Carine Gagiano (Nedbank) completed a hat trick of victories over the weekend when she won the rugged two-day Kruger2Canyon trail run. Earlier this year Gagiano also won the Forest Run outside Parys and the 3 Mountains outside Clocolan.

As seems to have become the norm when Gagiano races, she did not waste any time to take the lead in the women’s race. In spite of seriously sliding and falling three times on the first day, she increased her lead with every stride to win the two-day 70km race in 8 hours 28 minutes and 03 seconds.

Naomi Brand was second in 9:15:32 and Lawrette McFarlane finished third in 09:36:23.
The pure joy of running, combined with a love of adventure seem to be the secret of Gagiano’s success.

“I really love to run where very people normally go. Through trail running I have been privileged to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.”

The men’s race was won by Muzi Madikwa in 6:53:57. He was followed home by Nomore Mandivengerei in 07:01:07 and the third spot on the podium went to Bennie Roux from the Nedbank running club in 07:02:24.  Both Madikwa and Roux recently completed the Comrades Marathon.

According to Roux any hope he might have had of winning evaporated during the first 4 kilometres when the athletes were challenged by a monstrous climb. The opening 42km stage explored the Mariepskop Trails in the vicinity of the Blyde River Canyon.

“By the time we got to the top of the mountain I was in 12th place and I had to work hard to get my mind-set right for the rest of the race. I basically decided I had nothing to lose and considered the rest of the race as a seriously hard training run for next month’s South African Trail Run Championships in Hout Bay.

“By just running at a consistent pace I started to catch up and pass one athlete after another, finally moving up to third overall.

“Day two was a much easier run as far as running up steep mountains is concerned. But that does not mean that I was not slightly worried. We had to run through the Blue Canyon Conservancy which lies adjacent to the Kruger National Park.  Except for buffalo the reserve has all the Big 5 animals.

“The only advice we received from the organizers was to make sure that we know how to climb into a tree quickly in case we should encounter any of the Big 4. The only other form of defence they suggested was to either find a big stick for protection or posture as a much bigger ‘animal’ when faced by danger.

“I will admit that I was nervous. It was the first time ever that I raced without listening to my Ipod. I reasoned that it would be safer to at least hear a lion roaring in the vicinity. I was also quite wary of what to do should a rhino cross in front of me.

“In the end I did not see any wildlife.  However, some of the runners said they saw wild dogs on route and some were lucky enough to see two badgers.”

Roux does not let on whether the fact that he gained nearly six minutes on Mandivengerei on the second day was because of plain fear or perhaps due to him having a good running day.
The Old Mutual Wild Series events take part in protected areas that runners would not be able to access normally. The funds raised through the staging of the events go towards the conservation of these unique landscapes and natural heritage.

“It’s an absolutely perfect fit for us,” says Karen Thomas, Old Mutual’s Head of Brand. “We encourage our clients to invest for the long term.   Joining forces with Wildlands to invest in the future of our wildlife aligns with our belief in the value of planning for the future. What Wildlands has achieved through the Old Mutual Wild Series is inspiring, and we hope that our contribution to the cause can go a long way to informing people that we must preserve our natural environment for future generations.”

For more information on the Old Mutual Wild Series events, log onto www.wildseries.co.za or www.morethanyourself.co.za to become a fundraiser.