Kathleen Shuttleworth and Ronel Nattrass
Kathleen Shuttleworth (Claremont) and Ronel Nattrass (Stellenbosch) will be seen testing their trail running prowess the weekend of 19 – 21 April 2013 when they take on the 5th annual ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun presented by New Balance, South Africa’s most exciting three day stage trail run.
“I am pleased by the venue shift from Kleinmond to Houw Hoek,” says Shuttleworth. “I have taken part at the ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun in Kleinmond twice already and am keen to explore new areas. Team work and choosing the correct partner is very important when taking on the ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun. The team dynamic needs to be so good that although you’re running with someone, you need to feel as if you’re running on your own. Both runners will go through bad patches over the weekend and you’ll need to help each other through it. I am really strong on the hills, while Ronel is a silent vasbyter and has a great sense of humour. We work well as a team as Ronel is the young speedster, while I am the old workhorse. I suspect that we will have strong competition from Theresa Fourie and Belinda Noades of Team Columbia. I ran with Theresa many years ago, she is a machine. This year I am training a lot harder than in 2012. The 2012 ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun was too hectic with me having to chase my partner around the mountain. Our strategy will be to pace well,” says Shuttleworth who took gold in the women’s race at the 2012 ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun with then partner Nicole Marais.
According to Nattrass, your partner can make or break you. “It’s important to know your partner so well that you can see when she is taking strain. Communication is also vital when taking on the ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun. You need to be able to rely on your partner to communicate how she is feeling throughout the race. The most memorable part of the 2012 ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun is definitely the views. It doesn’t matter how hard the climb is, you know you will have an awesome view from the top. This makes it all worthwhile. Kathleen is hard as nails. She will kick into gear and keep it there. She is also a good climber. Coming from a road running background she also has speed. All in all a good combination of everything it takes to be a good trail runner. My advice to newcomers would be to just go out and enjoy it. Don’t worry about coming last because chances are very good you won’t. Take in the scenery, stop and take photos and enjoy the vibe. A race like this has a very unique vibe that you won’t find at any of the one day races. You get to know the people that run with you every day and the camaraderie is really great,” says Nattrass.
Teamwork forms an essential part of the ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun presented by New Balance, as participants will have to rely on each other’s experience, strength and expertise in order to complete the route. Teams of two (male/female/mixed) will be seen battling it out on a route varying in distance between 25-33km each day. The three routes have been planned in such a way that the participants will have the opportunity to tackle a different breathtaking scenic route each day, allowing them to enjoy the full beauty of the Overberg.
EVENT INFORMATION:
DATE: 19 – 21 April 2013
FORMAT: Three-day stage race / teams of two (male/female/mixed)
VENUE: Festival Village on the grounds of the Houw Hoek Inn
DISTANCE: Between 25km – 33km each day
REGISTRATION:
Registration will take place over two days.
DATE: Saturday 13 April 2013
VENUE: New Balance Store, Canal Walk, Cape Town
TIME: 10h00-18h00
DATE: Thursday 18 April 2013
VENUE: Race Village, Houw Hoek Inn
TIME: 14h00-20h00
Entries are limited to 300 teams.
The race village in Houw Hoek will be a hive of activity with entertainment throughout the day, which makes the event ideally suited as a family breakaway. Family and friends will also be able to support the athletes at various vantage points along the route.
PHOTO CREDIT ~ Brett Nattrass Photography
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