Anda Mbambalala
Your Favourite Trail run race?
Trail run super league series.
Your Favourite Local Trail run?
Newlands Forests because it’s familiar ground and convenient.
What got you into trail running, what do you love about it?
I was always told that trail running is difficult because of the terrain, and this is what got me to do it to challenge myself. I now enjoy it, the scenery, peaceful environment and just being on an adventure.
What are your trail aspirations?
I aspire to complete a trail run marathon within the next year.
What is your biggest achievement or race you completed?
I recently completed Comrades marathon earning a Robert Mtshali medal in a time of 09:29:16.
Antonio Gambino
Your Favourite Trail run race?
I absolutely adore every aspect of the UTCT 100km event, from the exhilarating broadcast to the enthusiastic crowd cheers. This race offers a diverse range of terrains, including jeep tracks, single tracks, and challenging techical tracks. With a 24-hour time limit, running under the night sky is also incorporated into the experience. Fortunately, I had a supportive crew who took care of me at different checkpoints, making it the best trail running encounter I've ever had!
Your Favourite Local Trail run?
Newlands Forest presents an abundance of trail options, allowing you to select your desired level of elevation for your training run. The interconnected trails seamlessly span from Constantia to Town, providing a diverse and extensive network of trails to explore.
What got you into trail running, what do you love about it?
On the first day of lockdown level 3, I eagerly ventured onto the trails for the very first time. Craving a change from the confines of home, I discovered a revitalizing escape on the trails, filling my lungs with a much-needed breath of fresh air. What captivates me the most is the way it effortlessly diverts my attention away from daily concerns, as I immerse myself in navigating the diverse terrain
What are your trail aspirations?
My trail running ambitions encompass participating in races across South Africa, such as UTD, George MUT, Cederberg races, ADDO, and exploring events throughout the world, including Cappadicia, Western States 100, and UTMB. Specifically, I envision my inaugural 100-mile race to be Karkloof.
What is your biggest achievement or race you completed?
My most significant running accomplishment thus far has been successfully completing the UTCT 100km race in 2022. It stands out as the most enjoyable trail race I've ever experienced, as I didn't experience any cramps and maintained a constant smile throughout. I am truly exhilarated and looking forward to participating in many more races in the future!
Erika Holland
Your Favourite Trail run race?
The Cederberg holds a special spot in my heart for many reasons; it is the first place my husband and I went away together prior to getting married and where we got engaged and subsequently married. Hands down, it is one of the most wild and beautiful places in the world; running in those mountains is a true adventure and immersion in all that is beautiful and wild in the world. Therefore, I have to give it to the Cederberg Traverse and Kromrivier Beast (both in the Cederberg), as being two of my favorite races I have ever competed.
Your Favourite Local Trail run?
One of the most beautiful and wild local runs, with a mixture of technical and runnable terrain, and some good vert, has to be the Noordhoek, Chappies, Silvermine, Noordhoek loop. Going up chappies from Noordhoek side provides one with the most amazing coastal views of both Noordhoek and Hout Bay. From Chappies Peak, I love to traverse around the beautiful contour to Blackburn Ravine, which you climb into Silvermine, for some views of False Bay and the City. Thereafter you run through Silvermine, for some nice rolling trails, back to Noordhoek.
What got you into trail running, what do you love about it?
My journey with trail running started in 2015 when my husband introduced me to it and since then I have never looked back; my only regret is not having found it sooner. Having grown up in a family plagued by a vicious cycle of toxic addictions, prioritization of my mental health had been pivotal. Running has proved me with this space; it is a healthy outlet, which brings me life and light and enhances my sense of purpose. The confidence gained through my achievements on the trail have manifested in other aspects of my life, both personally and professionally. Once a timid, shy and unsure person, I am now confident of my abilities and skills and I manifest my future. It is my mission to encourage other women to believe in themselves and their capabilities and to find passion and purpose through their connection with the trails and the earth. I firmly trust that running can be used a vesicle to accomplish such.
What are your trail aspirations?
This year, I have traversed into the 100KM space. I plan to compete in Ultra Trail Cape Town (UTCT) 100KM in November 2023 and will trek in Patagonia in December 2023. I have further aspirations of running UTMB and a 100KM trail race in the USA on my home turf. I also want to run the whole Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape (Kei Mouth to Port Edward), an area very near and dear to my heart, in an effort to fund raise for the Pondoland Communities.
What is your biggest achievement or race you completed?
Although I have won a few local races, i.e. those in the Cederberg, I think my proudest accomplishment to date was my performance on the George MUT 100KM. It was my first 100KM race, and I finished 4th lady and 14th overall in a time of 15 hours 57 minutes.
Julian Veermeer
Your Favourite Trail run race?
Get asked this question a lot and to be honest no single race is quiet like the other. Each offering a unique experience. One would need to categorise them into segments being mountain running, Sky running, coastal running or short/long time in nature gaining time on the legs to be able to answer that question fairly
Your Favourite Local Trail run?
Living in Stellenbosch I would have to opt for being biased and saying either Maxi Winelands or for a more social weekend away close to home with friends and local trail running community StillWater Sports African X. But for the shorter one day trail runs I would say any of Runventures Races. There's just so many to choose from it's hard to say just one.
What got you into trail running, what do you love about it?
Coming from a road running background and having run almost all Western Cape ASA Races then covid. Living out in Stellenbosch I found myself in exploring more and more what my backyard had to offer and fell in love with the trails out here. And once things started going back to normal having trail running races be the first to get the green light to startup again. I found myself running more trail races than road. Having a partner that enjoyed the trails and getting out in nature just as much. We spent our free time hitting the trails more and more. Making weekend missions of taking part in trail races around the Western Cape. The love of the trail and the community which surrounds it is nothing like I had experience before and meeting like minded nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts which I could relate to, made my fall even more in love with the privilege of exploring some of the most beautiful parts of our beloved country.
What are your trail aspirations?
To one day run and complete the full Ultra Trail Mont Blanc.
What is your biggest achievement or race you completed?
UTCT 100 Miler
Marissa Groenewald
Your Favourite Trail run race?
UHTM in KZN (Upper Highway Trail Marathon)
Your Favourite Local Trail run?
Krantzkloof Nature Reserve (KZN)
What got you into trail running, what do you love about it?
Having moved around a lot, it was a way for me to familiarize myself with the area and surrounding beauty. I also learned the value of networking with like-hearted and minded people who share a love for the outdoors.
I love the element of discovery, the pristine beauty in nature, and opportunity to disconnect from my fast pace world.
What are your trail aspirations?
To keep discovering (for me) new uncharted trails (local and international) and becoming the best version of myself on trail - regardless of positions or podiums.
What is your biggest achievement or race you completed?
1st place UTD62 2023 (Giants Cup).
Considering it was the furthest distance I’ve ever run, both on road and trail (at the time)
Musa Dliso
Your Favourite Trail run race?
UTCT
Your Favourite Local Trail run?
Tuesday Trails, it’s a local run in Cape Town every Tuesday with like minded people.
What got you into trail running, what do you love about it?
I started running trail after my cousin passed away and it helped deal with challenges and I believe sport in general is possibly the best medicine for mental health.
What are your trail aspirations?
I would love to run the Kilimanjaro Ultra and UTMB.
What is your biggest achievement or race you completed?
This year I have ran 3 Ultras and the conditions have been not favourable, however, finish in the top 50 in all the races has been my
biggest achievement and making new friends is always a win.
Ryno Owen
Your Favourite Trail run race?
Skyrun Mont Rochelle
Your Favourite Local Trail run?
Trail running in Hogsback will always be one of my favourite locations. The Stellenbosch mountains are also some of my favourite playgrounds such as the Jonkershoek trails and summitting Botmaskop and Stellenboschberg.
What got you into trail running, what do you love about it?
Having moved around a lot, it was a way for me to familiarize myself with the area and surrounding beauty. I also learned the value of networking with like-hearted and minded people who share a love for the outdoors.
I love the element of discovery, the pristine beauty in nature, and opportunity to disconnect from my fast pace world.
What are your trail aspirations?
I am competing in the XTERRA World Champs in Italy this September and want to achieve a podium position.
What is your biggest achievement or race you completed?
I won my age category at the 2022 Cross Triathlon World Championships in Targu Mures, Romania.
Shaundre Jacobs
Your Favourite Trail run race?
I have two favourite trail races, the one is the Maxi Race because it takes place on our home-grounds, Stellenbosch, which is the heart of the Winelands. Then my other favourite trail race is Ultra Trail Cape Town due to the technical terrein it offers. I absolutely love challenging trails.
Your Favourite Local Trail run?
My favourite trail run is our local weekly trail run at Stellies Shake Out Crew, which takes place every Thursday at 18:00 on the Coetzenburg, Eden forest, Idas Valley or Botmaskop trails. In addition, I love doing my weekend long runs in our backyard, namely Jonkershoek nature reserve.
What got you into trail running, what do you love about it?
The thrill of being out in nature and exploring trails and mountains peaks. I never knew I had such an adventurous soul, until I started doing trail running. And now I get withdrawal symptoms if I do not get out in nature. I truly feel trail running is a form of meditation for me, because it brings me total peace and serenity.
What are your trail aspirations?
I am planning on running my longest distance yet in the Maxi Race 75km this year. I am looking forward to giving my best and to see where my limits are and what my body is capable of.
What is your biggest achievement or race you completed?
Every race is an achievement for me because I learn something new about myself every time. I have raced in so many races, ranging from Jonkershoek mountain challenge, Maxi Race, UTCT and many others and they all meant something special to me. The biggest achievement for me personally was when I completed the 13 peaks challenge last year in 3 days and raised funds for a charity wherein myself and a group of trail runners contributed to the bridge the gap cause in order to end period poverty.
Tenisha Roos
Your Favourite Trail run race?
My favourite trail run race is the Langeberg Skyrace. That mountain is magnificent and the trail itself is absolutely breathtaking. It keeps you on your toes and does not allow any slacking.
Your Favourite Local Trail run?
I love the Stellenbosch Three peaks challenge route. I grew up in Stellenbosch and I love these mountains. I am a sucker for a technical route that involves lots of climbing. The reward of beautiful views out ways the suffering on the climbs.
What got you into trail running, what do you love about it?
I was raised in Stellenbosch and Jonkershoek Nature Reserve was basically my backyard, how could you not run in a place like that. I have always been an introvert and was looking for a place to grow and experience nature on a different level. I love to experience the power of the mountain and the thrill of the unknown. There is always more to see as life on the mountains are everchanging. I enjoy seeing animals and getting to know the flora of each area I choose to explore. The beauty of the trails and its surroundings is more than enough to keep me going. I love sharing these moments and runs with friends and showing them around if they are unfamiliar with an area.
What are your trail aspirations?
My main goal is to start doing ultras. I love long distance running, especially if there is lots of climbing involved.
What is your biggest achievement or race you completed?
Over the last couple of years, I have gotten out of my comfort zone and started believing in myself and my capabilities. I have started completing the challenges I have always dreamed about and shared great experiences with like-minded people. I consider the fact that I have found my true passion and keep on training and improving myself as one of my biggest achievements.