Six peaks in just over seven hours

GEORGE NEWS - Nineteen-year-old Rebecca Köhne, a former matriculant of York High, is currently the fastest and youngest female trail runner of the George Six Peaks Challenge.

Rebecca completed the 38,5km trail last Saturday, 9 April, winding her way across, over and through Vensterberg, Losberg, George Peak, Cradock Peak, Tierkop and Groenkop in seven hours, four minutes and 44 seconds.

The previous women's record is held by Landie Greyling (38), who completed the challenge on 20 December last year. The FKT (fastest known time) for men is five hours 15 minutes, run by Jacques Buys (27).

Of all the obstacles Rebecca had to overcome for this challenge, the biggest is of a physical nature. Rebecca broke her hip in 2019 on the athletic field, in the run-up to get South African colours in long distance running.

This happened during her high school years, where her love of running was cemented. "I trained too much and didn't fuel up enough. I started running again in August 2020, but picked up another stress fracture. When I went back, the doctor said I should run trails and leave track and road running. I started with trial running in November last year," said Rebecca.

Asked about her accomplishment, Rebecca said she is grateful for the support from everyone and appreciates all the messages she received from people congratulating her.

"I don't think reality has really kicked in yet. My coach is structuring my training, and there are some upcoming races I want to do." Would she have another go at the George Six Peaks? "This is a definite yes! I want to run it again later this year, and try to finish in seven hours or less."

Bruce Arnett and Rebecca Köhne at Groenkop peak, where the challenge ends.

Interesting facts

Rebecca Köhne was accompanied (seconded) by Bruce Arnett, who has a special part of the trail named after him - "The Bruce". According to Rebecca it is an area where you have to bundu bash from one peak to another, and Arnett found that trail.
When she finished the challenge, Rebecca rested at home with sushi and a milkshake. She is currently studying personal training and sports conditioning online through HFPA Sporting Academy.
The George Six Peaks Challenge is an ongoing event, and not really a race. From time to time an event is organised by Jacques and Claire Mouton, owners of the running shop Mount Co.

Köhne finishing the George Six Peaks in a FKT (fastest known time) that cuts almost 20 minutes off the previous one, in a time of 07:04:44.