Simpson and Tarboton Triumph 2023 Otter African Trail Run

Robbie Simpson (left) and Bianca Tarboton (right) of the adidas TERREX trail team won the men’s and women’s races at the 2023 Otter African Trail Run on Saturday, 7 October. Photo: Johan Minnaar

In a thrilling fifteenth edition of the Otter African Trail Run held on Saturday, 7 October, debutant Robbie Simpson and seasoned runner Bianca Tarboton emerged as the champions. This prestigious event, often referred to as the Grail of Trail, showcased the incredible prowess of trail running athletes from around the world.

Men

Robbie Simpson displayed remarkable skill and determination, completing the challenging course in 4 hours, 12 minutes, and 36 seconds. His strategic approach, relying on the wisdom of experienced runners during the initial stages, paid off splendidly, following closely behind were outstanding athletes.

The top performers in the Men’s category included:

1. Robbie Simpson (04:12:36)
2. Kane Reilly (04:14:34)
3. Johardt van Heerden (04:18:50)
4. Marcel Höche (04:27:26)
5. Christiaan Greyling (04:33:00)
6. Robbie Rorich (04:33:12)
7. Ryan Sandes (Veteran | 04:33:29)
8. Angus Teeton (04:41:51)
9. Oli Morris (04:43:03)
10.  Simon Purdon (04:44:10)

Women

Bianca Tarboton, a stalwart of the Otter African Trail Run, showcased her extensive route knowledge, securing her second title in an impressive time of 4 hours, 52 minutes, and 1 second. The challenging conditions, including slippery rocks and swollen rivers, tested the runners’ skills, but Tarboton’s experience shone through.

The top performers in the women’s category included:

1. Bianca Tarboton (04:52:01)
2.  Lijan Burger (05:25:19)
3.  Ruth Cozien (Veteran | 05:31:58)
4.  Rebecca Watney (05:46:18)
5.  Annalise Scholtz (Veteran | 05:55:34)
6. Marina Egorov (06:06:36)
7. Jenny Reynolds (06:16:00)
8.  Sveta Becker (06:21:56)
9.  Mila Geldenhuys (06:27:38)

Despite the initial apprehension due to rain, the event unfolded under the clear skies, offering ideal trail running conditions with a cool breeze. The challenging terrain, including slippery rocks and roots, added minutes to the runners’ times, making their achievements even more commendable.

Simpson and Tarboton’s victories stand as a testament to their skill, determination, and deep understanding of the trails. The fifteenth edition of the Otter African Trail Run will be remembered as a showcase of true sportsmanship and athletic excellence.

Source: _{Sports News}