The 2017 Castle Lite Trail Run League starts on Saturday when the first leg will be taking place at Happy Valley in Bloemfontein.
The defending series’ champion, Chabeli Nyedimane, will without a doubt be the man to watch in the men’s section this year after a dominating performance in 2016, where he won all but one of the events.
The women’s section will be a very interesting one indeed. Last year Pauline Njeya dominated as well, which led to her being crowned as the champion in her first “season” of trail running. Having said that, she can expect some stiff opposition from the 17-year-old revelation, Tyler Beling.
In last event of 2016 at Wild Olive Estate, Beling broke onto the scene to surprise the seasoned Njeya.
Beling has been impressive on the road circuit this year and even nearly won the SWASAP 10 km, only to be disqualified due to a technicality. She did, however, make amends by beating Njeya during the Interstate Bus Lines Glen Half Marathon (21,1 km), in her first crack at a half marathon.
It sure to be an interesting rivalry that will develop between these two athletes, who are both coached by Rufus Botha.
For those who have not competed in the Caste Lite Trail Run League, you will more than likely get to run with, or at the very least, meet a living legend, Floors Welthagen. The best word to describe the man is “Machine”. Known in the ultra-trail running circles, Welthagen, has more than earned his reputation for being a honey badger.
On 28 May, Welthagen, completed the 2017 Salomon Gore-Tex Maxi Race (110 km) in Switzerland. A week later he completed the 2017 Comrades Marathon between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in 10:46:10.
Saturday’s 1st leg at Happy Valley begins at 8:00, with registration opening at 7:00. The 10-km run will cost R80 and the 5-km run R50, with a R10 conservancy fee. – MORGAN PIEK
