Entries are flying for the 2013 New Balance IMPI Challenge in Gauteng and sixty percent of all available entries sold out after the first day of registration yesterday. Due to popular demand, race organisers have once again increased the capacity of each event and have added KwaZulu-Natal to the IMPI calendar this year.
With its inception in 2009, the IMPI Challenge became the first trail adventure race of its kind in the country and quickly captured the attention of outdoor enthusiasts. It combines trail running with a military-style obstacle course and each event features a 12km track with 17 obstacles. Participants can enter in teams of two to ten members.
The IMPI Elite Challenge was introduced to accommodate serious competitors and puts competitors to the test on a 17km course with 21 obstacles. The male and female winners take home R10 000 in prize money.
Now in its fifth year, the event has grown exponentially and expectations are that close to 7000 participants will take on this epic event this year. According to IMPI Challenge director Michael Niemann, they have been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response from the public. “Our new website went live on Friday and registration for online entries opened on 4 February. IMPI enthusiasts literally snatched up 60% of the entries for both events in Gauteng within the first day. This is once again proof that the unique format of the IMPI is hugely appealing to a very diverse audience. It combines fun, fitness and the great outdoors in a very innovative way and seems to tick all the boxes for the athletes,” explains Niemann.
The 2013 New Balance IMPI Challenge series will kick off with a two-day adventure spectacular at Van Gaalens Cheese Farm in Hartebeespoort on 6 and 7 April. The event has been limited to 1500 entries per day and only a limited number of places remain available.
In May, this epic adventure makes its debut in KwaZulu-Natal at the picturesque Virginia Trials near Eston. The race will take place on Saturday, 18 May and only 500 entries will be made available. Online entries open on 27 February.
The Western Cape event will take place from 19 – 20 October at Lievland Wine Estate and Wiesenhof Legacy Parks. Only 2000 entries will be made available per day for the challenge with 100 entries available to elite athletes on the first day.
Early registration is available for subscribers to the IMPI Challenge mailing lists. Visit www.impichallenge.co.za to subscribe and for the full schedule of events.
URL: http://www.impichallenge.co.za
Twitter:
Facebook:
YouTube:
Author: Ronelda Visser from Peridot Communications. Originally distributed by MyPR.co.za.
No of Images Uploaded: Three
To gain access to Three image/s please Like, Tweet or +1 this article:
Images:
3-times winner of the New Balance IMPI Elite Challenge Charl Souma will be back to defend his title this year. Photographer: Alberto Pepler
Hundreds of athletes take to the outdoors for the fun and adventure of the New Balange IMPI Challenge. Photographer: Alberto Pepler
Teams of between two and ten members can enter the New Balance IMPI Challenge for the kick-off of the series in Gauteng on 6 and 7 April. Photographer: Jetline Action Photo
