running in the
stunningly scenic Overberg Mountains
between Somerset West and Botriver,
with teams of two running together at
all times in stages of 33, 34 and 21km,
for a total distance of 88km that included
some incredible virgin technical singletrack specially prepared for this event.
Then add the incredible atmosphere and
emotion of the event, including most of
the runners staying together at the race
village at the Houw Hoek Inn, and you
can understand why many runners were
still talking about the ‘post-AfricanX blues’
a week later on Facebook – because they
just wanted to be back out there, running
on those trails!

TOUGH AT THE TOP
Amongst the elites, there was quite a
battle for the men’s team title. Defending
champs Michael Bailey and Ben Brimble
(Team Nedbank/North Face) led after day
one, but AJ Calitz and Bernard Rakudza
(Contego K-Way) made their move on
day two to take the overall lead, and
then attacked again on the final stage

38

Meg Mackenzie and Andrew Erasmus.

to stretch their lead and win with a
combined time of 6 hours 32 minutes
4 seconds. “This is the only event
where road runners and trail runners
just might be on equal terms,” said AJ.
“There are times where the route is
flat and fast, while there are times that
you get to experience real mountain
running.” Michael and Ben claimed
second overall, while Thabang Madiba
and Kane Reilly (Salomon Men) claimed
the final spot on the podium.
The women’s race was dominated by
Katya Soggot and Chantel Nienaber
(ProNutro Ladies), who came home first
on all three days for an overall time
of 8:11:58, ahead of Robyn Kime and

ISSUE 57 APRIL 2014 / www.modernathlete.co.za

Su Don-Wauchope (The North Face) in
second, and Danette Smith and Helene
Roux (Team Mizuno) in third. “The
course was absolutely amazing. It felt
like we were in the middle of heaven,”
said a delighted Katya.

of terrain.” Landie and Christiaan
finished second, with Marie Wessels
and Eddie Lambert (Contego Mixed)
rounding out the podium.

In the mixed category, defending
champs Landie and Christiaan Greyling
(Salomon Mixed) took day one, but
Meg Mackenzie and Andrew Erasmus
(Team Salomon) came through to claim
the second stage win and defend their
lead with another win on day three, for
an overall win in 7:39:57. “The route
suited us, and we absolutely love the
AfricanX,” said Meg. “The stages are
so different and feature a good variety

One of the most fun aspects of this
event is the team names, with some
highly imaginative combo’s including
the Trail Smashing Pumpkins, Lesbian
Astronauts (both men), Red Hot
Tekkie Peppers, Toes on the Nose,
Satisfaction Octopus, Mr Gold and the
Kimness, and the Karoo Nums Nums.
It all added to the fun and unique
atmosphere of the AfricanX, and gave
the commentators endless material to
work with!

IMAGINATION
REQUIRED