Power Couple

Martin and Jeannie Dreyer Have Been There and Won That. Their List of Palmarès Includes the Dusi Canoe Marathon, Freedom Challenge, Munga and Land Rover G4 Challenge to Name a Few. We Caught Up With Them at This Year’s Cape Epic.

- Reuben Van Niekerk Text: Reuben van Niekerk Text: Reuben van Niekerk

This year was a jam-packed one for the Dreyer couple. They started offtackling the Dusi Canoe Marathon and did the Cape Epic together. Jeannie then ran her first Comrades marathon and Martin returned to the Freedom Challenge. Training for these events takes a lot of time and the Dreyers need to do this while raising two children and running the Change a Life Academy.

Martin, how did your association with Land Rover come about?

In 2006, I won the South African round of the G4 challenge and went on to represent South Africa, where I raced for four weeks in four different locations round the world, against competitors from 18 countries. I managed to pull the rabbit out of the hat and win the event, first prize was a Range Rover.

You had to drive the car for at least the year but instead of the Range Rover, I asked for a Discovery and a Defender. I sold the Discovery for some cash and drove the Defender. I’ve been a fan ever since.

Martin, did winning the G4 challenge open doors for you?

Yes, that was a massive win, it was a proper adventure. We were tested across all disciplines, both sporting and in terms of driving ability. It is definitely a highlight. The competition was made into a reality show but unfortunately it was never shown on South African TV.

Martin, how did you and Jeannie meet?

Through adventure racing where we raced against each other. We eventually teamed up as a mixed team and ended up beating all the all-male teams. It was a good test of the relationship. We had the same mindset and that is how we clicked. We like to push ourselves, we did a 900km unsupported ride across the Rockies a few years back called the Colorado Trail Race, where you carry everything and sleep next to the bike. We love riding as it takes you to special places.