Reilly and King ultra trail champs

GEORGE SPORT NEWS - The 2021 champions of the George Mountain Ultra Trail (MUT) are Kane Reilly (men) and Taryn King (women). Both winners led the race, held on Saturday 26 June, from the get-go, pacing their efforts across the challenging 60km course to perfection.

Contrary to expectations of torrential rain, contenders were treated to superb winter weather and ran under clear skies in crisp temperatures.

The city of George failed to live up to its 'cold and wet' epithet, which perfectly showcased the city as an adventure playground to locals, would-be residents and visitors alike.

An additional surprise for the participants in the 42km marathon and 60km ultra races was the musical performance by Lynette de Jager in the mountains. The George-based classical violinist greeted them from a rocky outcrop near the summit of the first climb, with a hauntingly beautiful impromptu open-air show. Spurred on by De Jager's music, Reilly and King in particular found their rhythm, as the arduous climbing gave way to more runnable trails.

Photo gallery: George Mountain Ultra Trail (MUT) 2021

"The first two hours were dark," King laughed. "Literally with the sun not having risen yet, but also figuratively for me. But once I passed the second checkpoint it started to get light and I found my rhythm. It was still tough, but I enjoyed it immensely."

King maintained a consistent pace that saw her gradually extend her lead. By the time she crossed the finish line, in a time of 7:37:42, her winning margin was 40 minutes and 12 seconds.

Samantha Bieske, the second woman to cross the line, had nearly as big an advantage over Lodelia Odendaal in third.

In the men's race, Reilly's margin of victory was an impressive 24 minutes and 10 seconds. The foundation for his success was laid on the early climbs, where he paced his efforts while the 2018 George MUT champion, Roelof Mostert, went over his limit to stay with the pre-race favourite.

Once Reilly's seemingly effortless pace shed Mostert from his heels the eventual winner ran his own race.

"I was conscious of how difficult the second half of the route was going to be," Reilly noted. "So, I kept energy in reserve. Had I known exactly how hard it would be I probably would have gone even easier in the beginning though! But I'm happy with how my race worked out and that I managed to take the win."

Mostert was magnanimous in defeat, crediting Reilly's impressive strength on the technical route. His time was nearly 26 minutes faster than his 2019 effort. "I'm happy with my race. Not the result, obviously, but my performance, definitely," Mostert reflected. "I trained so hard for the George MUT this year and gave it my all."

The times reflect the truth of the runner-up's statement. Reilly's winning time of 6:18:11 is a new course record. Reilly and Mostert were joined on the Men’s 60-Kilometre race podium by Mvuyisi Gcogco.

The 42km races were won by Jacques Buys and Landie Greyling, while the 25km distances saw Llewellyn Groeneveld and Toni McCann blitz the course.

The 10km race attracted a significant field. With a large group of u.18 boys entering this race, the prizes and podium positions were reserved for age groupers. Troy Schofield was the fastest boy over the line, followed by brothers Nathan and Ivan Greenwood. With fewer junior girls in the 10km, the podium places were not age category capped and Anmarie Wessels took the title.

On the women’s 60km podium, from left: Lodelia Odendaal (third), Taryn King (first) and Samantha Bieske (second). Photo: Zane Schmahl

2021 George Mountain Ultra Trail Results:

60km Men:
1. Kane Reilly (6:18:11)
2. Roelof Mostert (6:42:21)
3. Mvuyisi Gcogco (6:44:05)

60km Women:
1. Taryn King (7:37:42)
2. Samantha Bieske (8:17:54)
3. Lodelia Odendaal (8:46:03)

42km Men:
1. Jacques Buys (4:07:43)
2. Robert Rorich (4:14:38)
3. John April (4:44:45)

42km Women:
1. Landie Greyling (5:30:13)
2. Rebecca Pretorius (5:30:18)
3. Mia Uys (5:44:31)

25km Men:
1. Llewellyn Groeneveld (1:56:32)
2. Jonathan Black (2:04:24)
3. Anderson Ngube (2:05:31)

25km Women:
1. Toni McCann (2:10:58)
2. Lijan van Niekerk (2:30:16)
3. Leani Potgieter (2:37:08)

10km Boys:
1. Troy Schofield (1:00:14)
2. Nathan Greenwood (1:06:08)
3. Ivan Greenwood (1:10:49)

10km Women:
1. Anmarie Wessels (1:15:23)
2. Micaela Chevalier (1:18:340
3. Elizabeth van Eeden (1:25:12)