Calitz, Rakudza secure AfricanX Title

AJ Calitz and Bernard Rakudza (Contego K-Way) secured the coveted title of men’s team champions at South Africa’s premier three day stage trail run, the 2014 ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun presented by New Balance after completing the three stages in an impressive combined time of 06 hours 32 minutes 04 seconds.

“Today was awesome, with lots of ups and downs,” said Calitz.  “Bernie and I were communicating all the time.    Our plan was to race defensively, but then the best form of defence is attack.  Today’s route was perfect and featured a bit of everything.  It was interesting starting a stage in reverse though.  We started on a downhill and finished on a climb.  This is the only event where road runners and trail runners just might be on equal terms.  There are times where the route is flat and fast, while there are times that you get to experience real mountain running”.  Michael Bailey and Ben Brimble(Nedbank/ The North Face) claimed the second spot on the podium after three days of racing, while Thabang Madiba and Kane Reilly (Salomon Men) claimed the final spot on the podium.

Meg Mackenzie and Andrew Erasmus (Team Salomon) claimed victory in the mixed team category of the ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun presented by New Balance after completing the three stages in a combined time of 07 hours 39 minutes 57 seconds.  According to Mackenzie she and Erasmus will most definitely be back in 2015 to defend their title.  “Today was amazing, so much fun.  For the first 10km we ran with Landie and Christiaan Greyling, after which we slowly broke away.

The route suited us.  We absolutely love the AfricanX Trailrun.  The stages are so different and feature a good variety of terrain.  We’ll definitely team up again next year”.  Landie and Christiaan Greyling (Salomon Mixed) claimed the second spot on the podium after three days of racing, while Marie Wessels and Eddie Lambert (Contego Mixed) claimed the final spot on the podium.

Katya Soggot and Chantel Nienaber (ProNutro Ladies) claimed gold in the women’s team category of the 2014 ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun presented by New Balance after completing the three trail run stages in an impressive combined time of 08 hours 11 minutes 58 seconds.  “Today was fun.  Although midway through the stage we were running with the second ladies team, we knew we had a good lead so we felt no pressure.  I really enjoyed the up hills, I love it.  The course was absolutely amazing.  It felt like we were in the middle of heaven.  We really didn’t expect it, but it was fantastic to win.  The AfricanX Trailrun literally goes from strength to strength each year,” said a very happy Soggot.  Robyn Kime and Su Don-Wauchope (The North Face) claimed the second spot on the podium after three days of racing, while Danette Smith and Helene Roux (Team Mizuno) finished third.

EVENT INFORMATION:

STAGE ONE:                    Friday, 14 March 2014
Start & Finish:               Houw Hoek Inn
Distance:                        33km
Elevation Gain:             900m
Waterpoints:                 4

STAGE TWO:                   Saturday, 15 March 2014
Start:                                  Ongegund Lodge, Sir Lowry’s Pass Village
Finish:                               Paul Cluver Amphitheatre
Distance:                          34km
Elevation Gain:             1100m
Waterpoints:                                 4 (8km, 19km, 24km and 28km)

STAGE THREE:                Sunday, 16 March 2014

Start:                                  Houw Hoek Inn
Finish:                               Houw Hoek Inn
Distance:                          21km
Elevation Gain:             650m
Waterpoints:                                 2

images by  Jetline Action Photo 

RESULTS:

GC / Over All Results: Stages 1, 2 & 3 Combined: