October
23
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MAXI-RACE SOUTH AFRICA CELEBRATES A GREAT SUCCESS IN ITS INAUGURAL EDITION OPENING REGISTRATIONS FOR 2020 ON 1NOV
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After Annecy and Sicily the turn was for the inaugural Maxi-Race South Africa. During the weekend of 5 & 6 October, more than 400 runners from 12 different nationalities participated in this inaugural event in the Cape Winelands region, near the famous Cape of Good Hope and Table Mountain overlooking the majestic city of Cape Town.
The race occurs between the two lovely Cape Winelands towns filled with history, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. The 68 and 100km start in Franschhoek, a lovely town with centuries-old vineyards and Cape Dutch architecture; and finishes in Stellenbosch, a university town surrounded by the vineyards of the Cape Winelands and the mountainous nature reserves of Jonkershoek and Simonsberg.
Photo: organisation AF
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MAXI-RACE SOUTH AFRICA 2109: DISCOVERING A ROUGH DIAMOND
Maxi Race South Africa is really unique because the races follow some trails that are only available on race day due to the crossing of private land. In ideal weather conditions; the runners, the organisation and the local communities involved in the event were able to enjoy themselves in a very friendly atmosphere. It all started at night with a long ascent in the heart of the very mountainous Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve. By climbing more than 1700m+ in less than 20km, the runners offered themselves a sunrise that brought to light exceptional panoramas with some lakes and wild lands as far as the eye can see… Participants were then able to slide into a warmer atmosphere through many runnable contour trails above rocky peaks and other vineyards that flourish in this region.
Maxi Race South Africa has the desire to be a sustainable race (promoting the soul of the other Maxi-Races) which involves and contributes to the local communities and the environment. Indeed, they have formed partnerships with Edunova which is an association dedicated to improving schools in townships and create sustainable jobs as well with the famous environment driven WWF association. Furthermore, each finisher was presented with a wire and bead medal on arrival, handmade for many months by Moses, a local craftsman with a rudimentary life. For the short story, it took about 45 minutes to make each piece unique and when the organizers paid him, they discovered that Moses didn’t even have a bank account.
Concerning the results this first edition saw the very symbolic victory of the South African “black” runner, Simon Tshabalala (invited by the organisation as he could not afford to register and is a talented runner) who won the honors in the demanding 100 km race, winning in 14h 06′ 08″ ahead of the German trailer Guido Tagge and the South African Lyndon Nash in 3rd place.
The women’s race was also dominated by the athletes of the host country. The first place went to Anlize Enslin in 17h 23′ in front of Elizabeth Vogts and Catharina Calitz.
On the 68km, the locals also remained masters on their land with Jana Van Houwelingen winning on the women’s side in front of the Hungarian Ildiko Wermescher (winner of the Ultra Race of Annecy 2019) and Tarrin van Niekerk. In the men’s category, the youth took the lead with Daniel Claassen (26 years old) winning the race ahead of Matthew Healy (24 years old) and the Frenchman Cyril Cointre.
Few words from Nicola Collins, race director: “With more than 400 participants for this first edition of MaXiRace Cape Winelands, we are very happy. The races appeared tougher than the runners thought, especially the 100 and 68km. We are delighted to see that they really enjoyed the diverse trails our region offers and the beautiful scenery made the effort less difficult for runners.”
The race, which also includes professional athletes Christiaan and Landie Greyling among its team, also included a 40 km and 20 km race, ensuring that everyone could participate in the celebration. Thanks to the success of this first edition, organisers have announced without further delay the dates for next year, which will take place on 3rd and 4th of October 2020, and registrations open on 1st of November 2019.
100 KM Results
Men
68 KM Results
Men
Women
40 KM Results
Women
20KM Results
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MAXI-RACE SOUTH AFRICA 2109: LET’S REMIND RACES AND ROUTES
With races ranging from 20km to 100km, there is a race for everyone, from the novice to the experienced ultra runner! Rugby legend Springbok Marius Hurter and Mrs South Africa 2018 will participate. Just like the winners of the Annecy Ultra-Race Ildiko Wermescher & Unai Dorronsoro.
Ultra Race (104km / D+4400): The MaXi Race Cape Winelands’ flagship event, the 104km offers an unforgettable adventure running experience through some of the most remote and scenic areas of the Cape Winelands, the most demanding course, a true personal challenge requiring dedicated and detailed preparation. 4 ITRA Points.
MaXi Race (68km / D+3270): A challenging and demanding course which will allow the runners to enjoy the paths from Franchhoek to Stellenbosch Primary. 3 ITRA Points.
Marathon Race (38km / D+1280): Want to get something in the middle, the 38km mountain trail, provides a unique, challenging and scenic journey around the mighty Simonsberg; incorporating trails never used in a race before. 2 ITRA Points.
Short Race (18km / D+900): New to trail running and want to be part of an international Trail Running event? Then the Short Race 20km ideal, beautiful views, manageable climbs and varied terrain make this an enjoyable and thrilling event for all abilities.
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Info by Abel de Frutos for Trailrunningspain
