British long-distance runner Tom Evans has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town race following his assault and robbery on Friday.
Evans, a former British Army captain, was ‘attacked’ and ‘beaten up’ while training on Table Mountain Road, suffering injuries and loss of possessions.
The incident has forced him to prioritise his safety and recovery, leading to his decision not to participate in the 100-mile race.
Also read: British long-distance runner mugged on Table Mountain road
Evans (31) was preparing for the race when the attack took place. In a video shared on Instagram, he said that, despite the physical ordeal, he was okay but ‘incredibly sore.’
The perpetrators, both carrying knives, robbed him of his cell phone and his wedding ring before fleeing.
The runner expressed his disappointment at not participating in the race, but said that safety must be a priority.
He reflected on the mental challenge of overcoming such an unexpected assault while engaging in a beloved activity.
According to Sky News, Evans, once the British Army’s youngest captain, found his passion for endurance running during his military service.
In his message, Evans urged the Cape Town community to prioritise safety. He remained optimistic despite the incident, stating, ‘It’s been an awesome year and I won’t let two criminals spoil my year on the trails.’
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Picture: @TomEvansUltra / X