Other News
World’s best tackle Salomon SkyRun─── 09:46 Thu, 20 Nov 2014
The race organisers have boldly offered a US $10 000 prize purse for record breaking runs of the one hundred kilometer mountain run known as the Salomon SkyRun.
The first man to go under twelve hours, and the first lady to go under fourteen and a half hours could walk away US $10 000 richer, making the Skyrun the richest prize purse in African Trail Running.
With the offer of such huge prize money, the race has grabbed international attention. Some of the most elite athletes in the world have arrived in the beautiful town of Lady Grey ready to tackle the Salomon SkyRun.
Canadian superstar Gary Robbins, American ultra runner Nick Clark, and up and coming German Philipp Reiter will all be in contention for breaking the elusive twelve hour SkyRun. The current record is held by our very own (South African) Ryan Sandes at twelve hours and thirty six minutes.
The local elite contingent includes defending champion Ian Don-Wauchope, The Drakensberg Grand Traverse record holder Ryno Griesel, 4peaks champion Sampie Mokoakoe, SOX winner Victor Gugushe, and multiple LionHeart winner AJ Calitz. With many more male elites, and many more titles behind each of them, the Salomon SkyRun has attracted the best field in South African Trail history.
In the ladies field, the German Iron Lady Julia Boettger will be challenging the ladies record holder and elite athlete Landie Greyling, who is fresh from a successful summer of international racing.
Race Director Mike de Haast asked about the $10 000 US prize purse, says, “Having the ability to attract a world class field to the Salomon SkyRun allows our local elite athletes as well as the weekend warriors an opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the best in the world.
The potential to win this huge prize purse is what attracted some of the best in the world, but, the challenges of the terrain, altitude, weather and other variables will ensure that winning this pot is no easy feat.”
