Bailey and Brimble win AfricanX

Christiaan and Landie Greyling

Michael Bailey and Ben Brimble of Team ProNutro Asics claimed victory at the 2013 ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun presented by New Balance in Elgin Grabouw on Sunday, 21 April 2013.  Team ProNutro Asics completed the 24km Stage Three Route in an awe-inspiring time of 01hours44minutes45seconds.

According to Bailey, although he felt stronger today, he didn’t expect the pace to be so fast during Stage Three.  “Our plan for today was to hang on to Kane Reilly and Nicholas Rupanga.  Kane set the crazy pace of today.  Nicholas was however, struggling and adrenalin just kicked in for us.   The Stage Three route was nice, but my favourite would definitely be Stage Two.  Winning my third AfricanX title was definitely on my mind the entire weekend.  It gave me confidence and is a great achievement for me.  The ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun is a lot of fun.  A three day stage race just builds a lot of character and is great for socializing.  We would definitely like to come back next year,” says Bailey.  Kane Reilly and Nicholas Rupanga of Team Salomon came in second, while Bernard Rakadza and Eddie Lambert of Team Contego finished third.

In the women’s race Kathleen Shuttleworth and Ronel Nattrass of Team Mizuno were taking no chances completing the stage in a well deserved time of 02hours09minutes47seconds.  For Shuttleworth the Stage Three route was very easy.  “We were very relaxed today.  We did push harder in the beginning so that we wouldn’t have any pressure at the end.  The route was very nice with rolling hills and a tough bit towards the end.  The ProNutro AfricanX route is really friendly and ideal for road runners transitioning into trail running.  I am very relieved to successfully defend my title.  I’m not sure whether I’ll be back next year, I’m getting too old for racing,” laughs Shuttleworth.  Chantel Nienaber and Kerry Sillifant of Team Running Wild finished third.

Husband and wife duo Landie and Christiaan Greyling of Team iON Salomon embodied the definition of team work, completing Stage Three in an impressive time of 02hours03minutes37seconds.  “We are relieved that the race is over, but elated to have won,” says Landie.  “We did some real trail running today.  Both Christiaan and I felt strong and are pleased with our strong finish.  The ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun was perfectly organised and is ideal for every kind of runner whether a novice or a professional.  It presents you with a nice challenge, while having a great vibe.  We’ll definitely be back next year”.  Su and Iain Don Wauchope of Team Mountain Splendour came in second, while Guy Morel and Ingrid Peens of Team Fleet Foxes finished third.

Over all winners (Stage 1, 2 and 3 combined):

Michael Bailey and Ben Brimble of Team ProNutro Asics walked off with official title of ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun presented by New Balance champions in the men’s categories with a combined finishing time of 06hours26minutes05seconds.  Team Salomon came in second, while Team KWay Vivo Gu finished third.

Landie and Christiaan Greyling comfortably won the mixed team category of the ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun presented by New Balance with a combined finishing time of 07hours28minutes59seconds.

Kathleen Shuttleworth and Ronel Nattrass took gold in the women’s race with a combined finishing time of 07hours 51minutes43seconds.  Team Running Wild came in second, while Team Columbia finished third.

EVENT INFORMATION

Stage One:

Date:                        Friday, 19 April 2013
Distance:                31km
Total Ascent:        800m
Start Venue:         Houw Hoek Inn
Finish Venue:      Houw Hoek Inn

Stage Two:

Date:                        Saturday, 20 April 2013
Distance:                33km
Total Ascent:        900m
Start Venue:         Ongegund
Finish Venue:      Oude Molen Brandy Distillery
 
Stage Three:

Date:                        Sunday, 21 April 2013
Distance:                24km
Total Ascent:        750m
Start Venue:         Paul Cluver Amphitheatre
Finish Venue:      Houw Hoek Inn