Two Grahamstownians have just returned triumphant from yet another epic trail run.
Two Grahamstownians have just returned triumphant from yet another epic trail run.
After completing the 600km Pilgrimage Trail Run in September, Brian Bannatyne and George Euvrard have now completed the gruelling Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon – a 250km seven-day self-sufficiency race through the desert.
Runners have to carry everything they need – all their food and equipment – as they race up rocky hills, across sandy plains and through spectacular gorges in temperatures up to 45 C.
The challenge is in carrying enough food kilojoules for the energy you need, managing your body and especially your feet, keeping yourself properly hydrated, and having the mental strength to push on through days of up to 70km that take you into night navigation.
In a strong field of 70 starters made up of equal numbers of international and South African runners, both men did extremely well to come in the top half: Brian 29th and George 34th.
"Another wonderful journey in the desert wilderness," said Bannatyne, to which Euvrard added, "and what a magnificent way for me to enter my 60s!"
