GEORGE NEWS - The Red Men Trail Run is a highlight on the trail running calendar every year, but this year it was an extra special event.
According to event organiser Janine Botes of Chain Gang Events, this year the event was held in honour of Troy Schofield, a young athlete who would have been running in his permanent number for the first time this year - unfortunately, he died after a short illness last year.
Troy's father, Shaun, took part in the race using his son's number - 52.
In Troy's honour, a trophy was made for the youngest person to take part in the 18km race. This year it was won by 18-year-old Travis Oosthuizen, who was also the youngest athlete to podium.
About 200 athletes tackled the ninth Red Men Trail Run on Sunday 5 January, and the weather played along beautifully to bring the athletes optimal running conditions.
The Troy 52 trophy for the youngest athlete in the 18km race went to Travis Oosthuizen (18). With him is the late Troy's father, Shaun Schofield.
Hosted by Chain Gang Events at Herold Wines in the stunning Outeniqua Mountains, athletes participated in the 5km fun run, 12km, and challenging 18km trail.
Splish splash, I was taking a bath... Koot Steenkamp took an accidental dip in the rock pool.
The 32-year-old Nelius Smith clinched victory in the 18km men's race with a time of 1:29:56, with the young Travis Oosthuizen (18) in second place with a time of 01:31:23 and Marc Wierzba (48) third with a time of 01:40:45.
In the ladies' 18km run, Jeanne Brink (36) topped the podium with a time of 01:45:16. Shareese Grobbelaar (36) was second with a time of 01:52:27 and about two minutes later, Benita Joubert (48) crossed the finish line with a time of 01:54:47.
Local Comrades athlete Eddie Mouton (50) glided through the 12km men's run in 01:06:13, while the 17-year-old Noah Wierzba crossed the finish line in second place with a time of 01:10:14 and hot on his heels, Kobus Marais (28) took third place on the podium with a time of 01:11:33.
In the ladies' 12km race, it was Stephanie Marais (38) who showed the girls who's boss. Ronel de Bruyn ended in second place with a time of 01:26:24 and Jesse-Kim Grundling took the third spot in 01:30:49.
The event, fully booked with over 200 entries, received positive reviews for its organisation and the breathtaking mountainous backdrop.
"It was a great way to start 2025. The event was a great success and gets better each year. The route is breathtaking and the athletes enjoy the spectacular views," said Botes.
Together we can do this! 18km runners take a group selfie before the race.
Liezel Smith gave the event two thumbs up.
Nothing like a bit of flower power to brighten up the day.
And off they go! Brave athletes who took on the 18km run.‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
