A swim, cycle and a run in Nature's Valley

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The annual Nature's Valley Trust Triathlon made a welcome return this year, after a two-year break due to Covid-19. More than athletes took part in the race, held on Thursday 22 December.

The triathlon, which kicked off at 07:00, started with a 300m swim in the Grootrivier lagoon.

Thereafter they cycled 12km, in 4km loops around the Nature's Valley village. Finally, it wrapped up with a testing 3km run along Lagoon Drive and the Nature's Valley beach.

The weather was great too, with clear skies and the warming morning air ensuring that participants had perfect conditions for some swimming, cycling and running. There was not a breath of wind either, meaning no one had to worry about battling through a head-wind of any kind.

While there were 70 individual athletes, a staggering 45 teams took part, bringing the total number of participants to 205 for the day.

In the individual men's category, Matthew van Coller – who was first overall – triumphed in a time of 36:55. Martin Nortje (40:12) was next over the line, followed by Gerhard Maritz (41:51).

Veronique Rossouw was the first lady over the line, finishing in 43:38. Behind her was Claire Jennings (50:09) in second and Janet Woodhead (52:18) in third.

Nicholas Reyburn (51:50), Hannes Kloppers (54:13) and Jasmine Woodburn (55:21) were the top three U12 athletes. The top three teams were: RII Team (37:41), JJ Team (38:37) and Kwetterkas (38:59).

Participants fly from the starting line to the start of the swim.