This Sunday morning saw a thundering response by KZN’s trail community, with a record number of participants making this the biggest KZN Trail Running event yet. The 1000 Hills Challenge is one of KZN Trail Running’s Premier Big 6 events and has organically grown to gain a cult status.
Braving the morning chill, hundreds of enthusiastic entrants made their way to the breath-taking banks of Nagle Dam. The morning buzz and energy was contagious, with runners and spectators engaging in friendly banter and many discussing the dos and don’ts of the trails.
Teasing runners with a number of uphill climbs, they definitely cursed the race director for making this one of their toughest races! Despite the challenge, our top finishers stormed through claiming their spots with Gijima Trust athletes breaking records and making their mark. The ladies represented equally strong with the top three females coming in minutes apart.
The Morning's Top Achievers Were:
38km
Men
- Perfect Dlamini 3:02:02
- Skumbuzo Bhengo 3:07:27
- Kwenza Ngubane 3:17:54
Ladies
- Jodine Momberg 4:00:37
- Nomthandazo Mlotshwa 4:03:09
- Zoe Papadakis 4:04:21
20km
Men
- Mbhasobhi Gumede 1:33:54
- Mxolisi Zondi 1:33:54
- Ayanda Ndlovu 1:34:19
Ladies
- Jo Keppler 1:58:41
- Mary Murray 2:04:16
- George Kelly 2:09:20
10km
Men
- Mdumiseni Gumede 37:22
- Phumlane Dlamini 37:40
- Siyanda Mkhize 38:24
Ladies
- Annemie Taljaard 49:01
- Belinda Padbury 51:44
- Tyra Bolton 59:20
5km
Men
- Mholi Gbane 18:59
- Kwane Zondi 19:00
- Kwanele Mkhize 20:02
Ladies
- Kayliegh Lindeque 23:33
- Danika Willemse 25:58
- Lindokuhle Mkhize 26:35
The vibrancy of the race village had everyone in high spirits with plenty on offer – craft meals and beverages, sports massages, stretch zones and so much more! With a great family vibe, beautiful trails and fantastic offerings it was an epic way to spend a Sunday morning.
Rarely seen by the public, the journey by foot is something that every trail enthusiast should experience! Till 2020, when the KZN Trail Running team welcomes the new and old to the mesmerising banks of Nagle Dam.
