Adventure race countdown begins
A number of world-class teams have confirmed their participation.
SOUTH Africa’s top expedition race team, Merrell Adventure Addicts, is among the international heavyweights that have confirmed their participation in Expedition Africa, an adventure race taking place on the South Coast from May 25 to 31.
This epic 500km event starts and finishes in Port Edward. World-class international teams that have booked their place on the starting line include Seagate New Zealand, Silva Sweden and Tecnu USA.
“It is always awesome to race on home soil. The South Coast provides the ideal terrain to stage this world-class expedition race,” said Merrell’s captain, Graham Bird. It would be a privilege to take part in the prestigious event, organised by Kinetic Gear, and to race the top international teams in South Africa.”
Ugu South Coast Tourism sees the race as an opportunity to showcase the South Coast’s many attractions. Because of the time differences, overseas teams will need to spend one day for every time zone crossed on the way here, acclimatising on the South Coast before the race. Teams are making arrangements to see as much as possible of the greater South Coast area during the time they spend here before and after the race.
“Ugu South Coast Tourism is liasing with the organisers, offering event support and itinerary suggestions. Activities we have suggested include diving and visiting the hinterland. We have the perfect opportunity to impress these world-class athletes,” said tourism chief executive Justin Mackrory.
Organiser Heidi Muller of Kinetic Gear has expressed her gratitude for the local support she has received for Expedition Africa.
“Without the generous support of sponsors like John Bainbridge from Port Edward Holiday Resort, we would not be able to host this event. The resort has come on board with close to R100 000 worth of sponsored accommodation,” she said.
She thanked all the other sponsors who had so eagerly taken up the challenge to ensure that this event would make not only the South Coast proud, but KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa as well.
