KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna Extreme Triathlon, part of the renowned Extreme Triathlon Series, once again pushed athletes to their limits in a day of determination, pain and triumph. Held on 1 November, this year's event marked a historic milestone.
Historic victory for Anna Haw
South Africa's Anna Haw crossed the finish line in 12 hours, 21 minutes and 11 seconds, not only claiming first place, but making history as the first woman winner of the Knysna Extreme Triathlon. Her performance spoke to her mental toughness and physical endurance.
Race overview
Conceived by Sean Sandiford in 2018, the triathlon starts with a 5km swim from the SANParks jetty, followed by a brutal 174km bike ride through the Outeniqua Pass, ending in George, and the final leg is a 50km run up the Prince Alfred Pass to Diepwalle.
The race covers a total of 229km with an elevation gain of 3 800 metres.
This year, 23 athletes from six countries competed in the full race, alongside participants in the half-distance 0.5 event.
Cycling through the elements
The cycling stage was a test of strength and endurance, particularly the ascent of Outeniqua Pass, where mist and isolation added to the challenge.
A strong tailwind in the Klein-Karoo briefly aided cyclists, but fatigue set in as they neared the transition to the run.
The 50km run, starting with dropping temperatures and rain, tested athletes' mental resilience as much as their physical capabilities.
Men's team and individual performances
The first men's team - Nico Ferreira, Louie Eggars and Peter-John Sutherland - finished second overall in 12:57:32. Belgian Emile Lacourt took third in 14:34:32, with South Africa's Albert Verster the first male finisher, securing fourth in 14:42:08.
Honours
The prize-giving ceremony, held at Drydock the following day, celebrated remarkable endurance and included awards for athletes who have completed all five Extreme Triathlons within three years.
"The calm tenacity, resilience, and endurance demonstrated by every athlete was overwhelming. It was pure inspiration," said one of the crew members.
Results
Overall winner and first woman:
Anna Haw (South Africa) - 12:21:11
Second:
Men's Team: Nico Ferreira, Louie Eggars, Peter-John Sutherland (South Africa) - 12:53:32
Third:
Emile Lacourt (Belgium) - 14:34:32
Fourth and first male:
Albert Verster (South Africa) - 14:42:08
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