Seen here: The leading men’s teams in action during Stage Two of the Cell C AfricanX Trailrun presented by ASICS.
Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg
“Let Nature Give You A Run For Your Money”
Good team work paid off for Givemore Mudzinganyama and Edwin Sesipi of Team ASICS Boys Gauteng on Saturday, 18 March 2017, claiming their first stage victory of the weekend at the Cell C AfricanX Trailrun presented by ASICS in a deserving time of 02 hours 16 minutes 28 seconds.
Feeling the aftermath of Stage One’s racing in their legs, teams caught an early morning bus from the Houw Hoek Inn (Grabouw) to Rooisand (Kleinmond) for the start of Stage Two. Affectionately known as ‘Dress Up Day’, runners had to complete a 33km route before crossing the finish line at Wildekrans Wine Estate in Botriver.
“We had a really good race,” says an elated Sesipi. “We basically led from the start. At the first water point (6km in) we decided to hold back a bit. It was at the first climb that we moved to the front. The back group tried to close the gap, but we just maintained our pace, keeping our lead. The route was really nice. We enjoy the climbs and the downhills. I really enjoy running and claiming a stage victory with my best friend.”
According to Mudzinganyam, they wanted the stage victory. “I enjoy AfricanX because it features a really nice mix of terrain. The support that we receive from ASICS is amazing. They make the event even more special. Tomorrow we’ll take it easy and just focus on keeping our lead.”
Ben Matiso and Retsepile Khotle of Team Edunova were the second men’s team home on the day, while Chris Strydom and Rory Scheffer of Team Adidas finished third.
Reigning Champions Landie Greyling and Megan Mackenzie of Team Salomon Blondie secured their second stage victory of the weekend, completing the 33km route in an impressive time of 02 hours 48 minutes 53 seconds.
“Today was very nice,” says Greyling. “It was hard, but I really enjoyed the first half. My partner was awesome. We had a good Stage Two. It’s awesome to see how the competition in the women’s field has improved. We are psyched for Stage Three.” Keelyn Van Breda and Claire Horner of Team My Training Day came in second, while Leilani Scheffer and Carla Van Huyssteen of Team ASICS Ladies finished third.
Team Soul Running’s JC Visser and Danette Smith’s goal of a Stage Two victory came to fruition after 02 hours 38 minutes and 54 seconds of exceptional team work. “Today was great,” says a very happy Smith. “My partner was ill during Stage One, luckily he felt much better today. Coming from a road running background, the Stage Two route suited our style of running well. We wanted to win one stage, so today we felt a little more pressure. Our hard work paid off, and we are happy with the reward. AfricanX allows us to do what we love for three days. We’re surrounded by likeminded people at an event that is professionally run. We don’t want to miss out, so we’ll definitely be back each year.”
Team KWAY Nedbank’s AJ Calitz and Nicolette Griffioen came in second, while Ruan Van Der Merwe and Tumelo Matlou of Team Keyhealth Nevarest finished third.
Stage Three: Cell C AfricanX Trailrun presented by ASICS
| Stage Three: | Sunday, 19 March 2017 |
| Start Time: | 08:00 |
| Distance: | 23km |
| Start Venue: | Wildekrans Wine Estate |
| Finish Venue: | Houw Hoek Inn |
The leader board is currently as follows going into Stage Three:
Men’s Teams:
1 Edwin Sesipi and Givemore Mudzinganyama, Team Male ASICS Boys Gauteng 05:04:53
2 Ben Matiso and Retsepile Khotle, Team Edunova 05:10:04
3 Chris Strydom and Rory Scheffer, Team Adidas 05:19:32
Women’s Teams:
1 Landie Greyling and Megan Mackenzie, Team Salomon Blondies 06:08:36
2 Keelyn Van Breda and Claire Horner, Team My Training Day 06:15:45
3 Carla Van Huyssteen and Leilani Scheffer, Team ASICS 06:21:15
Mixed Teams:
1 AJ Calitz and Nicolette Griffioen, Team KWAY Nedbank 05:45:56
2 JC Visser and Danette Smith, Team Soul Runner 06:06:41
3 Ruan Van Der Merwe and Tumelo Matlou, Team Keyhealth Nevarest 06:42:11
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For additional information on the Cell C AfricanX Trailrun presented by ASICS contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045 or email entries@stillwatersports.com.
ENDS
Issued by: NEWSPORT MEDIA
On behalf of: STILLWATER SPORTS
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