ULTRA TRAIL CAPE TOWN UTCT
Runner's World SA|November/December 2022
Ultra-Trail Cape Town has become one of the world's great endurance events, attracting some of the biggest names in global trail running. From the mountain trails to the beaches and forests, the UTCT route is unique, and often packed with enthusiastic supporters. It's a must-do on every runner's bucket list.
Mike Finch
ULTRA TRAIL CAPE TOWN UTCT

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS, GRAND DESIGNS

From schoolboy acquaintances to trail-running visionaries Nic Bornman and Stuart McConnachie are aiming high for Ultra-Trail Cape Town.

Back in March 2014, former retail manager Stuart McConnachie was at a loose end. He had just left his job, and was looking for a fresh opportunity.

As luck would have it, he noticed a post on Facebook talking about the launch of a new race called Ultra-Trail Cape Town, credited to one Nic Bornman. McConnachie thought he recognised the name from his schooldays at Rondebosch Boys High, and messaged Bornman.

It turned out the two knew of each other via friends and older brothers at school; and McConnachie, an enthusiastic trail runner, was eager to learn more about Bornman's plans.

"He just admitted that he wasn't quite sure how he was going to pull it off; but he was going to give it a bash," McConnachie remembers. "And since he was working as an architect in Hong Kong at the time, and I was based in Cape Town... I said I was in, to help to get it off the ground." Bornman explained that he couldn’t pay McConnachie, but would appreciate the help.

“I told him it was fine. I just knew inside that this was my next thing,” McConnachie says.

Denne historien er fra November/December 2022-utgaven av Runner's World SA.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra November/December 2022-utgaven av Runner's World SA.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA RUNNER'S WORLD SASe alt
LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET
Runner's World SA

LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET

In the last decade, the running singlet once reserved for amateur competitors and professional athletes - has gone mainstream, not only on race day but also on everyday runs.

time-read
9 mins  |
May/June 2024
RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES
Runner's World SA

RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES

Banned shoes emerged at a basketball court long before they found their way onto a marathon course.

time-read
9 mins  |
May/June 2024
CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE
Runner's World SA

CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE

Are you an early bird or a night owl? Perhaps you've assigned yourself another animal after completing an internet quiz. Research is shedding light on the link between well-being and circadian predisposition, but there's no need to rewire yourself. Learn to lean into your biology with our guide.

time-read
6 mins  |
May/June 2024
THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD
Runner's World SA

THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD

Some of the world's best runners credit this unorthodox Norwegian training method for their success. Is it right for you?

time-read
9 mins  |
May/June 2024
THE MIND OF MASSYN
Runner's World SA

THE MIND OF MASSYN

IN 2024, LOUIS MASSYN WILL ATTEMPT HIS 49TH COMRADES MARATHON AND HE'S LEARNT PLENTY OF LESSONS ALONG THE WAY. HERE'S THE STORY OF HIS AMAZING JOURNEY.

time-read
10 mins  |
May/June 2024
TAKING CHARGE
Runner's World SA

TAKING CHARGE

OUTSPOKEN AND AMBITIOUS, NEW COMRADES RACE MANAGER (AND FORMER WINNER) ANN ASHWORTH IS LOOKING TO TAKE THE RACE INTO THE FUTURE.

time-read
5 mins  |
May/June 2024
A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES
Runner's World SA

A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES

THIS YEAR, BARRY HOLLAND WILL BE AIMING TO FINISH HIS 50TH CONSECUTIVE COMRADES MARATHON. THIS IS WHAT HAS INSPIRED HIM.

time-read
6 mins  |
May/June 2024
MY RUNNING LIFE
Runner's World SA

MY RUNNING LIFE

ORDINARY RUNNERS doing EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

time-read
3 mins  |
May/June 2024
Ageing In The Age Of Strava
Runner's World SA

Ageing In The Age Of Strava

RECENTLY MY BUDDY Sean sent a text message that said, “Been running a lot of 5:30–6:00 kays early. It feels pretty nice at that pace.”

time-read
4 mins  |
May/June 2024
How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It
Runner's World SA

How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It

I'VE ALWAYS FELT validation when reading a story about writers and their love of procrastination.

time-read
3 mins  |
May/June 2024