The Continental Run2Stop Challenge raced out of the starting blocks six days ago at The Tyre Guys N1 City in Goodwood, Cape Town. With two teams competing in an ‘Amazing Race’ type of event towards the bright lights of Jo’Burg, the epic 12 day event is sure to see a tight finish on 3 August.
In order to showcase the innovation of the Continental Rubber Compound Technology found on the Adistar Ride 3 trainers, Continental Tyre SA called on one running team of nine members and one driving team of four in a head-to-head race from Cape Town to Johannesburg.
The drivers took to the roads in an event branded Audi Q7, sporting the high performance SUV tyres, ContiCrossContact SUV tyres versus the runners who hit the tar in their Adistar Ride 3 trainers comprised of a Continental rubber sole. The ultimate test of man versus machine, both on Continental rubber.
Despite the 1300km journey ahead for the athlete’s and just under 6000kms for the drivers, getting to the halfway point has not been an easy ride with a further obstacle of sub-zero weather conditions.
Running team captain Brad Brown from 94.7 Highveld Stereo is determined to beat opposing driving captain Bradley Carnell of Supersport United; “This certainly is a challenge ! We’ve been battered by some really strong winds which has made it a true test of staying power. Running through the Karoo was exceptionally cold and despite being hit by snow, the team is in high spirits and making good time. Look out driving team!”
As part of their course, the driving team are required to stop at 28 ContiPartner Stores on route and undergo a series of tasks. Former Bafana Bafana captain Bradly Carnell is proud of his team and the progress they have made; “The first task has been the hardest up to this point – the ‘Olifants River canoe race’ question really caught us off guard. We had such fun doing the treasure hunt at the Delvera Estate, it was just a pity they wouldn’t let us take those five vintage bottles of wine with us!”
Other than sparing a few empathetic thoughts to their competitors braving the unpredictable weather, the drivers are quite content to be behind closed doors, with Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth being their next stops.
Fortunately, the runners have reported that the Continental rubber compound on the soles of the trainers have saved them a few hiccups by providing that extra-needed grip. They managed to cover a greater distance on the stretch from Wellington to Ceres, which relieved the pressure somewhat from the Sutherland leg. The route from Carnarvon to Prieska has just seen them complete 125km’s of running in one day, with Douglas being their next destination.
With the energy gaining more momentum as both teams creep closer towards the Roodepoort finish line, it is still unclear as to who will cross the finish line first. As the ultimate challenge between man and machine, it will no doubt be left until the last driving team task or uphill run to determine the winner.
The Run2Stop Challenge will be in Port Elizabeth on 30 July at 8:30am at Barkhuizen Tyres.
