Legends tackle 6 Peaks
Two trail-running legends visited George early in March to take up the George 6 Peaks FKT (Fastest Known Time) Challenge. Ryan Sandes, who has won an ultra marathon on every continent and is undoubtedly South Africa's most successful trail runner, was joined by super-fast Kane Reilly of Salomon South Africa. They were backed up by doctor André Gie, a seasoned adventure racer formerly from Knysna. Both runners were hosted by Arbour 1 Guesthouse.
Zane Schmahl, organiser of EcoBound Mountain Events in George, told George
Herald of Sandes' and Reilly's visit.
The star athletes "warmed up" for the FKT by doing the hugely popular weekly Garden Route Trail Running (GTR) 5km time trial. Their presence attracted a record-breaking 150 runners from the Garden Route, with kids and dads equally exited to grab their autographs.
After the run, Discovery Consulting Services George provided some great prizes while Sandes delivered an inspirational talk.
A planning session followed at RocoMamas where all the necessary information concerning the George 6 Peaks FKT Challenge was passed over to Sandes, Reilly and Gie.
The threesome ascended the peaks of the Outeniqua Mountains for some proper mountain stoke the next Friday morning with the local GTR runners coming out for support, pacing them over tricky terrain and showing them the way. The pair were absolutely amazed by the mountains and trails. Reilly did the third fastest time of the FKT and Sandes the fifth fastest time.
"Although this was merely a scouting mission, it sure sounds like they have tasted a bit of our #MUTlife and will be back soon, hopefully on the start line of the Discovery George Mountain Ultra Trail and of course to better their FKT time on the George 6 Peaks Challenge," said Schmahl.