Mbombela-based ultra-endurance athlete and physiotherapist Damien Kühn is all set to return to Sabie where he aims to defend his title as the Mac Mac 200-mile champion.

Kühn, who claimed victory in the gruelling 200-mile (322km) trail race in 2024 with a time of 75 hours and 18 minutes, was one of only four finishers out of 13 starters last year – a testament to the race’s extreme difficulty and his determination. “It’s a tough, but beautiful race,” said Kühn. “I’m looking forward to giving it my best again and just enjoying the experience out there.”

The Mac Mac Ultra will start on July 2, with runners to begin and end at Merry Pebbles in Sabie. It’s an ‘out-and-back’ race, with the first 100 miles (out) mainly self-navigating and unsupported except for checkpoints as far as 55km apart. The second 100 miles (back) will be shared with the main 100 mile race and will have checkpoints at least every 10 miles.

But the Mac Mac Ultra is only the beginning of what could be an extraordinary season for the South African athlete.

Kühn has received a coveted invitation to compete in the prestigious Ultra Gobi 400, a 400km, non-stop self-navigated race across the harsh terrain of China’s Gobi Desert. The event, taking place from October 3 to 9, features only 50 elite participants worldwide. Africa is represented by just seven athletes, with the rest of the field divided across Asia (30), Europe (five), the Americas (seven) and Oceania (one).

“I’m incredibly honoured to be selected,” Kühn said. “It’s an exciting opportunity to race internationally on the ultra-trail scene, and I’m embracing the challenge with everything I’ve got.”

While the race across the Gobi Desert will be beyond tough in its own right, getting there is proving to be a challenge for Kühn. Preparations are already under way, with Kühn currently sourcing the specialised gear required for the desert event.

Training will resume in earnest following the Mac Mac Ultra. With his eyes set on another Mac Mac victory and an inspiring journey through one of the world’s most remote landscapes, Kühn continues to push the limits of endurance – representing not only his country, but the spirit of human resilience.