Chad Gordon and Danette Smith set the course ablaze in the 15km Cell C Arabella Trail Run Challenge in Kleinmond on Sunday, 24 April 2016 claiming victory in 01 hour 07 minutes 57 seconds and 01 hour 23 minutes  02 seconds respectively.

“Today’s course was really hard, but awesome,” says Gordon.  “The youngsters dropped me in the beginning.  I had to chase until the top of the first climb.  I managed to catch them on the technical downhill, this is my strength.  From there I went hard, managing to maintain a gap.  A large part of the course featured a gradual climb that was super hard.  Crossing the finish line first is always inspirational.  I really enjoy being out on the trails.  I’ll definitely be back in 2017.”  Fred Wagenvoorde came in second, while Nicolas Barenblatt finished third.

According to Danette Smith, it’s nice to be back on the trails.  “I’ve been focusing heavily on road running.  It’s been a while since I’ve taken part in a trail run event.  Today was really beautiful and the weather was perfect.  Stillwater Sports’ events are always well organized.  I’d definitely like to take part in the Cell C Arabella Trail Run Challenge every year.”  Mags Wright came in second, while Chantel Nienaber finished third.

Trail legend Ryan Sandes was also seen in action at the 15km Cell C Arabella Trail Run Challenge, while Vanessa Haywood-Sandes was seen enjoying the shorter 6km Cell C Arabella Trail Run Challenge.   “The route was super fun,” says Sandes.  “The 15km is achievable to all runners and is really beautiful.  There is a fun climb that’s not too hectic, while the views are spectacular.”

“The 6km Cell C Arabella Trail Run Challenge was awesome,” says Vanessa Haywood-Sandes.   “The route was so beautiful.  It was such a special weekend for Ryan and me.  We don’t get to spend much quality time together, so this was just the perfect family weekend away”.

Eduan Naude was the first runner home in the 6km Cell C Arabella Trail Run Challenge followed by Jacobus Mostert in second place and Ayliff Mzilikazi in third place.

Lara Burger took top honours in the women’s 6km Cell C Arabella Trail Run Challenge, followed by Julia Colsen in second place and Pippa Stack in third place.

The Cell C Arabella Trail Run Challenge formed part of the action of the 2016 Cell C Arabella MTB Challenge that took place on Saturday, 23 April 2016 and Sunday, 24 April 2016.  Mountain biking enthusiasts could choose between a +/- 50km or a +/- 15km two day stage MTB race.

“Cell C is proud to be the title sponsor of the 2016 Cell C Arabella Trail Run Challenge,” says Doug Mattheus, Cell C Executive Head of Marketing.  “Forming part of the action of the Cell C Arabella Mountain Bike Challenge, it was fantastic to see families spending time together, enjoying the outdoors.  At Cell C, we feel privileged that entrants allowed us to talk to them in their leisure time.  We look forward to supporting both their sporting pursuits and business needs with a host of innovative communications products and services.”

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For further information on either the Cell C Arabella Trail Run Challenge or Cell C Arabella MTB Challenge visit www.stillwatersports.com, contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045 or email entries@stillwatersports.com.

RESULTS

15km Men

1 Chad Gordon 01:07:57, 2 Fred Wagenvoorde 01:13:14, 3 Nicholas Barenblatt 01:17:54, 4 Ryan Sandes 01:20:59, 5 Leon Badenhorst 01:26:22, 6 Zandre Raath 01:26:25, 7 Eric van Duuren 01:28:36, 8 Hein van Wyk 01:30:46, 9 Pieter Hendrik Muller 01:34:47, 10 Francois Cornelius van Der

15km Women

1 Danette Smith 01:23:02, 2 Mags Wright 01:25:12, 3 Chantel Nienaber 01:29:04, 4 Barbara Botes 01:30:13, 5 Melany Porter 01:30:21, 6 Annabelle Nichol 01:37:01, 7 Roleen Mostert 01:37:47, 8 Lydia Craven 01:40:09, 9 Marlize Raath 01:41:23, 10 Niquita Chamberlain 01:44:5

6km Men

1 Eduan Naude 00:22:56, 2 Jacobus Mostert 00:23:36, 3 Ayliff Mzilikazi 00:24:54, 4 Tainn Gordon 00:26:04, 5 Gary van Rooyen 00:26:38, 6 Schalk Sevenster 00:27:59, 7 Vickus van Dyk 00:28:40, 8 Handre Van Wyk 00:33:10, 9 Faizel Omer 00:40:29, 10 Albert Simpson 00:42:08

6km Women

1 Lara Burger 00:23:18, 2 Julia Colsen 00:25:36, 3 Pippa Stack 00:26:46, 4 Tarryn De Beer 00:26:51, 5 Tarren Barenblatt 00:29:07, 6 Lucinda Van Oordt 00:29:26, 7 Alicia Viljoen 00:30:10, 8 Vanessa Haywood 00:30:42, 9 Marelie le Roux 00:31:15, 10 Louise Starke 00:31:24