Voet van Afrika - The Toughest Race with the Warmest Heart

On Saturday 2 September 2022 runners were taken to their destinations for the two races 42.2km and 21.1km. It was an early departure, it was dark and extremely cold, however, the athletes’ ‘spirits’ were high. The start of the 42.2km was at 06h00 on the Elim Road which is approximately 8.5km from Bredasdorp with transport leaving Bredasdorp at 04h45. The 21.1km start was at 07h30 from Grashoek with transport leaving Bredasdorp at 05h45. This is a unique experience and it is always fun to watch the reaction of ‘first time’ runners to this event. “If you looking for comfort (tongue in cheek), not so, it is a bumpy ride, hold on tight and huddle together for a trip that you won’t forget”. No matter the ‘ride’ we arrived safely to be greeted with tea / coffee and warm fires. We removed our tracksuits with only minutes to go before the start of the 21.1km (which I was participating in - my 22nd Voet van Afrika 21.1km race.).

The weather was kind to us and the organizers did themselves very proud, a well-organized race with excellent water points and more. It was tough, with a few of us taking a tumble and the uphills to the finishing line were a challenge. When entering the school gate, we felt relief, ran round the sports field to the finish line and when we received our medals we knew - ‘we did it!’

After I finished my race, I had the privileged to chat with Mthandazo Qhina, winner of the 42.2km race, a wonderful inspirational gentleman who has won this event a few times. I was proud to have my photo taken next to him and Eagle Security Director Anneri Carstens who took care of the security of the event and of me at the finish line.

The results of the races 42.2km, 21.1km and 10km:

• Winner: 42.2km Women - Jade Bucklow - Time: 3:23:25
• Winner: 42.2km Men - Mthandazo Qhina - Time: 2:46:42 and King of the Mountain

• Winner: 21.1km Women - Obertina Kanyongo - Time: 1:47:06
• Winner: 21.1km Men - Gilbert Mutandiro - Time: 1:20:15

• Winner: 10km Women Junior - Alexis Nell - Time: 57:59
• Winner: 10km Men Junior - Elrino September - Time: 35:14
• Winner: 10km Women Senior - Ilse Human - Time: 48:38
• Winner: 10km Men Senior - Gavin Oerson - Time: 35:14

The results of the 20km trail run:

• Winner: Women - Carla Beyers - Time: 2:04:29
• Winner: Men - Nelius Smith - Time: 1:40:59

Thank you to everyone who made this event enjoyable for all the athletes, it is good to be back running the Voet van Afrika races. See you all next year!!

Julia Barlow

21.1km participant

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