South Africa’s trail running enthusiasts were granted the unique opportunity to experience the thrilling XTERRA Vibe on Sunday, 26 February 2017 while taking on only ? of the challenge, the XTERRA Trail Run in Grabouw.

Incorporating the trail run routes of SA’s premier off-road triathlon, the Fedhealth XTERRA, entrants could choose between an action-packed 12.5km and/or 6.5km route.

Givemore Mudzinganyama and Edwin Sesipi set the pace in the men’s 12.5km race.  Both runners crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 46 minutes 33 seconds.  According to Mudzinganyama, he’ll be teaming up with Sesipi for the Cell C AfricanX Trailrun in March.  “This is the first time that I’ve taken part in the XTERRA Trail Run,” says  Mudzinganyama.  “We used the event as training for AfricanX.  We had a good race.  I really enjoyed the river crossing and will definitely be back in 2018.”

“The XTERRA Trail Run was really nice,” says Sisipi.  “The course is flat and fast.  I will definitely recommend the event to all my friends.  Givemore and I were just testing our bodies today.  Our goal is to podium at the AfricanX Trailrun.  A win will be a bonus.”

A J Calitz was the third runner home in the 12.5km XTERRA Trail Run.

Megan Leslie set the pace in the women’s 12.5km XTERRA Trail Run.  Her finishing time of 59 minutes 45 seconds cemented her victory on the day.  According to Leslie, it’s the vibe that attracts her to XTERRA.  “I took part in the XTERRA on Saturday as part of a team.  I love the trail run route.  It’s hilly and tiring.  I’ll definitely enter again next year.”  Susan Caras came in second, while Anchen Clarke finished third.

Chris Visser took no prisoners in the 6.5km XTERRA Trail Run claiming gold in 31 minutes 10 seconds.  “I’m taking part in the XTERRA Lite today.  I entered the trail run to take the edge off a bit,” says Visser.  “The route is beautiful.  It’s flowing and just technical enough to keep you awake.  Being out in nature is lovely.”  Eduan Naude came in second, while Josh Messina finished third.

Candice Hankey was the runner to beat in the women’s 6.5km race.  “This was my first XTERRA Trail Run,” says Hankey.  “My husband is taking part in the XTERRA Lite today.  He thinks I’m a good runner so he entered me into the trail run.  The route was nice and tough.”  Hankey crossed the finish line in 36 minutes 54 seconds.  Linel Engelbrecht came in second, while Marileen Odendaal finished third.

After an adrenaline pumping day out on the trails, the Bos Sport Recovery Zone was a welcomed oasis for weary trail runners.

RESULTS

12.5km Men

1 Givemore Mudzinganyama 00:46:33, 2 Edwin Sesipi 00:46:33, 3 AJ Calitz 00:47:19, 4 Wesley Sweetnam 00:51:35, 5 Chad Gordan 00:52:00, 6 Kyle van Heerden 00:52:27, 7 Godfrey Goslett 00:55:30, 8 Guy Morel 00:56:12, 9 Mark Whelan 00:56:32, 10 Warren Hawkins 00:56:49

12.5km Women

1 Megan Leslie 00:59:45, 2 Susan Caras 01:02:16, 3 Anchen Clarke 01:03:44, 4 Cleo Albertus 01:04:13, 5 Hildegard Reyneke 01:06:17, 6 Caitlin Leslie 01:07:52, 7 Corli Leonard 01:08:09, 8 Pravanya Pillay 01:09:24, 9 Anthony Bird 01:09:27, 10 Carliem Fourie 01:09:34

6.5km Men

1 Chris Visser 00:31:10, 2 Eduan Naude 00:34:37, 3 Josh Messina 00:35:50, 4 Breyten Issacs 00:37:15, 5 Tienie Bredell 00:39:47, 6 Enrique Haupt 00:40:24, 7 Sebastian Caras 00:41:11, 8 Hendrik Botha 00:41:58, 9 Theo Malan 00:43:46, 10 Anthony Japtha 00:43:50

6.5km Women

1 Candice Hankey 00:36:54, 2 Linel Engelbrecht 00:37:57, 3 Marileen Odendaal 00:39:03, 4 Marisha Du Plessis 00:39:35, 5 Lirina Bredell 00:39:47, 6 Nadine Mostert 00:44:10, 7 Mariska Niemand 00:45:05, 8 Aroma Lourens 00:45:30, 9 Thelma Roberts-Boucher 00:46:42, 10 Ellie Courts 00:46:48

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