Damien Kühn successfully defended his Mac Mac Ultra 200-mile title at this year’s race to retain the crown and stay on the throne, overcoming several challenges along the gruelling route.

The Mac Mac 200 is a 200-mile (320km) trail race that significantly tests human spirit, athleticism and endurance, and it can bring either the worst or the best out of you. Luckily for Kühn, who is a Mbombela-based physiotherapist by day and ultra-endurance athlete by morning, day and night, it seems to always bring the best out of him.

This year’s Mac Mac Ultra set off from Merry Pebbles in Sabie on Wednesday, July 9, and the first stages of the race were far from smooth sailing for Kühn. “Going into the race, I knew it was not going to be a walkover. I struggled for the first 50km to get my head into the right space,” he said this week when reflecting on the race.

“As soon as I could get my head in it my gut started giving me issues. I felt bloated and struggled to run from early Thursday morning.”

It was at this point that he was overtaken by Lloyd Sithole. But, determined as ever, Kühn refused to give in and fought hard to get back out in front. This sheer will paid off 10-fold when on Friday morning the issues were resolved. “I then managed to overtake Lloyd and find my rhythm. From here on it was smooth sailing.”

Battling on as he continued to move further and further ahead of the field, Kühn ultimately crossed the finish line just before 16:00 on Saturday to well-deserved cheers and applause. His finish time was 73 hours and 43 minutes – one hour and 35 minutes faster than his winning time last year.

“This year’s Mac Mac 200 was definitely more difficult physically compared to last year, but mentally it was a bit easier thanks to last year’s experience,” Kühn recalled.

He finished nine hours and 47 minutes ahead of second-placed Nicky Booyens, who was the only lady to finish this year – Booyens broke her own Mac Mac 200 ladies record, beating the previous mark by three minutes. Six of the 14 starters finished this year’s Mac Mac 200.

“I could not have done it without my amazing crew: Visser and Arina Maas, Petro Zietsman, WJ Botha and Maritske Rautenbach.”

He is already turning his focus to what lies next. “I’m looking forward to my preparation for the Ultra Gobi 400 in October, where I will take on the Gobi Desert.”

Kühn is one of only seven African athletes taking part in the Ultra Gobi 400, a 400km, non-stop self-navigated race across the harsh terrain of China’s Gobi Desert. He’s currently in the preparation phase and is attempting to raise funds to be able to participate.