“Let Nature Give You A Run For Your Money”
THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN ambassadors, Nicholas Rupanga (Kenilworth, Cape Town), Franza Landman (East London), Ashraf Orrie (Plumstead, Cape Town) and Blake Dyason (Hout Bay, Cape Town) are counting down the days to the inaugural THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 1-Day XPERIENCE that will take place at the much-loved Paul Cluver Wines, Grabouw (Western Cape) on Saturday 18 September 2021.
South Africa’s premier three-day stage trail run, the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN was founded in 2009 and is synonymous with magnificent trails, spectacular views, mouth-watering food, a relaxed atmosphere and great vibe. In 2021 event organisers, Stillwater Sports, announced a national series of events that will take runners to the Western Cape, North-West Province, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
Having only missed one event, in 2014 due to injury, trail legend Nicholas Rupanga has crossed the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN finish line 10 out of the 11 times. Rupanga finished first in the inaugural event in 2009 with team member Patrick Cox. According to Rupanga the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN is unique. “It’s a well organised family event that caters for both trail runners and road runners,” says Rupanga. “It’s great that the event has expanded into a series of events as it will allow AFRICANX runners to explore new trails from province to province. The THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN changed my life and my running career for the best, so I can’t miss any of the events.”
“The list of things that attracts me to the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN is endless,” says Franza Landman. “From the welcoming and well organised registration to the fabulous vibe, efficient, helpful and friendly staff – it’s just a well organised event. It’s amazing to see proudly South African brands like AFRICANX, THIRSTI and First Ascent align. Without the incredible sponsors it wouldn’t be possible to host the event. We are truly grateful. I don’t want to miss any of the AFRICANX events, the FOMO will be unbearable. I guarantee that once newcomers to the sport have experienced the AFRICANX vibe at the 1-Day event they will want more.”
For Ashraf Orrie aka Mr O, it’s the pristine trails that attracts him to the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN. “Expanding AFRICANX into a national series of events is a great initiative,” says Orrie. “We are spoilt in the Western Cape, so it’s great to share the love with the North-West Province, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. I am really chuffed that the 1-Day event will take place in the same region as the 3-Day event. We will still make a weekend of it. I’m looking forward to running some beautiful trails, receiving a great medal and event t-shirt and of course enjoying the really good food.”
The THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day Stage Race was Blake Dyason’s first multi day trail run. “AFRICANX will always be special to me,” says Dyason. “I love the team and vibe at this event. Sponsors are important to our sport and it’s amazing to see South African brands like THIRSTI getting behind trail running and becoming part of this community. I am definitely going to try to take part in all the AFRICANX events. I look forward to seeing new places and making new friends. I love Paul Cluver, I am fortunate enough to have run and cycled on the farm before. It’s really a beautiful farm. We are definitely in for a treat at the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 1-Day XPERIENCE in September.”
EVENT CALENDAR: THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN
1. THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 1-Day XPERIENCE
Date: Saturday 18 September 2021
Venue: Paul Cluver Wines, Grabouw (Western Cape)
Format: 1-Day Trail Run
Entry Format: Individual Entry
Entry Fees:
• OPTION 1: 6km / R100
• OPTION 2: 12km / R350
• OPTION 3: 24km / R600
• OPTION 4: 42km / R950
2. THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day Stage Race
Date: Saturday 19 – Monday 21 March 2022
Venue: Houw Hoek Hotel (Western Cape)
Format: 3-Day Stage Trail Run
Entry Format: Teams of Two Runners (male / female / mixed)
Entry Fees:
• OPTION 1: R3600 per runner
• OPTION 2: R4200 per runner
• OPTION 3: R4600 per runner
3. THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 2-Day XPLORE
Date: Saturday 09 – Sunday 10 April 2022
Venue: Normandien Farms (Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal)
Format: 2-Day Stage Trail Run
Entry Format: Individual Entry
Entry Fees: R2950 per runner
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Follow us on Instagram: @thirstiwater / @runtheAFRICANX / @stillwater_trail_running
Hashtag: #MyAFRICANX #RunTheAFRICANX
For additional information on the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day, 2-Day and/or 1-Day events please visit www.stillwatersports.com, contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045 or email entries@stillwatersports.com.
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