Monday, 14 November 2011 07:25
Arnett wins 12th Skyrun; third time lucky for Doke
Bruce Arnett won the Salomon Skyrun presented by Thule for an unprecedented 12th time late yesterday (two titles were shared). Arnett crossed the line at Wartrail Country club at 21:45, sum 16 hours and 39 minutes after leaving Lady Grey. Isaac Mazibuko (who won the Thule 4Peaks Mountain Challenge earlier this year) made his way from ninth at the top of the Bridle Path (the penultimate check point) to finish second, nearly two hours later.
Salomon brand ambassador Lance Chapman and Nico Schoeman, (who had some navigational issues after the batteries on his GPS died) crossed the line together for tied third place.
In fifth place overall was Salomon runner Linda Doke, the first woman home. She was followed 30 minutes later by Su Don Wauchope in a time of 21h25min. Don Wauchope also finished in the top ten overall.
“That was like five Comrades,” said Gerhard Beukes, who crossed the line with Don Wauchope. “That was my second Skyrun and right now I don’t know if there will be more,” he said after a warm shower and meal at Wartrail Country Club. “But in a week’s time all I’ll remember is the good times and the spectacular scenery. So of course I’ll be back.” He said.
IT’S A JOURNEY, NOT A RACE
Echoing his sentiments and epitomising the personal journey this extreme challenge is, was Matthew De Haast, “I had a full-on fight with myself coming down Balloch Wall (the most iconic obstacle in the race),” he said. “Total little temper-tantrum, but then I put some music on my iPod and pushed on.” De Haast was lying in top ten before a navigational error sent him way off-course after midnight. He eventually trudged into Wartrail at 06:15 on Sunday in 18th place.
INFO ON SALOMON SKYRUN
The Salomon Skyrun presented by Thule is an ultra-distance, high altitude endurance run over an unmarked route of a 106 kilometres through the highlands of the north-Eastern Cape. Athletes have to pass through nine checkpoints on the route and have to be totally self-sufficient. Most runners take over 27 hours to complete the route. The event also feature a ‘Lite’ route of 65 kilometres which finishes at Balloch Cave. 2011 saw a record of over 150 entries.’ The event is organised by Pure Adventures. For more info go to www.pureadventures.co.za
OFFICIAL RESULTS:
Men overall
1. (51) Bruce Arnett 16h39min
2. (129) Isaac Mazibuko 18h41min
3. (158) Nico Schoeman 20h58min
Women overall
1. (85) Linda Doke 20h58min
2. (86) Su Don-Wauchope 21h28min
3. (186) Max Visagie / (125) Jo Mackenzie 24h19min
Mens masters
1. (113) Andre Kleinsmith 27h13min
2. (154) Douglas Rossouw / (166) Jeff Speed / (180) Philip Van Der Werve 29h11min
Mens Vet
1. (51) Bruce Arnett 16h39min
2. (158) Nico Schoeman 20h58min
3. (193) Peter White 22h40min
Men’s Open
1. (129) Isaac Mazibuko 18h41min
2. (72) Lance Chapman 20h58min
3. (56) Gerhard Beukes / (189) Sven Vosse 21h28min
Ladies Open
1. (86) Su Don-Wauchope 21h28min
2. (186) Max Visagie / (125) Jo Mackenzie 24h19min
Ladies Vets
1. (85) Linda Doke 20h58min
2. (199) Riana Van Der Merve 25h19min
106km Route – 77 finishers of 139 starters
65km ‘Lite’ Route – 35 finishers of 39 starters
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