Trail Runners indulge in Savanna Origin of Trails experience
Jacky McClean
Trail runners got to indulge in the Savanna Origin of Trails experience on Sunday 01 December 2019 at the Blaauwklippen Wine Estate (Stellenbosch) by taking part in the annual Savanna Origin of Trails 5km or 15km Trail Run.
Gimo Matusso (Fish Hoek) and Elaan Coetzee (Vredehoek) were the runners to beat in the 15km Savanna Origin of Trails Trail Run men’s and women’s race respectively.
Making his event debut on the day, Matusso crossed the finish line in a time of 01 hour 22 minutes 35 seconds. “It’s good running trail because it’s part of the environment. The route was challenging, but I enjoyed it. I am over the moon to come first today. I will come back next year.” Defending Champion, Chris Visser came in 2nd, while Harrison Banda finished 3rd.
Coetzee claimed gold in the women’s race in a time of 01 hour 49 minutes 16 seconds. “My fiancé is doing the MTB stage race, so I entered the trail run. The route was beautiful, and the single track was great. I’ve never come first before, so it feels great. I would definitely recommend this event to other trail runners. It’s a great vibe, very relaxed and there are lots of families.” Shaundre Jacobs came in 2nd, while Zelda van der Merwe finished 3rd.
The 5km race saw Siphiwe Tefo (Cape Town) sprint to victory in the men’s race in an impressive time of 21 minutes 24 seconds. “I recently relocated to Cape Town from Johannesburg. My coach (George Gundry) brought us here to compete. He thought that it would be a great training run,” says Tefo. “It was tough, but I’ve been training a lot lately doing close to 200km per week. It was a nice run. It feels amazing to win. The last time that I won a race was in 2016. I was injured for two years. I’m making my comeback. I’ll definitely be back next year.” Molusi Judase came in 2nd, while Sechaba Bohosi finished 3rd.
Defending Champion Grace Sargeant (Stellenbosch) took no prisoners in the women’s 5km race crossing the finish line first in a deserving time of 27 minutes 31 seconds. “I entered again because it’s fun,” admits Sargeant. “It’s a better route than last year. It wasn’t as steep. It’s nice going through the vineyards. It feels great to cross the finish line first.” Sophia du Plessis came in 2nd, while Marinda Pienaar finished 3rd.
Forming part of the much-anticipated Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience, trail runners got to be part of the vibe at SA’s MTB Party of the year!
Charity Support: When entering the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience and/or Trail Run, entrants could choose to support one or all three event charities: 1. Urban Caracal Project, 2. Aitsa! After Care Centre and the 3. Stellenbosch Trail Fund.
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For more information on the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience and/or Trail Run please contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045, email entries@stillwatersports.com or visit www.stillwatersports.com