Team K-Way Wintergreen’s Bernard Rukadza and AJ Calitz dominated Stage One of the 10th annual AfricanX Trailrun presented by ASICS at Jonkershoek on Friday, 27 April 2018.
Running their 3rd AfricanX Trailrun together as a team, Rukadza and Calitz completed the 33km Stage in a well-deserved time of 02 hours 45 minutes 44 seconds.
“The stage was awesome,” said a very happy Rukadza . “Our plan was to sit with the guys until the top of a big hill and then make our move. That is what we did. This is the third time that AJ and I team up for AfricanX. He’s a great guy. We understand and learn a lot from each other. I really enjoy running with him.”
“The game plan was always to keep up with Bernie,” laughs Calitz. “Everything went according to plan. We didn’t plan to win the stage though. I’ve always said that the winners of Stage One never win the race. I hope I’m wrong this time round. We took it relatively easy today, so we’re happy going into Stage Two. It’s great to be back in the mix again in the men’s race.”
Team #gearupgetout is #timetoplay’s Lucky Miya and Thabang Madiba came in 2nd, while Team Edunova’s Ben Matiso and Retshipile Khotla finished 3rd.
Nicolette Griffioen and Carla Van Huyssteen of Team KeyHealth Neverest / K-Way crossed the finish line first in the women’s race in a time of 03 hours 25 minutes 31 seconds.
“I thoroughly enjoyed today’s stage,” says Griffioen. “There was more single track than in previous years. I commend the event organisers on the venue change. Unfortunately Carla didn’t feel well today. We just kept pushing and hoped that we could hold onto the lead. We’ll see what tomorrow holds.”
According to Van Huyssteen, the trails were amazing. “Stage One was a nice, technical trail run. I battled today though, feeling nauseous from the start. As a result I just didn’t have the climbing legs. I am ready to fight another day though.”
Team Rehidrat’s Chantel Nienaber and Katya Soggot came in 2nd, while Team Tailwind Ladies’ Kate Mapham and Danette Smith finished 3rd.
The mixed team race was won by Team Crumb’s Daneil Feldmann and Davide del Fante in a time of 03 hours 40 minutes 40 seconds.
“This is my first AfricanX,” admits a very happy Feldmann. “We met last year when Davide was looking for a running partner to take on AfricanX. We didn’t take part that year though. We are now partners. Being able to take part together is really special.”
“The views were amazing today and the weather was perfect,” says del Fante. “We wanted to do well at AfricanX. Today everything went according to plan. We ran our own race and kept it steady. We’ll do the same tomorrow.”
Team Gauteng Diesel Engines’ Takalani and Mazu Ndandani came in 2nd, while Team ATS’ Leani Grimes and Jacques Buys finished 3rd.
The AfricanX Trailrun requires teams of two runners (male/female/mixed) to battle it out on a route that varies in distance between 20km – 36km each day. Teamwork and endurance is put to the test.
EVENT INFORMATION: 2018 AfricanX Trailrun presented by ASICS
STAGE TWO / DRESS UP DAY: Saturday, 28 April 2018
- Start & Finish Venue: Retreat, Boschendal Wine Estate
- Distance: 33km -35km
STAGE THREE: Sunday, 29 April 2018
- Start & Finish Venue: Retreat, Boschendal Wine Estate
- Distance: 20km -22km
