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Brother and Sister duo set to run hard and have fun at the AFRICANX TRAILRUN

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“Let Nature Give You A Run For Your Money”

The competition in the Mixed Team Category of the AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day Stage Race, that will take place at the Houw Hoek Hotel (Western Cape) the weekend of 17 – 19 March 2023, has gone up a level with the pairing up of brother and sister duo Stuart Marais (Addo, Eastern Cape) and Kerry-Ann Marshall (Newlands, Cape Town).

Kerry-Ann claimed gold in the Mixed Team category of the AFRICANX TRAILRUN in 2022. Not only did she and then teammate AJ Calitz complete the three stages in a well-deserved combined time of 06 hours 13 minutes 36 seconds, but they dominated the category by claiming all three stage victories that weekend.

“I love being immersed in nature and being part of such an incredible and special community of people,” says Marshall. “I also love the competitive side to this amazing event. I look forward to cruising along the beautiful trails with my brother, and being part of the vibe, and don’t forget the delicious meals. It’s worth running with someone who has a similar approach to you when it comes to a weekend like AFRICANX. This won’t be the first time that we race together. Many years ago, we did a small adventure race together, and last year we ran a multi-stage event called The Great Zuurberg Trail Run in the Eastern Cape. We have done many years of running together throughout our lives. Stu is a legend, and it’s a bonus that he is my brother. We know each other well. We love to run hard but also have tons of fun in the process.”

“My strength is to keep moving forward, while Stu is superhuman and makes running look so effortless,” continues Marshall. “He is always so strong, in body and mind. The one word that best describes Stu is POWER! Our team strength is the ability to run hard, while encouraging each other and having a lot of fun. It is a real privilege for me to be able to share the trails with my brother. Achieving the top spot on the podium would be a bonus especially since AFRICANX is such an iconic multi-stage event in SA.”

Marais admits to having unfinished business with the AFRICANX TRAILRUN.

“I took part a couple of years ago, but fell ill on the second day,” says Marais. “I was gutted that I could not continue that year and have extra motivation to race and enjoy it this time around. AFRICANX is SA’s most iconic multi-stage trail running event. I am familiar with some of the trails around that area but cannot wait to see where the route takes us this year. Stillwater Sports has a reputation second to none and always puts on an incredible show.”

“Racing with someone who understands you is critical,” admits Marais. “We both love running and our competitive mindset allows us to push each other to a relatively high level of performance. The toughest part for me will be hanging onto K-A (Kerry-Ann) as she hops and skips her way up the mountains each day. Our sports careers have always taken us in different directions, so to have this opportunity to run with my sister is pretty amazing.”

EVENT INFORMATION: AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day Stage Race

DATE: Friday 17 – Sunday 19 March 2023
VENUE: Houw Hoek Hotel (Western Cape)
EVENT FORMAT: 3-Day Stage Trail Run
ENTRY FORMAT: Teams of Two Runners (male / female / mixed)

DISTANCE:

Stage 1: +- 24 km
Stage 2: +- 32 km
Stage 3: +- 18 km

ENTRY FEE OPTIONS:

OPTION 1: Standard / R3600.00 per runner
OPTION 2: Standard plus dinner / R4200.00 per runner
OPTION 3: Standard plus dinner & tent / R4600.00 per runner

ENTRIES CLOSE: Monday 06 March 2023

‘SANET WENTZEL SPIRIT’ AWARD: Event Organiser, Stillwater Sports, is calling on all entrants to submit their nominations for the event’s treasured ‘Sanet Wentzel Spirit’ Award. Introduced in the second year of the AFRICANX TRAILRUN (2010) in honour of Sanet Wentzel, an Oudtshoorn based athlete who passed away tragically at the end of 2009, the ‘Sanet Wentzel Spirit’ Award honours the AFRICANX’s most inspirational athletes, athletes who persevere irrespective of the adversity that they face. Nominations for the award can be sent to nominations to entries@stillwatersports.com Read more here: https://www.stillwatersports.com/news/africanx-searches-for-the-next-recipient-of-its-sanet-wentzel-spirit-award/

DRESS UP COMPETITION: The AFRICANX TRAILRUN will once again close off on a high note with entrants vying for the coveted title of ‘Best Dressed Team’ on Sunday during the third and final stage of the event. The competition is fierce, with trail runners pulling out all the stops to secure the coveted ‘Best Dressed Team’ title. To be in the running to be crowned the ‘Best Dressed Team’ and win an entry into the 2024 AFRICANX TRAILRUN both runners need to wear their outfits for the duration of the stage, from start to finish. Read more here: https://www.stillwatersports.com/news/dress-up-and-win-with-africanx/

Follow us on Facebook: @runtheafricanx / @stillwatertrail
Follow us on Instagram: @runtheAFRICANX / @stillwater_trail_running
Hashtag: #MyAFRICANX #RunTheAFRICANX

For additional information on the AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day Stage Race please visit www.stillwatersports.com, contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045 or email entries@stillwatersports.com.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.