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The Locker Room: Thabang Madiba retains his 4 Peaks crown

───   18:49 Sat, 23 Sep 2017

The Locker Room: Thabang Madiba retains his 4 Peaks crown | News Article
Thabang Madiba on his way to defend his 4 Peaks title. Photo: Craig Koleksy

Following an epic battle over the mountain by 4 men, defending champion, Thabang Madiba, was able to retain his 4 Peaks crown at today’s Trappers Bloemfontein 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge presented by Bloemfontein Courant Reverse Route.


Thabang won in a time of 2hrs44min36sec, followed by Chabeli Neyemandi in 2nd and Tsepo Nayapotse in 3rd and Sampie Makoakoa in 4th – less than one minute between all of them.

“Today was a tough, but exciting day out at the office, always a pleasure to be back in Moolmanshoek for the Trappers Bloemfontein 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge presented by Bloemfontein Courant,” says Thabang Madiba. “Chabeli, Tsepo, Sampie and I ran as a group for most of the race, taking turns to be in the lead, which was great as I was able to watch the other guys and knew when to make my move. I am looking forward to coming back next year to take another shot at the Classic route, which I have yet to win, it would be an honour to say I have won in both directions.”

The ladies race was won by novice trail runner and first time 4 Peaks runner, Trude Carstens, in a time of 4hrs03min02sec, with fellow “Bloemfonteinians” Brigitte Joubert and Martie Botes taking a tied second place in a time of 4hrs14min27sec. “Today was a tough, technical, but totally enjoyable day out in the mountain,” says Trude Carstens. “This race pushed me to my limits, but was so fulfilling and I loved every moment of it – I definitely want to come back next year.”

Weather conditions for the race were perfect and by mid-morning more than half of the field had completed the race. “We are delighted to have Thabang win a very enthralling race today,” says race organiser Mike de Haast of Pure Adventures. “The 4 guys chased each other over the mountain in a real “ding-dong” battle, and with only one minute between 1st and 4th place it made for very exciting spectating. Also thrilled to have 3 local ladies take top places in the ladies race!”

Dubbed as the toughest 24km trail race in South Africa with a vertical accent of over 1800m, the race takes place on the picturesque Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve. The terrain is definitely not for the faint of heart and good preparation is a must. Four very distinctive peaks make up the race as one circle around the Moolmanshoek valley. The route is not marked, but is very easy to traverse with marshals and very clear signage at key places. There are some very steep sections along the route that need to be navigated with the two toughest places being behind Jakobsberg and Visierskerf. 4 Peaks is a completely unsupported race, meaning that all athletes will need to carry everything they will need for the race on their person.

Leading Positions

  • 1. Thabang Madiba 2hrs44min36sec
  • 2. Chabedi Nyedimane 2hrs44min39sec
  • 3. Tsepho Nayapotse 2hrs45min29sec

Top ladies

  • 1. Trude Carstens 4hrs03min02sec
  • 2. Brigitte Joubert 04hrs14min27sec
  • 3. Martie Botes 04hrs14min27sec

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