HOEDSPRUIT – Despite muddy and slippery conditions underfoot, runners embraced the challenge at the third event of the 2026 Pam Golding Wildlife Estate Series, held at Zandspruit Bush and Aero Estate on Saturday, July 18.

Wet weather makes for a tough test

Recent wet weather transformed sections of the course into muddy tracks, testing participants’ endurance and technical ability across the 20km, 13km and 6km routes. Nevertheless, athletes turned out in impressive numbers to tackle the demanding terrain.

A nail-biting finish in the 20km

In the flagship 20km race, Lourens Beeslaar won in 01:32:55, just two seconds ahead of Tshepo Pebane (01:32:57), with Christopher Atherstone third in 01:36:29.

Libby Page was the first woman home, finishing seventh overall in 01:48:06.

Other category winners included Grant Lapping (master men), Corlia Steyn (veteran women) and Tammy Lapping (veteran women runner-up).

Mdluli and Ndlovu take the shorter distances

The 13km race was won by Melody Mdluli in 46:40, followed by Wilreco Beeslaar (48:22) and Michael Broodryk (49:21).

Jordan Prinsloo was the first woman, placing fifth overall in 49:50.

Other category winners included Frank Shivambu, Brendon Lonatmast, Connor Atherstone, Jacqueline Rothwell, Corlien Boshoff, Anja Viljoen, Elke Fourie, Lynne Wright and Gerrie Kruger.

Malwandla Ndlovu claimed the 6km title in 28:55, ahead of Ndzalama Ndlovu and Loutin Beeslaar.

Tanya Prinsloo was the first woman, finishing fifth overall in 36:12.

Category winners also included Richard Harvey, Helen Broadbridge, Beverly Cosslett, Floyd Tshenkeng, Elijah Hoddinott, Rachel Talanda, Nkambule Nkosinathu, Cavan Rothwell and Kelly Wuth.

Series set to continue in August

Organisers thanked the Zandspruit Homeowners Association, Hoedspruit High School, title sponsor Pam Golding Properties Hoedspruit and the event’s supporting sponsors. The Wildlife Estate Series continues at Elephant Rock Eco Estate on August 29.