Between 24 and 26 November, top international athletes will compete against local elites in South Africa’s premier trail running event.
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The RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town (RMB UTCT) this year promises exciting race days on Table Mountain and across the Peninsula.
Over the years, runners from more than 66 countries have participated – with most hailing from France, Great Britain, the US, Germany and Italy.
Top athletes such as Rob Krar and Anthony Costales from the United States (US), and Tom Evans from Great Britain are set to compete this year, as well as Ruth Croft from New Zealand, Leah Yingling from the US, and Yngvild Kaspersen from Norway, who placed first at the Ultra-trail Mont Blanc CCC.
Marianne Hogan from Canada, who placed second in the UT100 in 2021, will also return. ‘I really enjoyed the course, and the area. In 2021, the top of Suther Peak was in the clouds, so I am coming back hoping for a clear view of the bright blue ocean. I plan to come out to Cape Town a little earlier in order to spend a bit of time on the local trails.’
Some of our local athletes who are set to participate include Kerry-Ann Marshall, who placed second in the women’s 100-miler last year and will take on the 100km distance, and Ryan Sandes, who will return to the UT100 after a long absence from the RMB UTCT.
He last participated in 2018, during which he had to pull out from the race after placing second to Prodigal Khumalo in 2017. Grobler Basson, who has a list of accolades in ultra-trail distances, will also compete in the 100km.
‘We are delighted to welcome all the runners, along with the supporters and organisers of this year’s RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town, to the Mother City for what promises to be an unforgettable event,’ says Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
‘We are blessed with the unique feature of a spectacular national park that runs the full length of the city right up to our CBD, and there is no better way to show off this natural treasure than a globally recognised trail run with a live broadcast.
‘With its five different races, including the gruelling 100-mile loop down the Peninsula and back via Chapman’s Peak and Hout Bay, this event is fast becoming a global bucket list race, and this year’s field of runners includes some of the sport’s biggest names. I wish all the runners a great and safe RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town, and a wonderful stay here in the Mother City.’
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Featuring five distances – a 23km, a 35km and a 55km, as well as the UT100 (the 100km race) and UTCT (the 100-miler), the event is set to showcase Cape Town to a global audience via a live broadcast on YouTube.
The 100km route has evolved from only 16 finishers in 2014 (within the 15-hour cut-off) to 2 300 runners participated across the five events. The route now has a 24-hour cut-off, making it more accessible to a wider group of runners.
The newer 100-mile UTCT race comprises 167km up Table Mountain and the across the Peninsula, to Simon’s Town and back via Hout Bay, Chapmans Peak, Constantia and through Newlands Forest, before finishing in Oranjezicht.
Stuart McConnachie, Race Director of RMB UTCT, says a number of factors have contributed to the event’s success since 2014, such as partnerships with SANParks, the City of Cape Town, and sponsors.
‘We knew that if we could get the necessary permits to hold this event across Table Mountain National Park, it would not only be a hit locally but that it could grow into one of the biggest and best-known ultra-trail events in the world, and we are seeing that happen.’
This year, UTCT partnered with South African diversified financial services holding company RMB. ‘RMB is proud to enable an event that is well-placed on the international trail running calendar, while promoting Cape Town as a perfect running and investment destination,’ says Lucy Lightfoot, RMB head of Brand and Sponsorships.
Where to watch:
Some of the recommended spectator points include Alphen Trail on Constantia’s Green Belt and at the University of Cape Town. Alternatively, follow UTCT on YouTube or Instagram stories to watch the race.
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Picture: Sam Clark