Many conquer gruelling and ‘new’ Bridgestone Route 66
Hundreds conquered the tough and challenging Bridgestone Route 66 three-day event, which was back for the 11th year in a row.
Hundreds either saddled up or slipped on their favourite running shoes to take on the 11th annual Bridgestone Route 66 3-day Experience in Magaliesburg near the Zwartkops mountain range from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 April.
According to Bridgestone CEO Jacques Fourie, the event is, without a doubt, the most popular stage race in Gauteng.
“The event is the toughest, oldest and largest three-day stage race in Gauteng. It offers something for everyone, including a gruelling three-day race from Kloofzicht Lodge to Happy Acres, finishing at Valverde Eco Hotel for serious competitors, as well as two-day races for hardcore and light riders. Those who could only make it on Sunday had a choice between a 45km course for weekend warriors, and a ‘fast and furious’ 60km circuit.”
Jacques added that for the first time, Route 66 included trail runners and walkers, opening the event to family and friends.
“When we first launched the event in 2011, we wanted to give athletes an opportunity to prepare for events taking place later in the year, such as The Cape Epic, the Great Kei Trek and Joberg2C. Since then, the popularity of the event has seen a diverse participation from intense athletes to weekend riders, teenagers, and the elderly.
“The biggest attraction of the race is that it offers something for a variety of riders and runners. Anyone can enter, but you need to be skilled up to compete in the distance you choose. Depending on what event you choose, you can be an amateur riding the 45km, to a skilled cyclist doing the tough three-day event. Back by popular demand was the Saturday 45km “Dash”, which was open to all riders.”
Jacques said the event attracted over 500 riders before lockdown in February 2020, but this year the number of participants was limited to 250, comprising 150 riders and 100 runners, over the entire weekend.
Usually hosted during February, Route 66 was moved to April this year due to Covid-19 requirements and precautions, so organisers could ensure that employees, participants and a very limited contingent of spectators were kept safe. A Covid-19 compliance officer was also on site to ensure that processes were adhered to and support crew was at hand to ensure that food and drinks vendors operate smoothly.
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