Race 3 was hard to beat in terms of venue and views. The Segweti Ranch is located on the picturesque Northern boundary of the “Cradle of Humankind” World Heritage Site, just 45 minutes from Johannesburg or Pretoria. Unspoilt views of the mountains and open plains along with perfect racing weather greeted the runners.

For the Long Course, there was a lot of big pre-race talk going down between Michael Ferreira and Tranquil Gumbo. Michael had plans to challenge the course record, but Tranquil stated firmly that the win would be his. Tranquil stuck to his plan, and claimed a 3/3 win in a time of 51:10. Kennedy Sekhute came in second, in a time of 54:09. Michael finished third in a time of 55:27, with some proper battle scars after a taking a tumble on the jeep track just before the course split.

Magretha Wang was once again the first female in the Long Course race, crossing the line in visible pain in 01:02:10 after battling stomach cramps throughout. Magretha had Kate Roberts hot on her heels; Kate finished in 01:02:47. Chery-lee Schoeman took third in a time of 01:05:53.

Ryno van Vollenhaven was first in the Short Course in a blitz time of 29:47. That makes it a 3/3 win for him, too. Keegan Dally was second overall and the first junior across the line in 31:11. Greg Fuller was third, and the first minimee, right behind Keegan in a time of 31:15. The youngsters are kicking up serious dust on the short courses, putting on some hot racing.

The first lady in the Short Course was, you guessed it, Michelene Kahl in a time of 35:38. She was followed by Claudia Weseman in 42:07, with Nina Durieuxe closing out the podium in 42:20.

The Long Course Championship and Short Course Challenge winners are currently untouchable in the open categories. The race is on for second and third positions as we head to race 4 at Leeuwenkloof.

A festive prize giving, complete with some singing from the spot-prize hopefuls, rounded off a great day in a beautiful setting.

Provisional series results and the full Segwati results are here and a great collection of race images here.

Thank you to the sponsors that make all of this infinitely more fun! Spur, Raidlight South Africa, NatureZone, Steenberg Vineyards and WWF.