Landie Greyling
Claude Eksteen (North Beach, Durban) had a stellar day out at Van Gaalens Cheese Farm, Hartbeespoort on Saturday, 28 September 2013 where he successfully defended his title at the New Balance IMPI Elite Race Gauteng#2. Top South African trail runner Landie Greyling (Stellenbosch) secured her first victory snatching the title from fellow trail runner and defending champion Anita Obrien.
“Today was good fun,” said an ecstatic Eksteen. “I’ve come full circle. The New Balance IMPI Elite Race GP#1 earlier this year was my first ever obstacle course race. It’s really nice to have been able to successfully defend my title. I pushed hard at the beginning. After the first 2 to 3 kilometres I was able to pull away and pretty much ran my own race for the rest of the course. Controlling my pace, I could actually enjoy the route. I definitely enjoyed today’s event more than the first one. I’m more experienced and a lot stronger than then. I enjoy the diversity of the New Balance IMPI Challenge. I’ve always loved running, while the obstacles keep it interesting challenging your weaknesses and your strengths. There’s also a great atmosphere at this event”. Eksteen completed the 18km trail run/25 obstacle course in an impressive time of 01hour43minutes33seconds. Eduan Neeb came in 2nd, while Jacobus Jonker finished third.
According to Landie Greyling the New Balance IMPI Elite Race is the toughest event she’s ever done. “I’ve seen a lot of photographs and I’ve watched the event highlights video, but it’s only once you’re taking part that you realise how much mental and physical strength this event requires. At the start I was still feeling the fatigue of last week’s Otter. The obstacles were super tough and I’m chuffed that I could complete all of them, even with my arms feeling like jelly. I’d definitely recommend that more women take part in the New Balance IMPI Challenge. Completing the obstacles is such an accomplishment. The vibe and spirit at this event is also awesome,” says Greyling who completed the course in a deserving time of 02hours07minutes34seconds. Nathalie Romeo came in 2nd, while Juanita Roots finished third.
EVENT INFORMATION:
Participants could enter individually or as part of a team (teams vary in size from 2 – 10 people, although team members start together, they do not need to finish together).
Venue: Van Gaalens Cheese Farm (Hartebeespoort / North West Province)
Format:
Saturday, 28 September 2013
New Balance IMPI Elite Race: 07:00 / 18km trail run featuring around 25 challenging obstacles
New Balance IMPI Challenger: 09:00 onwards / 12km trail run featuring around 18 fun obstacles
New Balance IMPI Kids: 08:30 – 12:00 / 1km trail run featuring fun obstacles for children
Sunday, 29 September 2013
New Balance IMPI Challenger: 07:00 onwards / 12km trail run featuring around 18 fun obstacles
New Balance IMPI Kids: 08:30 – 12:00 / 1km trail run featuring fun obstacles for children
Prize Money: Spanning over an approximate 18km route, Elite IMPIS needed to complete 25 challenging obstacles. Having been the first male and female competitor to cross the finish line after completing all 25 obstacles, both Claude Eksteen and Landie Greyling went home with a spectacular prize purse of R10 000.
Fancy Dress Competition: The best dressed individual and/or team entry as well as the IMPI with the most original war cry were awarded awesome prizes complements of our amazing sponsors.
Community Support: The New Balance IMPI Challenge supports the Woodside Special Care Centre, a private residential home for intellectually and physically disabled children and young adults. Established in 1976 the Woodside Special Care Centre offers a wide range of services designed to promote the development of each of its children.
The New Balance IMPI Challenge is a spectator friendly event, family and friends were invited to show support on the day, while soaking up the vibe in the Festival Village.
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