Collins and Lombardi to defend title

The Lombardi

Reigning mixed team champions, Mark Collins and Michelle Lombardi will team up once again from 06 – 08 May 2011 to defend their title at the ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun presented by New Balance in Kleinmond.

According to Collins, he was impressed by the professional manner in which the 2010 ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun was run.“Stage One of the AfricanX Trailrun was by far my favourite stage.  Teaming up with Michelle was great.  She is experienced and knows how to set the pace for a three stage race, always keeping a little something in reserve.  When choosing a partner it is important to ensure that you share the same goal.  Mutual respect is also a key factor as this will help you to deal with the various obstacles thrown at you over the three day period.  With regard to preparing for the race, it’s important to train for the duration and not the distance as trail races take more time than road races.  Do as much of the training on trails as possible and prepare your legs, heart and lungs for those two big climbs.  My advice to 2011 competitors would be to hold back a little on Stage One and Two, and keep hydrated. When you’re thirsty it’s too late,” says Collins.

For Lombardi the most memorable part of the 2010 event was running her first marathon distance.  “I just loved the AfricanX routes and the fact that I got to run my first marathon distance on Stage Two made it all the more memorable.  My strengths lie in the technical terrain. I’m a pure trail runner and prefer technical terrain over the big open roads.  Mark knows me extremely well, that in itself is one of our team strengths.  He lets me set the pace, never pushing me faster than I want to go.  This is extremely important in a mixed team as the male athlete should always be the stronger of the two, but should not push the female athlete over the edge.  The toughest part of participation is when you are the one having a bad day or are injured.  It feels awful to let your partner down.  That is what makes it different from individual racing.  The AfricanX is a fun, well organised event,” says Lombardi.

Mixed Teams to watch out for:  Collins and Lombardi will face tough competition from Raoul De Jongh and Katya Soggot, while husband and wife duo Iain and Su Don-Wauchope are also not to be underestimated.

Event Information:

Date:                                            6, 7 & 8 May 2011
Format:                                       Three-day stage race / teams of two (male/female/mixed)
Venue:                                        Starting & ending in Kleinmond (Western Cape) each day
Start & Distance: Stage 1:   09h00 – 23.7km / 599m Elevation
Stage 2:             08h00 – 43.3km / 952m Elevation
Stage 3:             08h00 – 21.5km / 452m Elevation

Following a cloverleaf format, runners will finish in Kleinmond on each of the three days.  Their accommodation, meals and entertainment will remain in the same place for the duration of the race.  The race village in Kleinmond will be a hive of activity with entertainment throughout the day, which makes the event ideally suited as a family breakaway.  Family and friends are encouraged to show support along various vantage points along the route.

The ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun presented by New Balance only has room for 250 teams.  A limited number of entries are still available however, slots are filling up fast.  ENTER NOW to avoid disappointment!