Summer Has Started With A Night Run And Mtb Ride
Eight Bells MTB and The Bell Nite Trail Run
The Eight Bells Mountain Bike race and the Bell Nite Trail run took place 28 & 29 November 2015 at Eight Bells Mountain Inn Resort . The night trail run saw 30 runners take on the challenge of running without the aid of the beautiful sunshine. Whilst 131 mountain bikes decided to take on the challenging mountain trails laid out for them.
Friday night at 19:30 the 5km and 10km runners were off into the dark of the night, equipped with only their headlights and the trail markers set out for them. The route took them over the rivers, up the hills and then down them as well. Following the glow sticks, reflective arrows and the instructions given to them the first 5km runner, Stephanus Lategan, came in, in a record time of 29:38 of this not so easy course. The first competitor to cross the line in the 10km Night Trail Run was Eugene Marais in a time of 1:07:41, closely followed Stef Lategan (1:10:56). The race was enjoyed by all and positive feedback. The feeling being that running at night brings a whole different running dynamic to their style of running. Stars were out and no clouds in sight.
Saturday morning started early, as the riders started pouring in to the registration area where they could also enjoy some hot coffee supplied by Eight Bells Mountain Inn whilst trying to warm up the limbs from the nerves. Riders where on the line by 6:45 for the 52km, which would see them climbing over 1000m during their ride. The 14km and 30km races started an hour after that and the sense of adventure was tantalising. First to cross the line in the 14km race was Juan van Rooyen in a time of 46:17, beating last years record of 49:41. First lady to cross the line in the 14km was Anja De Nil in a time of 1:17:08.
The 30km was a tough race, but once the first riders started to cross the line, it seemed like there was a flood of riders who came in together. Cobus van den Bergh was the first male to cross the line in a fantastic time of 1:20:13. The top lady for the 30km challenge was Sintiche Reyneke finishing it in an amazing time of 1:39:00, beating last years time for the ladies by 49seconds. She was still smiling despite having to finish the race on a hill.
The 52km MTB route was an amazing mix of scenery and technicality. The riders rode through the forest, on farm roads and tracks that gave them the chance to see how good they really are with their bike. This riders were still smiling when crossing the finish line, even if they had some really big up hills. The front leaders soon established themselves and lead the race chasing each other with Vernon Moss finishing victorious in the end in a time of 2:02:58. Second to cross the line was Chris Nel finishing this amazing race in 2:07:39, followed by Jacques Theron 2:08:26. The ladies were led by Malandi Du Toit who made herself Queen of the route by finishing in a time of 2:42:30. Second spot went to Louise Kitson and 3rd to Nadine Page.
Hano and Sonja Otto of Tri Sport, organisers of Eight Bells MTB and The Bell Nite Trail run were happy with the turnout at the race as the race has seen some growth. Great thanks to the Eight Bells Mountain Inn for the great vibe and hospitality. The Organisers hope to see this event grow in the years to come. The next event on their calendar will be the The Pennypinchers Duo Challenge, with a MTB and Trail Run event on 16 December 2014. For all results on the Eight Bells Enduro MTB race and Night Trial Run please visit www.trisport.co.za or go their Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/trisportsa.
