Troy the youngest to finish 6Peaks challenge

GEORGE NEWS - A learner from Glenwood House, Troy Schofield, has become the youngest person to finish the gruelling George 6Peaks FKT challenge. The 15-year old recently completed the challenge in 10 hours and seven minutes.

The route in the Outeniqua Mountains starts at the top of the Outeniqua Pass and finishes at Groenkop Peak. It consists of summiting Vensterberg, Losberg, Cradock Peak, George Peak, Tierkop and Groenkop Peak, and has an elevation of 3 117m.

Although Troy has finished the challenge, he is already planning for next events. While other young people of his age might be relaxing during the holiday, he will be training.

Troy told George Herald that he started to run when he was nine years old and he has always enjoyed running in the mountains.

"About six months ago I started to consider if it would be possible to take on the George 6Peaks FKT Challenge. I felt that this challenge would push me to my utmost extreme and broaden my horizons," he said.

He found the six-peak challenge extremely tough. "There were times that I felt like giving up, but looking around at the other runners, and thanks to the motivation from the Mount co team, I persevered to the finish. It was mentally and physically exhausting."

Troy Schofield conquering the George 6Peaks FKT challenge.

His motto is never to give up. He has just finished Grade 9 this year and besides running he also enjoys cycling and playing with his three dogs. "I love running because it's awesome out in nature and it's a healthy form of stress release," he said.

Troy's training consists of working on fitness and stamina by cycling as well as running various five- to 10-km routes.

"I also try to run up to George Peak as often as possible." His favourite running companion is his dog Roxy. "My mom (Michelle) makes sure that I only eat optimally nutritional food, focusing on a lot of plant-based nutrition. Pre-run food is always oats and banana, post-run food is usually a Bean burrito or mom's spaghetti bolognese."

His vision for the future includes improving his running times and competing in FKT challenges as well as the 13 Peaks challenge in Cape Town. After school he wants to become either a professional trail runner or a mechanical engineer.

His dad Shaun is very proud of his son. "I am so grateful that he is passionate about such a positive sport. The running community in George is extremely supportive of Troy's efforts. I would encourage everyone to start doing the parkrun as it's for young and old and brings communities together. When we run, we are all equal."

Troy Schofield conquering the George 6Peaks FKT challenge.