WESTERN CAPE, CAPE TOWN - South Africa’s iconic Cape Whale Coast hosted the inaugural Pura Soda Race-to-Stanford Triathlon, a Half Ironman distance, on 18 November 2017. The R2S Triathlon, the acronym for Race-2-Stanford, starts at the sea and finishes inland.

Multisport sensation, Robyn Owen, 27, who grew up in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, (Jeep Team/Best4Sports), is a multiple-award winning adventure racer not used to racing on anything tarred and flat. Currently in training with her younger brother, top paddler Lance Kime, Owen used the triathlon as an opportunity to put into practise time-trialling, fast transitioning, and running on tired legs in a race environment, in preparation for the 2018 Kathmandu Coast to Coast World Multisport Championships. This challenging triathlon started with a 1.9km ocean swim in the Hermanus Harbour, then cycling through the Hemel en Aarde Valley on a 90km bike leg via Caledon and over Shaw’s Pass, and concluded in a 21km run around the beautiful and historic Stanford Village. Owen, who is a seasoned off-road runner, paddler and mountain biker, finished the testing race in just under 6 hours, earning herself a surprise second-place finish with a time of 05:50:48.

First place went to Kelly van der Toorn in 05:42:51, while Gabriella Gioia finished in third place in 06:01:12. Owen reflects on her experience, “I swam 1.9 km with numb fingers in a pretty chilly ocean; rode 90 km with skinny wheels on tarmac; and ran 21 flat kilometres, and wasn’t half bad! The water was as clear and blue as an ocean gets; the hilly bicycle ride was good, hard work; and the 3-lap run through Stanford was as good as any cross-country run course I can remember. I'm no triathlon connoisseur, but I don't reckon a half Ironman could get much better than that. The Pura Soda Race 2 Stanford is destined to become a classic. The race was great training for Coast to Coast; and the unexpected bonus was the second-place finish. Thanks to Paul Ingpen and the team for a magnificent event and the incredibly warm welcome. And a massive thank you to Best 4 Sports, Jeep Team, Sivi Gounden and Caelyn Gounden for the support and for kitting us out in all the tri-essentials!” 

Results – Race-2-Stanford Triathlon 

Women

1. Kelly van der Toorn - 05:42:51
2. Robyn Owen - 05:50:48
3. Gabriella Gioia - 06:01:12 

Men

1. Matt Trautman - 04:18:58
2. JP Burger - 04:25:31
3. Stuart Marais - 04:32:14 

###  EDITORS NOTES 

SOME OF ROBYN OWEN’S ACHIVEMENTS May 2017 – Robyn Owen joins Jeep Team South Africa  TRIATHLON 2nd in Race-2-Stanford Triathlon, a Half Ironman distance, November 2017.  ADVENTURE RACING & MULTISPORT 2nd in Coast to Coast Longest Day “World Multisport Championships”, New Zealand, (winning fastest run & paddle trophies), February 2017 Owen leads SA Youth Team to victory (1st youth team, 7th overall) in the Altay X-Trail Expedition Race in Northern China, 2-10 June 2017 3rd-place finish in 53km Merrell Whale of Trail, July 2017. 2nd in Hout Bay Trail Challenge, August 2017 2nd in the world-renowned Otter African Trail 44km race, October 2017 She was a member of Team Painted Wolf, an elite South African expedition racing team: 4th place (of 96 teams) at the Adventure Racing World Championships, November 2016 in Shoalhaven, Australia.  From November 2014 to February 2016, she was a member of the Merrell Adventure Addicts. During that period the team moved from 16th to 7th on the AR World Series rankings.

Specific results: 3rd place at the Patagonian Expedition Race, Chile, February 2016 6th place at the AR World Championships, Pantanal, Brazil, November 2015 2nd place at XPD, Queensland, Australia, August 2015 1st place at Expedition Africa, Swaziland, June 2015 FKT (at the time) for a mixed team on the Drakensberg Grand Traverse: 78h57m, November 2014  TRAIL / MOUNTAIN RUNNING 1ST - Otter African Trail Run 2016 & record holder (5th place overall, 4h48m) 24th & 1st South African woman - Represented South Africa at the World Long Distance Mountain Running Championships in Poland, 2013 1st place at Darren Holloway Memorial (Buttermere Horseshoe), Lake District, & 2nd place at Welsh 1000 m peaks fell running race, Snowdonia, UK (June 2014) Podium finishes at popular South African trail running events: Jonkershoek Mountain Challenge, Old Fishermans Trail Challenge, Helderberg Extreme, Matroosberg Skymarathon and Lesotho Ultra Trail (2013) KAYAKING 5 times winner (2010-2014) & current record holder of the Dusi Canoe Marathon 2nd place (U23 women’s K1) and 4th place (senior women’s K2) at the ICF World Marathon Championships in Rome, 2012. Past winner of many of the major canoe races in South Africa including the Fish River Canoe Marathon, Berg River Canoe Marathon, Breede River Canoe Marathon, Drak Challenge and 50 Miler Canoe Marathon (2008-2013) 4th place South African K1 River Championships 2016 (Fish River Canoe Marathon)  

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EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA - The 21st edition of the SkyRun SA, powered by Salomon, through the remote Witteberg Mountain Range in the Eastern Cape lived up to its tag of ‘A hell of a run.’

Athletes braved winds, biting cold, and waist-high snow-covered mountains with very tricky terrain and severe up and down mountain climbs to complete what is considered the toughest Trail Run in South Africa. The event has three distances, the SkyRun Marathon - a 42km marked route with a 7-hour time cap; the SkyRun 65km and the SkyRun 100km are both self-support and self-navigation races across remote terrain at an average altitude of between 2200m and 2500m above sea level. Top South African trail runner and 2016 SkyRun winner, Christiaan Greyling (Jeep Team SA/ Salomon/ Garmin), along with 192 other competitors took on the extreme challenge of completing the 100km trail from Lady Grey to the Wartrail Country Club. From the start, the race route climbs dramatically reaching an altitude of 2419m at the first check-point, just 12km into the race.

The route continues to climb, culminating in a rough, steep climb to its highest point, Avoca peak, at 2756m. From then on, runners traverse ‘Dragonback’, a 3m wide ridge line, before a technical descent into the valley. At 55km into the race, runners reach the compulsory stop, Balloch Cave. Here, athletes complete a medical and are given the all-clear to continue the race. The route again ascends, gaining over 500m in just 3km over Balloch Wall. Runners must then navigate their entrance to Bridal Pass to reach the ridge line before doubling back for the final 13km of the race. Pushing himself to the limit, Greyling held on to take a third-place finish in 14:33:59 behind first-place finisher South African Sky Running legend, Lucky Miya, in 12:58:38, and Nepalese runner, Sange Sherpa, in second with a time of 13:56:20. 

Says Greyling following his podium finish, “There is always a curveball at SkyRun. Last year it was the heat and dehydration, and this year it was the cold and snow.  I’m finishing 2017 on a happy note. I’m grateful I could hang in onto third place after the snow-cave detour. Our bodies are amazing, but have limits, and I've tested mine. I am thankful to have finished this race without injury after a BIG year. Although it was not my BEST day, I was motivated to keep going by each runner who was going to be out there for hours longer than I was. A big thank you to an incredible world-class organisation, the farmers, supporters and seconds, and AJ Calitz for the 65km of camaraderie.” 

Results – SkyRun 100Men

1. Lucky Miya - 12:58:38
2. Sange Sherpa - 13:56:20
3. Christiaan Greyling - 14:33:59
4. Stewart Chaperon - 14:45:00
5. Hylton Dunn - 14:48:12
6. Gabriel Kriel - 16:57:32 

Women

1. Tracey Campbell - 19:26:58
2. Misty Weyers - 20:52:20
3. Kate Swarbreck - 21:54:49
4. Sophia Ndlovu - 22:58:09
5. Karen Behrens - 24:24:04
6. Wendy Arnott - 26:40:26

###  EDITORS NOTES

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Photo Credit: Bruce Viaene, Craig Kolesky

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GAUTENG, MULDERDRIFT – Johannesburg local and South Africa’s top OCR competitor, Thomas van Tonder, takes a clean sweep of all twelve Beast Challenge Obstacle Course races in 2017, after taking the final gold medal at 12th Beast Elite OCR race over the weekend. The meet, which took place on Saturday, 11 November 2017, saw 140 athletes descended upon The Wedge 4x4 Trail in Muldersdrift for the final Beast Challenge obstacle course races (OCR) of the year. Along with 31 other competitors, Van Tonder took on the day’s toughest elite race - the 12km, 50-obstacle Savage Beast Race. Van Tonder once again showed why he is nicknamed ‘#BeastMode’, becoming the sole winner of all twelve 2017’s Savage Beast OCR races. Van Tonder finished his race in 01:13:00, just over 10 minutes ahead of the second-placed Bradley Classe in 01:23:51. Third place went to Vaughan Proctor in a time of 01:36:00. 

Says van Tonder following his clean sweep at The Beast, “What a blessing. Taking home 12 of 12 of The Beast series. Another amazing day at the OCR office.” This family-friendly event offers 3 distinct levels of entry; the Tame Beast, a fun short course suitable for beginners; the Wild Beast, an intermediate race for fitter, more competitive athletes; and the Savage Beast, an elite, gruelling test of physical fitness, strength and mental ability, suitable for serious athletes. 

In the women’s elite race, over the exact same course as the men’s elite, Sam Gilchrist took the win in 01:39:18, Cindy Wills claimed silver in a time of 01:40:32, while Sam Ryder rounded off the podium in 01:46:34.  Says Max Cluer, owner of Jeep Team South Africa, “Thomas is a machine who is utterly motivated to be the best he can be. This humble man is loved by all that meet him, even his fiercest competitors. We are extremely proud of him and his national and international achievements this year.”ResultsSavage Beast -

Men

1. Thomas van Tonder - 01:13:00
2. Bradley Claase - 01:23:51
3. Vaughan Proctor - 01:36:00 

Savage Beast -

Women

1. Sam Gilchrist - 01:39:18
2. Cindy Wills - 01:40:32
3. Sam Ryder - 01:46:34 

EDITORS NOTES 

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Photo Credit: The Beast OCR  

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The Beast ChallengeThe Beast obstacle course race is a challenge that anyone can enjoy. The courses involve trail running, climbing, crawling, and sliding across various obstacles that have been designed by professional Obstacle Course Race athletes. It is an exhilarating race that boasts three race categories to accommodate all participants, from family, friends, and work colleagues to SA’s strongest and toughest athletes. The Tame Beast is a fun-filled short course that is suitable for beginners, families and friends looking for some fun action on a weekend. The course is approx. 5km in length, features around 15 obstacles and has a low difficulty rating. 

The Wild Beast course is a tougher challenge that will test fitness and focus. The Wild Beast is a tough challenge for all and will require some strength and fitness to compete and complete the race. The course is approx. 10km long, features around 30 obstacles, and has a medium difficulty rating. The Savage Beast takes Obstacle Course Racing to a new level; a gruelling trial for serious athletes that will push both physical and mental limits. The course is approx. 15km long, features over 50 obstacles, and has a hard difficulty rating.

 For more info, visit www.thebeastchallenge.co.za

EASTERN CAPE, GARDEN ROUTE - On Saturday, 28 October 2017, Tsitsikamma National Park on the Garden Route in the Eastern Cape was buzzing with the country’s finest trail runners, and a few international stars, gathering to do battle on the world-renowned Otter African Trail, a gruelling 44km race considered the benchmark of technical marathon-distance trail running.

Two of these athletes were Capetonians, Christiaan Greyling (Jeep/ Salomon/ Garmin), and Robyn Owen (Jeep/ Best 4 Sports/ Salomon). They were among 232 athletes all eager to stake their claim on the “The Grail of Trail.”

In both the men’s and women’s race, the terrain of the first section of the race favoured the technical runner requiring immense skill, speed and agility. Kane Reilly, top-5 Marathon de Mont Blanc finisher, took the lead ahead of Greyling by the first checkpoint, 20km into the race.  Despite the ensuing challenge from Reilly and Robert Rorich, whose speed had put them only minutes behind Greyling at the Bloukrans river crossing, Greyling held true to his current form and race plan, and took the lead with just 7km to go to take home his biggest win this year. He crossed the line in a total time of 04h13m15s, just under 12 minutes ahead of Reilly in second and Rorich in third, and breaking the South African record.  “I am blessed to celebrate winning the Otter African Trail Run in the fastest SA time ever - 4:13:15! I ran a race of no regret and gave my everything! Two years of Otter podium finishes and 4 years of working towards my personal goals.

This race taught me so much in life about goal setting, patience, discipline, hard work and faith. The Otter is a world-class event and a special trail to me. It was a privilege to run with my Salomon teammates Robyn, Kane, Meg and Thabang,” says Greyling. In the women’s race, Owen’s rock-running skill gave her a slight advantage holding the lead against her challenger, Meg Mackenzie. But the ever-improving Mackenzie took the lead and held a 4-minute advantage going into the last quarter of the race.

Owen held her own, but dropped off the pace slightly, finishing 8 minutes behind winner, Mackenzie. Third place went to Carla Van Huyssteen in a time of 05h34m44s. “What a weekend! I had a great run along the spectacular Otter Trail, and I am more than stoked to finish 2nd behind the new Otter African Trail Run Champion, Meg Mackenzie,” concluded Owen. 

Results

Men

1. Christiaan Greyling - 4:13:15
2. Kane Reilly - 4:25:00
3. Robert Rorich - 4:27:00 

Women

1. Meg Mackenzie - 5:01:08
2. Robyn Owen - 5:09:12
3. Carla van Huyssteen - 5:34:44 

### EDITORS NOTES 

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DURBAN, KWAZULU-NATAL - This past Friday October 20th saw 75 local paddlers take on the 8km course from the Pirates Surf Lifesaving Club to the Durban Harbour Wall and back in Race 2 of the Wall and Back Surfski Series. Ten-time World Marathon and current World Surfski Series champ, Hank McGregor (Jeep Team/ Gara Paddles/ Euro Steel), racing in his first surfski race since winning the Gara Dolphin Coast Challenge, and claiming the South African Doubles Surfski title in August, once again showed his ocean paddling prowess, powering home a win in a time of 33:07.       

Second place in the men’s race went to Gene Prato in a time of 34:00, with Matt Bouman just 17 seconds behind in third place in 34:17. “It’s been a while since I’ve raced in Durban on my ski and it was flipping awesome!” commented McGregor.                                                                

McGregor, one of the finest all-round paddlers in history with multiple South African and World surfski and flat-water titles to his name, now shifts his focus to surfski paddling in preparation for the 2017 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Hong Kong from 18-19 November. In the women’s race, 2016 Series winner, Jenna Ward, put on a powerful performance to finish some 8 minutes ahead of second-place finisher, Teegan Hardwick, and Alice Edwards in third. On Sunday, McGregor lined up at the start for the last race of the Da'Real Downwind Series – a 30km downwind race from Durban Underwater Club on Vettie’s Beach to Toti Main Beach.

The current World Surfski Series champ out-paddled long-time rival, Matt Bouman, to take his second win for the weekend. Third place in the men’s race went to veteran surfski ace, Herman Chalupsky. The women’s race was won by Olympic medallist, Bridgitte Hartley, ahead of Friday’s race winner, Jenna Ward in second, and Sharon Armstrong in third.

 Race 3 of the Wall and Back series takes place on the 27th of October. Results – Wall and Back Race 2

Men

1. Hank McGregor - 00:33:07
2. Gene Prato - 00:34:00
3. Matt Bouman - 00:34:17 

Women

1. Jenna Ward - 00:42:31
2. Teegan Hardwick - 00:50:53
3. Alice Edwards - 00:51:04 

Results – Da'Real Downwind Series Race 4

Men

1. Hank McGregor
2. Matthew Bouman
3. Herman Chalupsky 

Women

1. Bridgitte Hartley
2. Jenna Ward
3. Sharon Armstrong

### EDITORS NOTES Written and Distributed by Hot Salsa Media on behalf of Jeep Team SAAll enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 084 486 2136 Thank you.

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Upcoming 2017 Illovo Suncoast Pirates Wall and Back Surfski Series events:

To find out more about the Wall and Back Series, go to www.wallandback.co.za

DURBAN, KWAZULU-NATAL - This past Friday October 20th saw 75 local paddlers take on the 8km course from the Pirates Surf Lifesaving Club to the Durban Harbour Wall and back in Race 2 of the Wall and Back Surfski Series. Ten-time World Marathon and current World Surfski Series champ, Hank McGregor (Jeep Team/ Gara Paddles/ Euro Steel), racing in his first surfski race since winning the Gara Dolphin Coast Challenge, and claiming the South African Doubles Surfski title in August, once again showed his ocean paddling prowess, powering home a win in a time of 33:07.                                    

Second place in the men’s race went to Gene Prato in a time of 34:00, with Matt Bouman just 17 seconds behind in third place in 34:17.  “It’s been a while since I’ve raced in Durban on my ski and it was flipping awesome!” commented McGregor. McGregor, one of the finest all-round paddlers in history with multiple South African and World surfski and flat-water titles to his name, now shifts his focus to surfski paddling in preparation for the 2017 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Hong Kong from 18-19 November. In the women’s race, 2016 Series winner, Jenna Ward, put on a powerful performance to finish some 8 minutes ahead of second-place finisher, Teegan Hardwick, and Alice Edwards in third. 

On Sunday, McGregor lined up at the start for the last race of the Da'Real Downwind Series – a 30km downwind race from Durban Underwater Club on Vettie’s Beach to Toti Main Beach. The current World Surfski Series champ out-paddled long-time rival, Matt Bouman, to take his second win for the weekend. Third place in the men’s race went to veteran surfski ace, Herman Chalupsky. The women’s race was won by Olympic medallist, Bridgitte Hartley, ahead of Friday’s race winner, Jenna Ward in second, and Sharon Armstrong in third. 

Race 3 of the Wall and Back series takes place on the 27th of October. Results – Wall and Back Race 2

Men

1. Hank McGregor - 00:33:07
2. Gene Prato - 00:34:00
3. Matt Bouman - 00:34:17 

Women

1. Jenna Ward - 00:42:31
2. Teegan Hardwick - 00:50:53
3. Alice Edwards - 00:51:04 

Results – Da'Real Downwind Series Race 4

Men

1. Hank McGregor
2. Matthew Bouman
3. Herman Chalupsky

 Women

1. Bridgitte Hartley
2. Jenna Ward
3. Sharon Armstrong

 ### EDITORS NOTES 

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Have a look at the following platforms to keep up to date with Jeep Team SA:  #JeepTeamSA

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Twitter: @jeepteamsa
Instagram: JeepTeamSA

Upcoming 2017 Illovo Suncoast Pirates Wall and Back Surfski Series events:

Race                      Date                                                     Time

3                              Friday 27 October                               5:15pm

4                              Friday 10 November                           5:30pm

5                              Friday 17 November                           5:30pm

6                              Friday 24 November                           5:30pm 

To find out more about the Wall and Back Series, go to www.wallandback.co.za 

Trail runner Christiaan Greyling (Jeep Team SA/Salomon/Garmin), after his recent Top 12 result in the 110km Ultra Pirineu, is back on home soil and ready for the coveted Otter Run, a race that is considered the benchmark of technical marathon-distance trail running. The 44km Otter Trail is regarded as one of the finest ‘hikes’ in the world.  Alternating East to west and west to east each year, this year, the event will be run from East to West, starting at Storms River Mouth Rest Camp and finishing at De Vasselot Camp Site, Natures Valley.  It includes four river crossings, over 2600 metres of elevation and eleven significant climbs along a relentlessly technical coastal route. 

Greyling, who has competed in the race five times, ran his first Otter in 2011, posting a time of just under 5h30m. Since then he has run the race almost 20 minutes faster each year, and this year he is believing big! “I believe I can do a sub-4, but I’m not sure when. Based on my run last year, I am aiming for 4h10m, but that all depends on my recovery and preparation over the past few weeks abroad.

I prefer the Classic, running from Storms River to Nature’s Valley, as I love the first technical section and will be able to maintain a good position among the speedsters,” said Greyling. Greyling will have a huge fight on his hands as the field is stacked with South Africa’s finest trail champions including Kane Reilly who earlier this year achieved a top-5 finish at the Marathon de Mont Blanc in the French Alps. Other top contenders are winner of this year’s 53km Merrell Whale of Trail Challenge, Rory Scheffer, and 2015 Skyrunning African Champ, Thabang Madiba.  

In the women’s race, defending champion and record holder, Robyn Owen (Jeep Team/Best4Sports) will have her work cut out for her as she competes against the likes of two-time winner, Landie Greyling, who is in great shape and capable of a 4h30m finish this year, and the ever-improving Meg Mackenzie who won the Hout Bay Trail Challenge.  Owen is in great shape though and is now competing full time as an adventure athlete. She has come leaps and bounds since last year and is stronger than ever. Owen for Gold.  The 2017 Otter African Trail Run kicks off on Friday, 27 October 2017, with registration and the prologue, a 3.5km time-trial run to determine seeding for the main event on Saturday, 28 October 2017. 

-- End --

EDITORS NOTES 

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Photo Credit: Terence Vrugtman| AdevtureLifeSA 

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CAMPS DRIFT, PIETERMARITZBURG, KZN –Paddling in front of his home crowd, wife Pippa and young son, Thor, 39-year-old Hank McGregor (Jeep Team/Euro Steel/Gara Racing Paddles) won the K1 and K2 World double gold medals for the third time, making him a ten-time World Canoe Marathon Champion, cementing his position as the greatest marathon paddler of all time.

The world’s best canoe marathon paddlers drew huge crowds as they took centre stage at the 2017 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships from 7-10 September at Camps Drift in Pietermaritzburg. Having previously won six K1 and two K2 World Championship titles, McGregor was the out-and-out favourite going into the K1 and K2 Seniors event, but it’s always on the day that counts, and McGregor did not disappoint.  

In Saturday’s men’s K1, a lead group of four paddlers – McGregor, Andy Birkett (RSA), Adrián Boros (HUN) and José Ramalho (POR) – broke away from the main group before the first portage, and worked together to preserve their advantage.  The group stayed together for the remainder of the race, without any serious attempt from anyone to take the lead until the final turn. McGregor worked himself to the front of the four-man lead group. Paddling in fine form, his strength and speed on the water kept fellow South African, Birkett, on the back of the wave as they battled it out in the 500m surge to the finish.  McGregor, claiming his 7th K1 World Canoe Marathon GOLD, finished the 30km race in 02:09:37,91. Finishing half a boat length behind was Birkett with a time of 02:09:38,83. Third place went to Hungarian paddler, Adrián Boros, in a time of 02:09:39,41. 

For the men’s K2 race on Sunday, the stage was set for what promised to be an exciting end to the championships.  South African Flatwater K2 Marathon Champs, McGregor and long-time K2 partner, Jasper Mocké, jostled heavily with six other boats from the start of the fast and furious K2 title race, where McGregor suffered a gash above the left eye from the apologetic Portuguese K2 boat. The race turned to a close-fought tactical battle between South Africa, Norway, France and Spain with the Hungarians fighting their way back into contention after dropping off the pace on the second lap. The two South African boats held the lead from the last portage through to the last turn and into the final straight, but McGregor and Mocké managed to hold the lead in the sprint for the finish, crossing the line in 02:00:10,15.  Their compatriots, Andy Birkett and Jean van der Westhuyzen, were pipped by the comeback-kids, the Hungarian duo, and finished third in 02:00:11,70.  

Afterwards, McGregor, with 5 stitches in his brow, said this, “To win it here in front of the home fans with Jasper was special, and it rounded off a fantastic week for me with my family here. The South African public always knew that we were good but to watch to happen first-hand will hopefully encourage people to get into paddling. I wasn’t expecting it or going for it but it’s still sinking in.” Prior to this double gold, at the 2014 World Marathon Championships in Oklahoma City, USA, McGregor achieved the unprecedented record of Double World Champion by winning the K1 (singles) and then the K2 (doubles) Gold medals in consecutive days of racing over the marathon distance, with the same partner, Jasper Mocké.   Hank then narrowly missed out on the double gold in 2015 at the World Championships in Hungary but still came home with the gold in the singles and a silver medal in the doubles. In 2016, and now 2017, McGregor, by taking the double gold, has become the most successful and decorated marathon paddler in the world.  

McGregor is also the most multi-talented and diverse athlete across all paddle-sports. Multiple World and SA Flat Water Marathon Champion, Multiple SA River Marathon Champion, Multiple SA Surfski Champion and is the currently ranked #1 World Surfski rankings. Hank has won every major river race and Surfski race in South Africa and many across the world, across all conditions. He has the record number of Berg River Marathon wins (10), a brutal race over 4 long days through the Cape winter.  He has won numerous Umkomaas Marathon titles in rapids deemed to be the wildest white-water raced in conventional kayaks. And if you think he is just a good paddler, it must also be remembered that Hank has won what many consider to be a “running” race, the Dusi Marathon in both the singles and doubles categories with a host of top 10 finishes. Hank was awarded the inaugural Sportsman of the Year at the 2015 World Paddle Awards for his herculean paddling achievements. To receive this inaugural World Paddle award was the pinnacle of recognition he so richly deserved.  Could McGregor get the nod for the 2017 World Paddler Award to finish off his perfect 2017 season?  

RESULTS – ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships 2017

Men K1

1. Hank McGregor (RSA) - 02:09:37,91
2. Andrew Birkett (RSA) - 02:09:38,83
3. Adrián Boros (HUN) - 02:09:39,41

Men K2

1. Hank McGregor/Jasper Mocké (RSA) - 02:00:10,15
2. Adrián Boros/László Solti (HUN) - 02:00:11,46
3. Andrew Birkett/Jean van der Westhuyzen (RSA) - 02:00:11,70 

Women K1

1. Lani Belcher (GBR) - 02:05:09,65
2. Vanda Kiszli (HUN) - 02:05:15,07
3. Jennifer Egan (IRL) - 02:05:43,81

Women K2

1. Vanda Kiszli/Sãra Anna Mihalik (HUN) - 01:56:29,62
2. Renáta Csay/Alexandra Bara (HUN) - 01:56:42,90
3. Lani Belcher/Hayleigh-Jayne Mason (GBR) - 01:56:44,12

###  EDITORS NOTES 

Have a look at the following platforms to keep up to date with Jeep Team SA: #JeepTeamSA

• Website - www.jeepteam.co.za
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For more information please contact Bronwen Blunden on 079 060 1905 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This past weekend saw South Africa’s top trail running team, Christiaan Greyling (Jeep Team/Salomon/Garmin) and Landie Greyling, embarked on an epic race through the Cantabrian Mountains in the north of Spain. Three stages, 98 km and almost 8000 metres of elevation gain stood between them and the finish line of the Riaño Trail Run in the north of Spain.  The first stage covered 29.9km from the start in Valverde de la Sierra to the finish in Boca de Huérgano.

The route ascended Pico Espigüete and continued along the peaks of the Natural Park of Fuentes Carrionas and Fuente Cobre. The Greyling’s finished the stage in a time of 04:36:03, crossing the line in 5th place overall and 1st in the Mixed Category.  In the men’s category, Antonio Valle and Manuel Picon (Team Selec. Andaluza CXM) crossed the line in first place in a time of 04:04:10; and in the women’s category, Angels Llobera and Gabriela Sanchez (Team Inverseteam) crossed the line in first place with a time of 05:38:46. 

Says Christiaan Greyling, “Day 1 involved a lot of super technical ascents and descents. It was very interesting racing from Peak to Peak.” Stage 2 started in Caín de Valdeón in the heart of Picos de Europa National Park. The 45km route featured spectacular mountain scenery and 4127m of elevation gain before finishing at Ermita del Pontón. The duo finished the second stage in 4th place overall and 1st in the Mixed Category with a time of 06:48:41, some 30 minutes ahead of the second-placed mixed team. 

Cody Lind and Martin Gaffuri (Team Scott Running) were the first team across the line in the men’s category with a time of 06:13:33; in the women’s category, first place again went to Inverseteam in a time of 08:23:28. Commented Greyling, “Running in Picos de Europa felt like we were part of The Lord of the Rings movie. It poured with rain all day, but every now and then it cleared up for a vista out of this world!” The third stage of the race from Salamon and to Riaño ascended Pico Gilbo, a characteristic slope resembling the Matterhorn of the Alps.  

Christiaan and Landie finished the 23km final stage in 02:40:15, once again crossing the line as the 1st mixed team.   In the final stage, Scott Running and Inverseteam took first place in the men’s and women’s categories respectively. The men’s team completed the stage in 02:26:25, while the women’s team finished in a time of 03:09:53. The Greyling’s completed the 98km race in 14:09:59, almost 40 minutes faster than the second-placed mixed team. 

Says Greyling, “We are wowed by what we experienced on the Riaño Trail Run. Gracias Riaño Trail for a super trail.” 

Results - Riaño Trail RunMixed Category

1. Landie Greyling/Christiaan Greyling - 14:09:59
2. Fátima Sanmartin/Sergio Pensado - 14:48:21
3. David Castán/Nuria Dominguez - 14:58:57

###  EDITORS NOTES

Have a look at the following platforms to keep up to date with Jeep Team SA:  

#JeepTeamSA

• Website - www.jeepteam.co.za
• Facebook - www.facebook.com/jeepteamsa
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For more information please contact Bronwen Blunden on 079 060 1905 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

On Saturday, 2 September 2017, over one hundred athletes participated in Race 11 of The Beast Challenge obstacle-course race (OCR) at The Wedge 4x4 Trail in Muldersdrift.  The Beast offers 3 levels of participation. The first level is the “Tame Beast”, a 5km course with around 15 obstacles. This is suitable for anyone over the age of eight who is not necessarily fit, but looking to have fun. Level 2 is the “Wild Beast” and consists of a 10km course with around 30 obstacles for the fitter, more competitive athletes. This intermediate race is a tough challenge that requires some strength, a good degree of fitness and training. 

Level 3 and most difficult is the “Savage Beast”, a demanding test for elite athletes. With over 50 obstacles stretching over 15km, this event pushes competitors’ mental and physical limits. 2016 OCR Champion and currently ranked #1 on the OCR rankings leaderboard, Thomas ‘BeastMode’ van Tonder (Jeep Team SA), raced in the gruelling Savage Beast, claiming an unbeaten eleventh title.  Van Tonder crossed the line in 01:18:02, a minute ahead of second-place finisher, Bradley Claase. Rounding off the men’s podium was Marius Smith, who finished in 01:34:15.

 All three men have been selected as part of the South Africa Team to compete at 2017 Obstacle Course Racing World Championships will be held at October 13-15 at Blue Mountain Resort in Ontario, Canada. Van Tonder and Smit will be competing in the PRO class, while Claase will be competing in age group category 25 – 29.  Says van Tonder, “What a day. Race 11 in the bag. It was a super race at The Beast. It was a nice balance of running and obstacles.” 

Results – Savage BeastMen

1. Thomas van Tonder - 01:18:02
2. Bradley Claase - 01:19:07
3. Marius Smith - 01:34:15

 Women

1. Michelle Meyer - 01:54:04
2. Cindy Wills - 02:43:48
3. Victoria van der Schyff 

###  OTHER JEEP TEAM NEWS Multisport – Dirtopia Ride and Run ChallengeJeep Team triathlete, Michael Lord, continued his winning form at the inaugural Dirtopia Ride and Run Challenge at DelVera Farm in the Stellenbosch winelands. Lord won the Challenge, a 20km MTB and 7.5km trail run, along trails and single-track through the DelVera vineyards and neighbouring farms, ahead of Dylan Janos in second and Quinten van der Merwe. “I’m chuffed to win the inaugural Dirtopia Ride and Run Challenge. I’m confident my training is going really well for the upcoming Clanwilliam Triathlon on the 30th of September,” said Lord. Results – Ride and Run ChallengeMen Michael Lord Dylan Janos Quinten van der Merwe Women Vanessa Fisher Suzanne Smit Maryke van der Merwe 

###  EDITORS NOTES 

Have a look at the following platforms to keep up to date with Jeep Team SA:  #JeepTeamSA

• Website - www.jeepteam.co.za
• Facebook - www.facebook.com/jeepteamsa
• Twitter - @jeepteamsa
• Instagram - JeepTeamSA 

Photo Credit: #BeSnapped

 For more information please contact Bronwen Blunden on 079 060 1905 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

The Beast Challenge

The Beast obstacle course race is a challenge that anyone can enjoy. The courses involve trail running, climbing, crawling, and sliding across various obstacles that have been designed by professional Obstacle Course Race athletes. It is an exhilarating race that boasts three race categories to accommodate all participants, from family, friends, and work colleagues to SA’s strongest and toughest athletes. 

The Tame Beast is a fun-filled short course that is suitable for beginners, families and friends looking for some fun action on a weekend. The course is approx. 5km in length, features around 15 obstacles and has a low difficulty rating. The Wild Beast course is a tougher challenge that will test fitness and focus. The Wild Beast is a tough challenge for all and will require some strength and fitness to compete and complete the race. The course is approx. 10km long, features around 30 obstacles, and has a medium difficulty rating. The Savage Beast takes Obstacle Course Racing to a new level; a gruelling trial for serious athletes that will push both physical and mental limits. The course is approx. 15km long, features over 50 obstacles, and has a hard difficulty rating. 

Upcoming Beast Challenge Races: (all races at The Wedge Outdoor Park, Muldersdrift)

Beast #12 - 7 October 2017

Beast #13 - 11 November 2017

For more info, visit www.thebeastchallenge.co.za