As predicted, the highly competitive field kept race organisers and spectators guessing right up to the final stages.
In an all new course record of 4:23:24 KZN runner, Iain Don-Wauchope illustrated strength and experience, collecting the first sub four hours 30 minute Black Medal, with Cape Town runner AJ Calitz taking the second Black Medal as he finished 4:29:19.
Both runners came in under the course record of 4:40:15, previously held by Ryan Sandes. Third was Cape Town runner Greg Goodall in a time of 4:42:18.
In the ladies field, US legend Krissy Moehl from Colorado took first place in a time of 5:24:59. Moehl is the current UTMN record holder. In second place and first veteran lady was South African Jacoline Haasbrook in an impressive 5:27:14. Third lady was Landie Greyling in a time of 5:37:03. Jeannie Dreyer holds the course record of 5:17:12.
A tricky 4km prologue the day prior to the main race divided the competitive field according to the runners' electronically timed results. The men's Ambengeni or challengers, the only men eligible for prizes on the day, included Sebastian Chaigneau of France, local AJ Calitz, Michael Bailey and John Ntuli of the Hi-Tec sponsored Change a Life Academy.
The Otter, known to many as the Grail of Trail takes athletes on a relentless and technical route through the Tsitsikama National Park, in the picturesque Garden Route of South Africa.
The SANParks Otter Trail is one of South Africa's premium hikes. With 42km of technical single track through indigenous fynbos and along pristine beaches, an Olympic swim distance across Bloukrans River, at least four 50m drops to rugged rocks, eight 'significant climbs' and nearly 3 000m of vertical ascent, the Otter is not a challenge taken lightly.
Otter Trial Run winners Iain Don-Wauchope and AJ Calitz hold the South African flag high. (Photo: Jacques Marais)
