THABANG DOES IT AGAIN AT 4 PEAKS

Despite coming into the race with injuries and 8 weeks of on-again off-again training, Thabang Madiba has taken podium position at the 2018 Trappers Bloemfontein 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge presented by Bloemfontein Courant and realised his goal of setting a new course record! He now holds the title for both the “forward” and “reverse” routes of the race.

“4 Peaks is always the toughest race on the calendar. I went into the race not feeling the greatest after having injuries and not being able to train consistently – so this result is amazing,” exclaims Thabang. “I said earlier this month that one of my goals was to set a new course record for this route and I am really thrilled to have been able to do that today!”

Thabang took first place in a time of 2hrs39min56sec, with Simon Tshabalala hot on his heels in 2nd place in 2hrs39min57sec and Sampie Makoekoe in 3rd place in 3hrs01min54sec.

The ladies race was won by last year’s reverse champion, Trude Carstens, in a time of 4hrs09min01sec, with Tara-Lea van Zyl in second place in a time of 4hrs09min02sec and Caryn Phipson taking 3rd place in a time of 4hrs21min08sec. “What an honour to not only be back at this amazing, but super tough race, but to take the title again!” says Trude Carstens. “The race went really well, I suffered a little bit in the last 8km which is when Tara-Lea caught up with me, but I was able to dig deep and pip her at the line!”

Great weather conditions ensured all athletes had a great run on the mountain. “We are delighted to have had such an exciting race between our top two men and ladies,” says race organiser Mike de Haast of Pure Adventures. “All in all it’s been a fantastic day out – we couldn’t have asked for more!”

Dubbed as the toughest 24km trail race in South Africa with a vertical accent of over 1800m, the race takes place on the picturesque Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve. The terrain is definitely not for the faint of heart and good preparation is a must. Four very distinctive peaks make up the race as one circle around the Moolmanshoek valley. The route is not marked, but is very easy to traverse with marshals and very clear signage at key places. There are some very steep sections along the route that need to be navigated with the two toughest places being behind Jakobsberg and Visierskerf. 4 Peaks is a completely unsupported race, meaning that all athletes will need to carry everything they will need for the race on their person.

For more information on the race and to find out how you can enter next year’s event, please visit http://4peaks.co.za/. Follow the race live on Facebook on @4PeaksMountainChallenge

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Notes to the editor:Leading Positions

1. Thabang Madiba 2hrs39min56sec
2. Simon Tshabalala 2hrs39min57sec 
3. Sampie Makoekoe 3hrs01min54sec

Top ladies

• Trude Carstens 4hrs03min02sec
• Brigitte Joubert 04hrs14min27sec 
• Martie Botes 04hrs14min27sec

For the rest of the category wins please visit https://app.sportraxs.com/en/event/4-peaks