Simon Tshabalala, previous K-Way 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge winner and multiple K-Way Skyrun champion, proved that he is one of the best in the mountain running business, by winning the 2023 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge in a time of 02hrs45min22sec.
“I always love this race,” says Simon Tshabalala. “Today was a good day out on the mountain, slightly slower than previous years, but I am really happy to have my title back!”
Second place went to Sifiso Buthelezi, his first time running 4 Peaks, in a time of 02hrs48min34sec, with 4 Peaks running legend, Lucky Miya, taking 3rd place in 02hrs24min40sec.
The first lady over the line was Gerda Steyn, running the event for the first time, in 05hrs45min31sec. “What an incredible event, it was really difficult, but wow I really enjoyed it!” says Steyn.
Second place went to Yani Gravenstein in 05hrs54min44sec and third place to Riana van der Merwe in 06hrs01min33sec.
This year saw the inclusion of an 18km distance event with 1000m elevation gain, 2 Peaks race route, a great introductory route for anyone wanting to take on the main 4 Peaks event. The fast route saw Jimmy Mofokeng take podium position in 02hrs19min27sec. Second overall and the leading lady for the route was Magedalena Arangies in 03hrs09min38sec, and 3rd place to Samuel Mateagane, who ended up running further than needed after getting lost on the course, in a time of 03hrs28min17sec.
Dubbed as the toughest 24km trail race in South Africa with a vertical accent of over 1800m, the race takes place on the picturesque Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve renowned for its brutal terrain and calls for extensive preparation and training. Four very distinctive peaks make up the race as athletes circle the Moolmanshoek valley. The route is mostly unmarked, but well marshalled through very steep sections over the two toughest climbs behind the Jakobsberg and Visierskerf. 4 Peaks is a fully unsupported race, meaning that all athletes will need to carry everything they need for the race on their person.
For more information on the race and to find out how you can enter next year’s event, please visit http://4peaks.co.za/. Follow the race live on Facebook on @4PeaksMountainChallenge
