The weather gods decided to save the best for last as the final race in the Spur Cape Winter Trail Series™ 2014 in Kleinmond took place under incredible skies and ideal running conditions. 

More than 950 excited runners turned up one final time to embrace the day and tackle the might of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve.

As is tradition, race 4 included the XL race of 24km and some of the country’s finest trail runners were out to have some competitive fun on some of the Cape’s best trails.

In the XL the pace was frenetic from the outset as the leading group of elites were shadowing each other and stretching the legs before the first big climb of the day at the 13km mark. It was on this climb that Ake Fagereng made his move and broke away from the leading pack that included the likes of Dom Wills, Simon Muller, Noel Ernstzen, Charl Souma and Derrick Baard. Fagereng kept the hammer down and flew down some technical single track to open up a gap that was never pulled back to win in a terrific time of 02:02:34. Dom Wills took second place overall in 02:04:18 and Simon Muller claimed that coveted last spot on the overall podium by coming home in 02:08:48.

In the ladies XL race, it was long course Championship Series winner Liandi van der Westhuyzen who continued to impress by claiming victory in a time of 02:34:05, more than 17 minutes ahead of her nearest rival, Marianne Johnson. She ran an impressive race herself and crossed the finish line in 02:51:29 with Shaan Corrie rounding out the top three overall ladies with a time of 02:58:22.

First victory for Philander
In the long course Championship 14,5km race, everyone was wondering whether the incredible Bernard Rukadza could make it four wins on the trot in this Series but Duwayne Philander had other ideas. He improved his three podium placements in the Series to grab his first win, peering under the culvert first on his way to the finish line in a time of 01:00:56. Series winner Rukadza came home second in a time of 01:01:27 to wrap up yet another Spur Cape Winter Trail Series™ victory, his fifth in a row! 

We knew from the starting gun that we’d have a new face on the top step of the ladies long course race with current leader, van der Westhuyzen running the XL. This time it was Matilda Randle, who has two second places this Series, who claimed victory in a time of 01:19:16. Series regular, Arlene Potgieter was hot on her heels to take second place in a time of 01:20:57 with Annie Kloppers claiming the last overall podium spot in a time of 01:21:48.

Afrika seals the Series in style
In the men’s short course Challenge race, no time was wasted as runners raced over the 8km course in a little over 33 minutes. André Afrika sealed his Series by grabbing first place in 33:02 to go along with two other first place finishes and one runner up finish this Series. Second over the line and a mere 5 seconds back was Llewellyn Jacobs who crossed the line in 33:07 to claim second overall in the Series after a consistent showing of two fourth place finishes and two second places. Third over the line went to Nick Rembeyi in a time of 35:52.

In the ladies short course it was Mariella Dierks who claimed overall victory with a stunning time of 43:23 to just pip Ellie Courts. She crossed the line in 43:31 to claim first position in the veteran category with Michelle Nel right behind Courts to take third place overall and second open lady with a time of 43:33.

It was a tremendous way to cap off another amazing Spur Trail Series™ and on behalf of the Wildrunner team, we salute ALL those who took part whether you ran or just supported! We hope to see you all again in the summer.

Next up is the KZN Spur Trail Series™ and we can’t wait to jol in the beautiful surrounds of Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Entries will open at the end of the month, get yours early to join in the fun!

A big thanks to our sponsors, Spur Steak Ranches, adidas, BOS Ice Tea and Protea Hotels for their continued support and special thanks must go to the Kleinmond Municipality for their assistance and hospitality.

Follow us on Twitter @WildrunnerZA and like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/trailseries for any updates on this and other Spur Trail Series™ races.

For full results click here and for more photos click here.