PIETERMARITZBURG, 21 JUNE 2017 – From 2 to 10 June 2017, the world’s greatest adventure racing teams battled for glory in the 2nd edition of the Altay X-Trail Expedition Race in Northern China, the only Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS) race in Asia. This year, the race organisers featured a youth team entry fee and travel subsidy to encourage youth teams from all over the world. A youth team has a combined age of under 110 years. In total, 24 teams, of which 10 teams were youth teams, all set out to conquer the Altay Prefecture.Robyn Owen (Jeep Team), along with Michael Owen, Andrew Houston and Julian Atkinson, made up the South African youth team, Best4Sports, tackling the gruelling 500km race. 

Say Robyn Owen Team Leader Best4Sports, “Being the most experienced member of the team was a new experience for me, but it turned out to be an easy job. Mike handled the challenging navigation as well as many navigators with much more experience; and Andrew and Julian were as tough as nails taking all the unexpected challenges in their stride despite having had very little time to prepare. “ The approximate 500km race through the remote Altay region of Northern China is not normally accessible to tourists, and consists of expansive grasslands, rivers, mountains and desert plains in this spectacular part in the world.

The massive, lush grazelands are home to nomads - the Kazaks and Mongolians - with a strong Kazak culture. Back in 2015, Wei Jun (race director) and the X-Trail crew invited ARWS Race Director, Louise Foulkes, and Executive Producer, Erik Nachtrieb, to the Xinjiang region of Northern China to consider creating an ARWS expedition race in China. They spent ten days meeting government officials, reviewing the potential course, experiencing the culture, riding horses, eating lamb's heads and wrestling Kazaks. The debut race took place in September 2016 although slightly shorter than this second edition.

The June 2017 Altay X-Trail Expedition was open to mixed teams of four, 3 men and 1 woman, and was a non-stop, unsupported race with the disciplines of trekking, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, rope skill and navigation. Winners were expected to take 3 days, and everyone else up to 6 days, to get to the finish line. The exact course was kept secret until 24hrs before the start. Each team was given maps and a course booklet containing the location of each of the race checkpoints. Much of the terrain is rugged, and over the race each team needed to pass through a wide range of landforms.

To finish the race, teams needed to navigate through all the checkpoints together and arrive at the finish line.Say Owen, “Altay X-Trail Expedition 2017 was an experience of a lifetime! The diverse scenery and conditions we encountered were crazy: from scary lightning and hail storms near snowy mountain tops, to the most brilliant rainbows I've ever seen over alpine meadows covered in bright flowers, to desert canyons and bleak Badlands. One morning we were riding through ice-cold swamps in frosty valleys with fingers which felt like they might snap from the cold, and later in the day we were suffocating in still dusty mid-30-degree heat trying to keep midges and mosquitoes out of our noses and ears.

A day later we in all our warm layers again, being battered by horizontal rain.”Owen lead the team to an impressive finish. The South African youth team finished the race in 80:39:00 (3 days, 8hrs), crossing the finish line as the first youth team, and placing 7th overall. Owen concludes “We are pleased with our overall result but more than that we are thankful for everything we learnt along the way - about the sport, about ourselves, about each other, about over-coming challenges and about life. The team are all hooked on Adventure Racing!   We are extremely grateful to X-Trail and Best 4 Sports for the making the incredible experience possible.” 

RESULTS - Altay X-Trail Expedition - China

1. Team Seagate (New Zealand)                          55:55:00

2. Haglofs Silva (Sweden)                                   58:40:00

3. Estonian Ace Adventure Team (Estonia)          61:35:00

4. Team Bones (USA)                                        72:35:00

5. Bivouac Inov8 (New Zealand)                          77:45:02

6. Uruguay Natural Ultra Sports (Uruguay)            76:45:00

7. Best4Sports (YOUTH South Africa)                80:39:00 (1st youth team)  

OTHER JEEP TEAM NEWS 

Paddling – McGregor Paddle SeriesOn Saturday, 10 June, Dabulamanzi Canoe Club at Emmarentia Dam in Johannesburg played host to Race 1 of the 2017 Euro Steel McGregor Paddle Series. Over 100 paddlers of all abilities braved the cold to participate in Race 1, the Euro Steel Dice, which featured a 4km and an 8km race.  The first event of the series was focussed on K2 boats (doubles) to enable experienced paddlers to invite a novice to share the occasion. 

Jeep Team paddler and multiple World Marathon Champ, Hank McGregor, paddled with schoolboy Matthew Eckhardt in the 8km race. The pair crossed the finish line in 4th place in a time of 36:38.46. “Race 1 was an immense success and I loved this format.

My paddle partner, Matt, is a really good 200 metre sprinter, but he hasn’t been training much after the SA Champs. He really felt it on that first lap as the pace was intense and there was plenty of jostling at the first turn. We finished fourth, and I think he will soon be back in a boat again.” said McGregor. Race 2, the Bidvest McCarthy Toyota Durban North Dice, is on the 28 July 2017 at the Blue Lagoon in Durban.  

RESULTS

Long Course – 8km

1. Michael Arthur/Wayne Jacobs                        35:24.66

2. Clinton Cook/Thomas Lovemore                     35:25.46

3. Hamish Lovemore/Callam Davis                     36:18.18 (u18)

4. Hank McGregor/Matthew Eckhart                   36:38.46 

Short Course – 4km

1. Nicolaas Swart                                              27:06.58 (u12)

2. Theo Dreyer                                                  27:22.50 (u12)

3. Tinyiko Mahwayi/Thembelihle Jokozela           28:27:98 (u14)

4. Caroline Power                                              29:04.06 

Surfski – Bay Union Surfski SeriesThis past weekend, Jeep Team paddler, Barry Lewin, participated in Race 7 of the Bay Union Surfski Series.  The race, dubbed the 5 Beaches, started in Umkomaas on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast and finished at Amanzimtoti’s Main Beach. Says Lewin, “Making a comeback after injury has been challenging. The first step is getting your mind in the game, the body will do its thing in time. Days on the coast like this make it easier - 4th in the 5 Beaches on some flat seas.”  

EDITORS NOTES 

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Euro Steel McGregor Paddle SeriesThe paddle series was started in 2016 by Hank and Pippa McGregor as a way of putting back into the sport that means so much to them. It is intended to be an easy and hassle-free way to introduce newcomers to the sport, while also providing a new competitive platform for serious paddlers to compete against one another. Everyone, including non-registered paddlers, is welcome to participate in the series. The goal of the paddle series is to drive and increase participation in flat water marathon racing. 

Upcoming Races:

Race 2                    28 July 2017                         Bidvest McCarthy Toyota Durban North Dice, Blue Lagoon

Race 3                    18 Aug 2017                         FNB Dice, Natal Canoe Club PMB

Race 4                    25 Aug 2017                         Bidvest McCarthy Toyota Durban North Dice, Blue Lagoon

Race 5                    1 Sept 2017                          Euro Steel Dice, Natal Canoe Club PMB

PIETERMARITZBURG, 2 June 2017 – South African surfski paddlers dominated the 42nd annual ex-World Championship event, the Maui Jim Molokai Challenge, in Hawaii on Sunday, 28 May 2017.  This race is the world’s oldest, longest and toughest surfski race testing paddler skill, endurance and knowledge of ocean surfing, plus an ability to manoeuvre against unpredictable weather conditions in the Kaiwi Channel. The Kaiwi Channel is an expanse of ocean between the Hawaiian Islands of Molokai and Oahu and is considered one of the roughest ocean channels in the world when the ocean is angry. 

The race started off the west end of Molokai near Kaluakoi, finishing 53km away in the Marina off Hawaii Kai. With paddlers competing in hot and flat conditions, the race became a real test of physical strength and endurance. With a very strong race contingent, the 2017 race was brutally tough up front with Sean Rice, Hank McGregor, Cory Hill, Jasper Mocké and Clint Robinson, all gunning for the win. 

Seven-time World Champion and three-time Molokai Winner, Hank McGregor, finished second in 3h46m07s. Fellow South African, Sean Rice, finished in first place in 3h43m08s, and Australian paddler, Cory Hill, taking third in 3h46m50s. 

Results -  Maui Jim Molokai Challenge 2017

Men

1. Sean Rice (RSA)           03:43:08

2. Hank McGregor (RSA)   03:46:07

3. Cory Hill (AUS)              03:46:50 

Women

1, Rachel Clarke (NZL)      04:34:43

2. Tricia Gilbert (AUS)       05:06:04

3. Sarah Davis (AUS)        05:37:50

EDITORS NOTES 

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Photo Credit: Gameplan Media  

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PIETERMARITZBURG, 2 June 2017 – Arguably South Africa’s top men’s trail athlete, Christiaan Greyling (Jeep Team SA), has won the extreme Faial Coast to Coast 47km Ultra Trail Race, which took place on Faial Island in Azores, an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic, on Saturday, the 27th May, fighting the worst weather conditions imaginable. Portugal’s Faial Coast to Coast Ultra Trail traverses some 47km, with a cumulative elevation gain of 2385 metres, from the village of Ribeirinha, near Boca da Ribeira Port on the east coast at 0m altitude, to Capelinhos on the west coast, at 2385m altitude.                               

The Azores Trail Run takes place in Faial Natural Park, considered a European Destiny of Excellence (EDEN) by the European Commission. The race takes runners on a journey through the history of the geology of the island following the formation of the island, from east to west passing landmarks and geological features, showcasing the volcanic nature of the Azores islands. A large part of the trail takes place in the largest and most remarkable "Graben" of the archipelago, a large section of land that collapsed between two tectonic faults. The trail ends at the biggest volcano on the island, the dormant Capelinhos Volcano. Greyling, who only took the lead only in the last 6km of the race, crossed the finish line in first place in a time of 03:54:07. Second place went to island local, Dário Moitoso, in a time of 04:02:36, and third place to Nuno Silva, in a time of 04:04:00. 

Says Greyling on his outstanding race, “This race was significant as it marked my first race as a full-time athlete. It was amazing to run on this land mass caused by the 1957 Volcanic action in the Azores. It looked like Mars, while the rest of the course was lush green. “We started off in a group of about 5 athletes leading and holding a comfortable pace on the volcanic line of Faial. At about 9km, local trail champion, Dário Moitoso, made a break and I responded. I kept contact with him until 17km where I stopped at the waterpoint.

“The race organiser had warned us about the intense winds and rain, but I underestimated the extent - the wind was so extreme it could blow you off your feet! I saw some runners on hands and knees crawling the 1km of trail on the Caldera’s edge (crater edge). In extreme conditions and poor visibility, I lost sight of Dário Moitoso. I gave it everything on the muddy downhills to try to catch up with him, and it took me another 17km before I saw him again on the last climb.

I sprinted past him, missing the last waterpoint knowing another stop would lose me the race. I managed to open an 8min gap on him in the last 7km and finished the 42km in 3h54.07, certainly one of my best trail marathons, especially in these conditions and altitude.”Landie Greyling, Christiaan’s wife, and a renowned Trail Champion, won the female overall category, an hour ahead of second placed runner, Raquel Andrade.  

RESULTS -  FAIAL COAST TO COAST 47KM

Men

1. Christiaan Greyling     03:54:07

2. Dário Moitoso            04:02:36

3. Nuno Silva                 04:04:00

 Women

1. Landie Greyling           04:21:56

2. Raquel Andrade          05:21:59

3. Maria Goulão              05:24:12 

###Greyling Second In Vertical Km Skyrunning World Series Race In Azores, Portugal

Vertical KM racing is common in Europe, It’s an ascent 1000m vertical run in the shortest distance possible. Christiaan Greyling (Jeep Team), took part in the Vertical KM Race in Azores Portugal during his recent race meet on the weekend, 27 and 28 May 2017.The Azores Vertical KM takes the runner up the side of a Volcano - a mere 3.5km up - one of the steepest ascents on the Skyrunning World series calendar.

The Azores VK took place on the island of Pico. The landscape features an eponymous volcano called Ponta do Pico, which is the highest mountain in Portugal, the Azores, and the highest elevation of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.Say Greyling on his race, “We were transported by ferry to the other island and then by bus to the start of the race.

The weather was extreme! To explain the conditions does not do justice to what we experienced, but at least 2 people almost lost their lives due to hypothermia. No matter how fast, how confident you are, mother nature is not your friend. Due to the extreme weather, the route was changed to a 700m ascent.“I did not know how to race a VK, and because we started 30 seconds apart, I had little idea of the competition pace. The general rule is go as hard as you can, and if in doubt, go up! I have never experienced wind and rain to this extent. I completed the 700m ascent in 33 minutes and was surprised and very happy to see I was only 1 minute behind winner, Tsubasa Fuji (Superstar Fuji), to place second overall.

### EDITORS NOTES

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Photo Credit: Filipe Goncalves 

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Sunday, 28 May 2017, saw South Africa’s top OCR athlete, Thomas van Tonder (Jeep Team) and Jay Jay Deysel (Jeep Team) take on Race #4 of the Toyota Warrior Series, powered by Reebok, at the hilly Kwanyoni Lodge in Mpumalanga. The event attracted just over 1500 competitors into Nelspruit. For Jay Jay Deysel (Jeep Team), the racing started on the Saturday with the Individual Reebok Sprint Race, a short, fast and highly-intensity race, covering 400m and featuring 10 obstacles.

Deysel finished the Individual Sprint final in 4th place. On the Sunday, Deysel and van Tonder partnered with Hanneke Dannhauser, to take on the Reebok Team Sprint race. With more than 10 years OCR experience between them, they were always going to be the team to beat and unsurprisingly, they took the win, but not without a fight in a very tight field of teams. Deysel, van Tonder and Dannhauser finish the race in first place.Jeep Team’s Thomas “BeastMode” van Tonder and Jay Jay Deysel, also both competed in the Black Ops Elite race, the toughest of them all, featuring some 30 obstacles over a 17km trail, designed to challenge endurance, strength and agility. 

Says van Tonder on his performance, “We had a massive climb in the first half of the race, which is good prep work for World Champs, but racing up a mountain is never easy. I had a steady start to the race, running in the front with Claude Eksteen and Louis Smit next to me. “The first obstacle to settle positions was the monster net climb, then to the top of Tower of Rage. This obstacle is easier without water coming down as you are climbing up, and I left this obstacle in first place, but the huge climb was yet to come. I enjoyed the lead for maybe 1 km before Claude came pacing by me.

The Concrete Carry and Log Buster had our legs work extra hard to get to the top. The load was not too heavy, but all of them had a very technical loop, so you had to watch your step.“There was not a lot of position changing going on at this stage. Behind me, Bradley Claase passed Louis Smit and kept a steady gap of 30 to 40 metres behind me all the way up the climb.

The good thing about having a course with such a huge climb, is that the second half of the course is downhill, although there is the occasional sharp climb, and I used these long legs of mine to put in some massive down-strides. Greg Avierinos is a very good downhill runner and I knew he would be coming down fast as well.“I actually made up a good amount of time on Claude with those downhills, with Louis Smit behind me also putting in a hard downhill and chasing me again.

This is something I noticed in prep for OCR World Championships last year. If you can run a strong uphill, it does not mean that you are a good downhill runner. I took most of my positions at OCR World Champs last year on a rig or on a downhill.”Van Tonder says he has learnt the importance of keeping up the intensity when reaching obstacles, as most people tend to slow down.He continues “I was not far from the race venue, and came upon Breaking Point obstacle, and about a minute or 2 behind Claude. I was too focused on where Claude was missed the bell on the Chain Reactor obstacle, relying on the fact that in previous Warrior races, this obstacle didn’t have bell finishes.  So, I missed the bell. A silly mistake that possible cost me a close finish with Claude. Doing this obstacle again, probably cost me about 30 seconds.

”Van Tonder got through the iron rig and tyre flip leaving something in the tank for Breaking Point.Eksteen completed Breaking Point as Thomas started it, settling first and second positions overall, and Van Tonder missing his 12th Warrior win. Van Tonder finished the Men’s Black Ops Elite race in a time of 01:29:59, 47 seconds behind race-winner Claude Eksteen. Third place went to Louis Smit in 01:32:11. Jay Jay Deysel crossed the line in 10th place in 01:38:50.The final race of the weekend was the Team Sprint. ‘JeepTeamBok’ comprised Van Tonder, Deysel and the unstoppable, Hanneké Dannhauser.  Concludes Van Tonder, “A weekend of hard and fast OCR racing with a 2nd in the Black Ops Elite and a Jeep Team sprint win. Thank you to Toyota Warrior for an epic weekend.” 

Results – Black Ops Elite Men

1. Claude Eksteen               01:29:12

2. Thomas van Tonder         01:29:59

3. Louis Smit                      01:32:11   

Women

1. Trish Bahlmann               01:56:56

2. Hanneke Dannhauser       01:59:14

3. Samantha Gilchrist           02:11:44

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

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Photo Credit: Zoon Cronje for www.zcmc.co.za 

Written and distributed on behalf of Jeep Team SA by Hot Salsa MediaContact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information, interviews and photos.   

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – 31 MAY 2017 - Jeep Team South Africa is the most consistent Sports and Lifestyle Team in South Africa, providing a platform for athletes to grow, develop and mature to their fullest potential.Over the past 16 years, over 300 of the country’s top athletes have been through Jeep Team with the aim to reach the pinnacle in their sport, building their individual brands, to gain meaningful recognition and sponsorship, to take them onto the world stage.                                                  

The newest addition to Jeep Team is Robyn Owen (née Kime), an adventure sport, canoeist and trail athlete. Owen joins Jeep Team SA as an Ambassador and Supported athlete, continuing her primary partnership with Best4Sports, and existing Jeep Team partner, Salomon SA. Owen, who lives in Stellenbosch, has a Master’s degree in Water and Environmental Engineering, is currently working as a self-employed athlete, adventurer, tutor and mountain guide. Owen has a strong athletic background on water and on foot, representing South Africa at World Championship level in canoeing, mountain running and adventure racing. She started off her athletic career with Jeep Team SA while still in school after being talent-spotted by Max Cluer (owner/manager Jeep Team SA) 

Owen says on her career lift-off with Jeep Team SA, “Multisport and Jeep Team is where it all started for me - riding mountain bikes in the early mornings before school with Dad and Lance Kime (brother) and racing the odd run - bike - swim/paddle event on weekends. After a few such events, Max Cluer (owner/manager Jeep Team SA) spotted something in me and invited me to join Jeep Team, boosting my confidence as a young athlete and introducing me to the strange new world of competitive racing in the non-conventional off-road sports, and everything that goes with it. “ Since then, Owen has gone on to achieve noteworthy first-place finishes in paddling in the Fish River Canoe Marathon, Berg River Canoe Marathon, Breede River Canoe Marathon, Drak Challenge and 50 Miler Canoe Marathon, and significantly, is a 5-time winner and current female record holder of the Dusi Canoe Marathon.  Additional individual achievements comprise podium finishes at highly-contended South African trail running events such as the Jonkershoek Mountain Challenge, Old Fishermans Trail Challenge, Helderberg Extreme, Matroosberg Skymarathon and Lesotho Ultra Trail.

Robyn’s sporting highlights also include the record-breaking win over the best trail athletes in the world, including American, Stevie Kremer, at the 2016 Otter Trail, a 42km marathon distance trail with four river crossings, over 2600 metres of elevation gain and 11 significant climbs.   From 2014 to 2016, Owen joined the Merrell Adventure Addicts, one of the world’s top Adventure Racing teams. During this period, the team moved up the Adventure Racing World Series rankings from 16th to 7th place. The Merrell Adventure Addicts achievements over this period include, in 2016, 3rd place at the Patagonian Expedition Race in Chile; in 2015, 2nd place at XPD in Australia, and 1st place at Expedition Africa in Swaziland in 2015. Cementing her position as an individual world-class adventure racer, in February this year, Owen achieved 2nd female overall in the Kathmandu Coast to Coast World Multisport Championship in New Zealand.

This race starts at Kumara Beach on New Zealand’s West Coast, traverses the width of the South Island crossing four stages, cycling 140km, kayaking 67km and running 36km, finishing on the East Coast in Christchurch.Owen finished the 243km race in 13:29:21 behind winner, Elina Ussher, in 13:11:39, with Hannah Wells in third in 13:50:35. Owen won both the fastest run and paddle trophies for this event. 

Comments Owen on her journey to Adventure Racing “I later became a fervent paddler, forgetting about bikes and running shoes for a while; then a trail runner, and this is when I discovered mountain trails and travelled for a year without bike or boat, before Adventure Racing got me back onto a bike and shuffling disciplines again.” Currently, Owen is a part of Sanlam Team Painted Wolf, an elite South African Adventure Racing team, which in November 2016, achieved a 4th place at the well-documented Adventure Racing World Championships in Australia.    

In June, Owen will be leading a South African Youth Team, unsupported, in the Altay XTrail Expedition Race (Adventure Racing World Series). Her team will race across the 600km Altay Prefecture, located at the northern part of Xinjiang. To the northwest, it adjoins Kazakhstan and Russia; to the northeast, it adjoins Mongolia. The disciplines will be Trek/Run, Mountain Bike, Kayak, Ropes, and Navigation. From 23 June to 15 July, Owen will be climbing, running and mountaineering the Alps and Dolomites, and in October, she will race the Otter Trail marathon 42km; in December, she will attempt the Ultra-Trail Cape Town 100 km, and then early February 2017, she will once again compete in the Kathmandu Coast to Coast World Multisport Championship in New Zealand, this time with more experience and gunning for the top spot.  “My re-partnering with Jeep Team SA, which has taken on different shapes over the years, closes a full circle of sorts and I am very excited about the new possibilities that it brings,” concludes

Owen Max Cluer, Owner/Manager of Jeep Team SA says “We are delighted to have Robyn back in the team, and are super proud of her and her incredible achievements over the past few years. She is dynamic and very professional in her approach to her sport, and brings with her an incredible energy and loads of experience to share with athletes in the team. The Jeep Team has evolved substantially since she was last a member, and we are excited to grow with her and build her profile as an athlete and sports personality." 

EDITORS NOTES 

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PIETERMARITZBURG, 24 MAY 2017 – On Saturday 20 May, multisport athlete Michael Lord (Jeep Team SA) took part in the 11km trail race at the 2017 Jonkershoek Mountain Challenge in Stellenbosch.  Lord, who has been out of action for over a month on doctors’ orders with knee issues, came out the stalls galloping with 411 other athletes across various categories to take part in the fast 11km race.  Ideal for short-course trail runners, the race started in Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve and followed established trails and tracks into Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. The route through the nature reserve features 218m of ascent, forestry jeep track, smooth single track, crossing the Eerste Rivier and running through the Kleinplaas Dam wall. Lord took top spot in the 11km race in a time of 00:42:39.

Second place went to Malibongene Mcosana in a time of 00:43:48, and Damian Will took third in 00:44:16.  Says Lord, “I am chuffed to take the win in the littlest race. I was quite nervous as it was my first time running properly in a long time, but my knees held up splendidly. The route is awesome. Jonkershoek is still one of the most amazing places I’ve been to – every time I’m there, I see another awesome piece of how the whole race fits together. You could spend a lifetime exploring all the little corners and peaks.” 

Results – 11km Jonkershoek Mountain Challenge 

Men

1. Michael Lord                  00:42:39

2. Malibongene Mcosana    00:43:48

3. Damian Will                   00:44:16         

 Women

1. Uta Lehmann                  00:51:51

2. Katie Leslie                    00:52:11

3. Lara Rossouw                 00:53:11         

###EDITORS NOTES 

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

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Facebook:  www.facebook.com/jeepteamsa

Twitter:      @jeepteamsa

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Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg

Written and distributed on behalf of Jeep Team SA by Hot Salsa Media

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This weekend sees multiple World Champion, Hank McGregor (Jeep Team) defend his Molokai Challenge hattrick title against the best surfski paddlers in the world.  Originally named Kanaka Ikaika, the Molokai Challenge is a true test of paddling skill, endurance and knowledge of ocean surfing. It tests a paddler’s ability to manoeuvre against unpredictable weather conditions in the Kaiwi Channel. The Kaiwi Channel, more often called the “Molokai Channel” is an expanse of ocean between the island of Molokai and Oahu. It is considered one of the roughest ocean channels in the world when the ocean is angry.The start is off the west end of Molokai near Kaluakoi, and finishes 51-km away in the Marina off Hawaii Kai. ‘The Molokai’, the former World Championships of Open Ocean Surfski, is one of the toughest races on the surfski calendar, and the 2016 race was no exception.  

With flat conditions and a very strong race contingent, the 2016 race was brutally tough up front with Clint Robinson, Jasper Mocke, Sean Rice, Hank McGregor and Cory Hill all trading places throughout the 53-km crossing.  In the end, it was McGregor who crossed the line in 1st place, paddling past a very frustrated Cory Hill who, with only 2-km left to the finish, had gone too close to the infamous China Wall reefs, consequently smashing his rudder.The defending champion had to relinquish his lead to give McGregor a Molokai hattrick.  Sean Rice and Jasper Mocke, who are both still searching for that elusive Molokai victory, capitalized on a step up the podium, while 3 x former winner Clint Robinson finished in 4th place.                          

2016 Men’s Rankings

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

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Photo Credit:  Anthony Grote – Gameplan Media Written and distributed on behalf of Jeep Team SA by Hot Salsa Media

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PIETERMARITZBURG, 10 MAY 2017 – On Saturday, 6th of May 2017, hundreds of athletes descended upon The Wedge 4x4 Trail in Muldersdrift to participate in Race 10 of The Beast Challenge obstacle-course race (OCR). South Africa’s 2016 OCR Men’s Champion, Thomas ‘BeastMode’ van Tonder (Jeep Team) raced in the gruelling 15km/55 obstacle Savage Beast event, pushing him beyond his physical and mental limits, but true to Van Tonder’s grit, he defended his title as King of The Beast and claimed his unbeaten tenth Savage Beast title, adding it to his ever-increasing list of OCR titles.  

Van Tonder crossed the line in 01:10:12, over a minute ahead of second-placed, Michael Joubert, who finished in 01:11:27. Rounding off the top three men was Bradley Claase, who crossed the line in 01:12:58. The Beast has 3 events with the first and easiest of these is referred to as the “tame beast”, an occasionally challenging yet doable 5km course with around 15 obstacles for anyone over the age of eight who is not necessarily fit, but looking to have a good time.  

The “wild beast” challenge falls into the second category of races and consists of a 10km course for the fitter, more competitive types with around 30 obstacles designed to test both mental and physical strength.  The final and most difficult category is ominously referred to as the “savage beast”, a name that already gives an indication of what awaits anyone willing and able to attempt it. With over 50 obstacles stretching over 15km, this event is designed to push competitors to their limits, with those who successfully finish being regarded as beasts in their own right.   Says van Tonder, “What a race. I’m super stoked to add Beast #10 to my winning streak. Well done to everyone who took part, it was a gruelling day out.” 

Results – Beast #10Men

Thomas van Tonder             01:10:12

Michael Joubert                   01:11:27

Bradley Claase                    01:12:58 

Women

Mandie Landsberg           01:44:09

Sam Gilchrist                  01:57:47

Cindy Wills                      02:12:15 

OTHER JEEP TEAM NEWS  RUNNING – Wings for Life World Run Runners in this year’s Wings for Life World Run set off at 1pm on Sunday 7 May from Supersport Park in Pretoria. The Wings for Life World Run is a global charity event where everybody starts at the same time and the finish line chases you. The global movement began at 11am UTC (1pm in South Africa), when participants from 58 countries simultaneously started the race.  In South Africa, 2184 runners, including three members from Jeep Team SA, Christiaan Greyling, Joshua Masudi and Thomas van Tonder, participated in the world-wide event.  Half an hour after the race starts, a moving finish line, “Catcher Car,” chases runners along the course, gradually getting faster until each one is caught. Before being passed by the “Catcher Car”, Greyling covered 37.44km, Masudi ran 25.67km, and Van Tonder ran 16.69km.  Running alongside Jeep Team’s Christiaan Greyling was his wife, Landie Greyling, SA’s top female trail runner.  

The 37.44km distance earnt Landie Greyling the title of South Africa’s Winning Woman and an all-expenses paid trip to a Wings for Life World Run location of her choice for the 2018 Wings for Life World Run. All entry fees and all donations raised through fundraising campaigns goes directly to spinal cord research projects and clinical trials at renowned universities and institutes worldwide.  The non-profit Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation is a driving force behind the mission, and Red Bull covers the foundation’s administrative costs in full as well as costs for the Wings for Life World Run.

 Across its first three editions (2014, 2015, 2016), the Wings for Life World Run attracted more than 280 000 people from 193 nationalities to run in more than 38 countries across six continents. They raised €13.8 million while covering more than 2.8 million kilometres. SURFSKI – Bay Union Surfski SeriesOn Sunday 07 May 2017, the Bay Union Surfski Series got underway with the Bay Union Single Surfski Challenge. The race covered a 12km loop up the coast to the Mngeni River mouth and back to the Marine Surf Lifesaving Club. Jeep Team Paddler, Hank McGregor, paddling in a class of his own, opened his winter series account with a win as he powered across the finish line in 50m45s. Second place went to Matt Bouman in 51m41s, and the third-place finish went to Bailey de Fondaumiere in 53m47s. 

Results – Long CourseMen

Hank McGregor                   00:50:45

Matthew  Bouman               00:51:41

Bailey de Fondaumiere        00:53:47 

Women

Michelle Burn                     00:59:29

Kyeta Purchase                  01:01:27

Nikki Russell                      01:02:21  

### EDITORS NOTES 

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

#JeepTeamSAWebsite:           www.jeepteam.co.za

Facebook:                             www.facebook.com/jeepteamsa

Twitter:                                  @jeepteamsa

Instagram:                             JeepTeamSA 

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..  

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

Beast #11        2 September 2017

Beast #12        7 October 2017

Beast #13        11 November 2017 

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

Wings for Life World Run – More informationThe Wings for Life World Run is a global charity event with a unique, and uniquely fun, format. It’s a worldwide run where everybody starts simultaneously and the finish line chases you. On one day each year, the Wings for Life World Run takes place at event locations across the planet. Everybody starts at the same time, 11am UTC. Whether it’s day or night, sunny or rainy at your location – you’re running together with the world and sharing an amazing experience.  The Wings for Life World Run is perfect for everyone, of every ability, because you set your own goals and you don’t head toward a finish line. Instead, the finish line catches up with you. Half an hour after the race starts, a moving finish line, “Catcher Car,” chases runners along the course, gradually getting faster until each one is caught.

For more info, visit www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com

DRAKENSBERG, KWAZULU-NATAL, 3 MAY 2017 – Saturday, the 29th April, saw Jeep Team trail runner, Christiaan Greyling, run the tough 62km Giant’s Cup Uncut Race at Ultra Trail Drakensberg, and win it by more than 50 minutes.   Giant’s Cup Uncut (GCU) is hefty 62km non-stop traverse of the entire Giant’s Cup Hiking Trail, a certified 5-Day hike, with 2400m of vertical climb and occupies an altitude window between 1600m and 2150m. The race started at the Sani Pass Hotel and finished at the Bushman’s Nek Hotel and is entirely on mountain trail, providing runners with a uniquely pure trail running experience. Greyling crossed the finish line in first place in a time of 06:41:39. Second place went to Ben Brimble in a time of 07:32:10, and finishing in third place was Landie Greyling, in a time of 07:50:19. 

Says Christiaan Greyling, “In every Ultra, you reach a point where you want to give up, or at least question yourself why you are doing this. These thoughts come regardless of your speed, preparation or talent. My race went arguably well, but again I learned how easy things can go pear-shaped in an Ultra. I ran the 62km GCU in a time of 6:41, followed by Ben Brimble in a time of 7:32. We ran together for the first 25km, but the technical downhill around halfway suited my skill and I got away from the quicker Ben Brimble. The lesson? Hydration and nutrition is the most important items on race day. My first mistake was to drink less because of the colder weather. I only suffered the consequences of this after 30km, but by then it was difficult to rectify.

The section from 33km to 46km had no river crossings, huge climbs and a baking morning sun. When I reached the Swiman hut (46km mark), I had to consume about 10 cups of fluid not to suffer from dehydration. Drinking water alone can further dehydrate your body as we lose both water and important minerals when we sweat. To counter negative thoughts, think positive thoughts of previous successes, future races, bible verses, or even a song or two.” 

Race Results – 62km Ultra

– Giant’s Cup Uncut MEN

Christiaan Greyling        6:41:39

Ben Brimble                  7:32:10

Ross Michaux               8:36:16 

WOMEN

Landie Greyling               7:50:19

Andrea Devine                10:34:14

Mmamapudi Kubjane       11:24:58 

OTHER JEEP TEAM NEWS OBSTACLE COURSE RACINGLESOTHO LUNGS NEEDED FOR THE ‘AIR UP THERE’ OBSTACLE RACE Over the past weekend, 29 and 30 April, Jeep Team OCR Athletes, Thomas van Tonder, Carina Marx, and Jay Jay Deysel travelled to Afriski in Lesotho to take on the Air Up There Obstacle Race.  Battle-Rush and AfriSki joined forces to bring OCR athletes the highest obstacle race in Africa. Taking place in the Maluti Mountains at an altitude of 3222m, the weekend races put the athletes’ legs, skills and lungs to the ultimate test in minus freezing weather. For Jeep Team’s Thomas van Tonder and Carina Marx, the two days of racing began on the Saturday with the individual 15km Obstacle Race. The race featured some 20 obstacles, 900m of elevation gain, and the crossing of freezing dams.  Thomas ‘BeastMode’ van Tonder, crossed the finish line in 3rd place, after missing an obstacle, and receiving a time-consuming penalty of 30 burpees. The race was eventually won by Bradley Claase, with second place going to Armin Botha. Rounding up the top 5 elite men were Claude Eksteen in 4th and Greg Avierinos in 5th place. 

Says van Tonder, “What a race. What a venue. The altitude sure does make a huge difference. It was a super hard race with 900m of elevation gain, and the water was so cold – it was like an intra-race ice bath! Well done to Brad on the win. He had a very strong run. I came in in 3rd place; I missed the spear throw and had a 30-burpee penalty. My Jeep Team SA teammate, Carina Marx, also took 3rd place, even after taking a big detour on the run. Well done to the Marx-Machine!” Jeep Team’s Carina Marx, finished 3rd overall in the women’s 15km race.

First place went to Trish Bahlmann. Crossing the line in 2nd was Catherine Robson, with Sam Gilchrist in 4th place, and finishing off the top 5 was Nikki Caromba. On Sunday, 30 April, the racing continued with a 1km Hill Obstacle Sprint in the morning, followed by the Team Obstacle Race in the afternoon. Jeep Team OCR SA, Thomas van Tonder, Carina Marx and Jay Jay Deysel, took on the Team race. The trio finished in third place behind race-winners Team AOT SupaMama (Durban), and second-placed Team KeyHealth Nevarest.  Results – 15km Obstacle Race (NO RACE TIMES AVAILABLE)Men Bradley Claase Armin Botha Thomas van Tonder Women Trish Bahlmann Catherine Robson Carina Marx    

Results – Team Obstacle Race Team AOT SupaMama Team KeyHealth Nevarest Jeep Team SA  INTERNATIONAL MULTISPORT Jeep Team’s Triathlon star, Mikaela Jonsson, has recently been selected to represent South Africa at the ITU Multisport World Championships Festival 2017 in Penticton, Canada.    Jonsson, who is studying and racing in the USA on a sports scholarship, will represent South Africa in the u23 Elite Women’s category as part of the South African Cross-Triathlon Team. The ITU Multisport World Championships Festival, taking place from the 18th to 27th August 2017, will see athletes from all over the world vying for four different multisport titles, including Duathlon, Long-distance Triathlon, Aquathlon, and Cross Triathlon. 

JEEP TEAM SURFSKIHansa Surfski Challenge After a brief break in the surfski season, paddlers returned to the Durban surf on 01 May for the start of the Bay Union Surfski Series. Jeep Team paddler, Barry Lewin, claimed a 5th place finish at his opening race of the season, the Hansa Surfski Challenge. Lewin completed the two-lap, 12km race in a time of 0:52:14.22. 

###  EDITORS NOTES 

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

#JeepTeamSAWebsite:   www.jeepteam.co.za

Facebook:                     www.facebook.com/jeepteamsa

Twitter:                         @jeepteamsa Instagram:            

JeepTeamSA 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.. 

PIETERMARITZBURG, KZN, 28 APRIL 2017 – Sunday, 23 April 2017, saw Jeep Team OCR Athletes, Thomas van Tonder, Carina Marx, and Jay Jay Deysel take on Race #3 of the Toyota Warrior Series, powered by Reebok, at Van Gaalen Cheese Farm in the North West.

Over the weekend of the 22 and 23 April, South Africa’s largest obstacle course race series attracted almost 2000 competitors eager to face the challenge of the world-class Toyota Warrior obstacle courses have become famous for.  For Jeep Team’s athletes, the racing started with the Black Ops Elite race, the toughest of them all, featuring some 30 obstacles over a 17km trail, designed to challenge endurance, strength and agility.  2016’s SA OCR Men’s Champion, Thomas “BeastMode” van Tonder, claimed his 11th Warrior win in a super-fast time of 01:26:29. Second place went to Greg Avierinos in 01:27:12, and rounding off the podium was Louis Smit, who finished in 01:29:03. Fellow Jeep Team athlete, Jay Jay Deysel, crossed the line in 8th place in a time of 01:41:42. 

Says van Tonder, “I am so blessed to be taking home my 11th Warrior Race win. Well done to everyone as this was one tough race.” Van Tonder‘s winning performance earned him R10 000 prize money and a Warrior-branded Toyota RAV4 to drive around until the next warrior race. Jeep Team OCR athlete and 2016 SA OCR top 3 female champion, Carina Marx, finished 3rd overall in the Women’s Black Ops Elite race in 2:23:22. Sabrina Daolio took the win in 1:53:15, with Trish Bahlmann in second place in 1:59:03. The Jeep Team SA teammates then took on the Reebok Team Sprint race - a short, high-intensive course spanning 400m with 10 obstacles. Marx, Van Tonder and Deysel finished in second place behind race-winners Team Nevarest. Third place in the sprint race went to the team from #BeSnapped.   

Results – Black Ops

EliteMen

Thomas van Tonder            01:26:29

Greg Avierinos                   01:27:12

Louis Smit                         01:29:03

 Women

Sabrina Daolio                   01:53:15

Trish Bahlmann                 01:59:03

Carina Marx                      02:23:22  

Other Jeep News  JEEP TEAM MTB - Old Mutual joBerg2cJeep Team all-rounder athlete, Hlubi Mboya Arnold, is currently riding the 9-day MTB race, the Old Mutual joBerg2c. JoBerg2c is the longest paired mountain biking stage race in South Africa. The 9-day, 900km adventure began in Heidelberg, south of Johannesburg, on 21 April 2017 and finishes nine days later in Scottburgh on the KwaZulu-Natal coast.Mboya and Letshego Zulu have teamed up riding for ‘Ride4Gugu’ in memory of Gugu Zulu, a talented race car driver and 2014 Cape Epic MTB partner to Hlubi Mboya. Gugu proposed to his wife, Letshego, on the 2014 Cape Epic final stage finish line. Gugu Zulu tragically passed away in July 2016 whilst on the Trek4Mandela summit to Mt Kilimanjaro.

Results (Day 1 – 4):Day 1 (21/4) saw the riders cycle 116km from Karan Beef (Heidelberg) to Frankfort Sports Grounds in the Free State. Mboya and Zulu finished the stage in 04:41:43. Day 2 (22/4) travelled 93km between Frankfort Sports Grounds and the Reitz Showgrounds. Mboya and Zulu crossed the finish in 06:48:16 Day 3 (23/4), the riders trekked from Reitz to Sterkfontein Dam, just outside Harrismith. The Ride4Gugu duo finished the 122km stage in 09:04:57. Day 4 (24/4) the riders start at Sterkfontein Dam in the Free State and end in KwaZulu-Natal’s Emseni, a 94km ride saw the Ride4Gugu Female Team finish in 05:58:30. Day 5 (25/4), considered the hardest of the nine days, covered 123km from Emseni to Clifton School in Nottingham Road. Mboya and Zulu completed the journey in 09:10:49.   Day 6 to 9 coming soon.

JEEP TEAM INTERNATIONALJeep Team’s International Junior Triathlon star and 2020 Olympics hopeful, Mikaela Jonsson, racing in the USA on scholarship, has recently been awarded her Elite Triathlon Licence for the next two years to race both on-and-off-road triathlon.    Jonsson, studying in the USA on a sports scholarship has big plans for her Triathlon racing talent. Her aim is to travel to Europe to race as part of the European Xterra Tour.  The start of the tour is the of 10th June, Xterra in Belgium, then Xterra Finland, Xterra Switzerland, Xterra France, and finally on the 30th July – Xterra Italy.  It will be Jonsson’s first season racing with the pros as she works hard to reach her 2017 goal - competing in the ITU World Cross-Triathlon Championships in Canada on the 20th of August this year.  

Ends ### 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  

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..   

About Warrior RaceThe Warrior Race burst onto the scene in 2013 and spearheaded the sudden rise of obstacle course racing in South Africa. It quickly grew to up to 9000 participants per event and remains at the forefront of the growth spurt in the fledgling sport of obstacle racing with its larger than life obstacles and innovative courses to challenge South Africans. One of the reasons why obstacle racing is so popular, is because anyone can participate. All you need is a pair of old running shoes and a sense of adventure.  What makes obstacle racing unique is that it is one of only a few opportunities for athletes from different sporting codes to compete against each other on a level playing field. What is obstacle course racing?Obstacle course racing (OCR) is a sport in which a competitor completes a course on foot, encountering physical challenges/obstacles along the way. At Warrior Race, competitors are challenged by world-class obstacles that will involve jumping off a 6m or 4m platform into water, crawling through mud under a wire fence, battling up slippery slopes and running or swimming across water obstacles, hanging off ladders and ropes across distances and more. 

Upcoming 2017 Toyota Warrior Series events:

#Warrior4                             27-28 May                           Kwanyoni Lodge, Mpumalanga

#Warrior5                             19-20 August                       Blythdale, KwaZulu-Natal

#Warrior6                             16-17 September                 Tierpoort Adventure Farm, Gauteng

#Warrior7                             21-22 October                     Meerendal Wine Estate, Western Cape

#Warrior8                             25-26 November                  Riversands Farm, Gauteng To find out more about the Toyota Warrior Series, go to www.warrior.co.za