Sports journalist combines work with passion at the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN!
Since the inception of the iconic THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day Stage Race, Cape Town based Sports Journalist Adnaan Mohamed has only missed one event due to work commitments.
To date Adnaan has ten THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN finishes behind his name. The only other trail runner to equal that achievement is trail legend Nicholas Rupanga, who is also one of the first winners of the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN. Rupanga finished first in the inaugural event in 2009 with team member Patrick Cox.
According to Adnaan the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN is an incredible event that treats runners to an unique and unforgettable running experience over three days.
“AFRICANX has become an integral part of my life and I was really disappointed when I had to miss the event in 2014. I was working for a travel publication at the time and was given the opportunity to run the Barcelona and Rome Marathons over two consecutive weekends which unfortunately coincided with AFRICANX. I very reluctantly had to go to Spain and Italy. It was a wonderful experience, but to be brutally honest, I still prefer running in nature in our own backyard. You only truly appreciate what you have when you travel thousands of miles to participate in events overseas, only to realise we have a running event like the AFRICANX right on our own doorstep, which in my opinion, is way more spectacular.”
What most runners don’t know is that when they are relaxing and recovering for Stage Two or three of the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN, Adnaan is seated behind his laptop working.
“Taking part in AFRICANX is also part of my job,” admits Adnaan. “I particularly enjoy chatting to people on the route and have picked up on the most amazing stories. Every year after each stage, I write about the race. Besides athletics, I am also a rugby writer. Often when the other runners go off to bed on a Friday or Saturday night before the next stage, I would have to drive to Newlands Rugby Stadium to cover a Stormers rugby game. I then drive back to the race village and creep into my tent sometimes after midnight to make sure that I get up in time to run the next stage the following day.”
Adnaan welcomes the news that the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN has expanded into a national series of events that will include a 3-Day, 2-Day and 1-Day race in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the North West Province.
“This is brilliant news. Thank you race organisers, Stillwater Sports. The 1-Day and 2-Day events will be a great way not only to introduce newcomers to the sport, but also to introduce road runners to the AFRICANX experience. It opens up a whole new possibility for those runners who are not yet ready to take on a 3-Day race.”
It’s no surprise that Adnaan has already signed up for the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 1-Day XPERIENCE in September 2021, the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day Stage Race in March 2022 and the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 2-Day XPLORE in April 2022.
“I can’t wait to explore the spectacular routes,” admits Adnaan. “I just love the vibe and enjoy getting to spend time with likeminded individuals. I would highly recommend the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAIRUN to all trail runners. For me it doesn’t really matter if it is a 1, 2 or 3-Day event, just being fit and healthy and having the freedom to participate in an event with other trail runners is a tremendous luxury and a privilege that is second to none. The organisers have also taken cognisance of the fact that there are people with different fitness levels, and they have left no stone unturned to make provision for that. The incredible spirit, camaraderie and sheer sense of excitement and achievement after completing the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN is a rewarding and ‘priceless’ experience.”
EVENT INFORMATION: THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN
1. THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 1-Day XPERIENCE | Date: Saturday 18 September 2021 |
Venue: Paul Cluver Wines, Grabouw (Western Cape) | |
Format: 1-Day Trail Run | |
Entry Format: Individual Entry | |
Entry Fees:
· OPTION 1: 6km / R100 · OPTION 2: 12km / R350 · OPTION 3: 24km / R600 · OPTION 4: 42km / R950 |
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2. THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day Stage Race | Date: Saturday 19 – Monday 21 March 2022 |
Venue: Houw Hoek Hotel (Western Cape) | |
Format: 3-Day Stage Trail Run | |
Entry Format: Teams of Two Runners (male / female / mixed) | |
Entry Fees:
· OPTION 1: R3600 per runner · OPTION 2: R4200 per runner · OPTION 3: R4600 per runner |
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3. THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 2-Day XPLORE | Date: Saturday 09 – Sunday 10 April 2022 |
Venue: Normandien Farms (Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal) | |
Format: 2-Day Stage Trail Run | |
Entry Format: Individual Entry | |
Entry Fees: R2950 per runner |
Follow us on Facebook: @ThirstiWater / @runtheafricanx / @stillwatertrail
Follow us on Instagram: @thirstiwater / @runtheAFRICANX / @stillwater_trail_running
Hashtag: #MyAFRICANX #RunTheAFRICANX
For additional information on the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day, 2-Day and/or 1-Day events please visit www.stillwatersports.com, contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045 or email entries@stillwatersports.com.
Who is THIRSTI?
THIRSTI is more than just Natural Spring Water; THIRSTI is a way of life. THIRSTI attracts a young, vibrant market with a thirst for life and authentic experiences.
THIRSTI started production at the end of 2015 with their iconic Still and Sparkling ranges. 2019 saw the release of the ultimate sports drink, ISOFIT+, and a bold THIRSTI Flavours range was added in 2020.
With its unique taste, attractive design, and a pH level of 8, THIRSTI has made massive strides in its relatively short time in the market with listings in all major retailers throughout South Africa.
THIRSTI has a strong focus on event sponsorships across multiple sporting codes and, in 2019, they became the hydration partner to both the Comrades Marathon as well as The Sharks rugby team. Adding to this, was the 2021 announcement of the ASBA Cape Epic official water partnership.
For more information about THIRSTI, please visit www.thirsti.co.za