KNYSNA NEWS - The ultimate multisport challenge is back for its ninth edition and takes place at the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival between 29 June and 7 July.
Momentum has been announced as the title sponsor of the Big5 Challenge 2018. Entries are now open, and athletes can choose between the Big5 and Big5Lite.
The Big5 Challenge has established itself as one of the most sought-after events for elite athletes and serious enthusiasts looking to push themselves to the limit. As an extreme test of endurance, skill and stamina, the Big5 gives hardcore athletes the chance to enjoy five full-on sports events over the 10 days of the festival.
Competing entrants will have covered more than 150km in running, swimming and cycling disciplines. Ranked by their cumulative time, the athlete who completes all five events in the least amount of time will be the winner.
The two Big5 events will start and finish with the Knysna Cycle Tour MTB and the Knysna Forest Marathon’s half marathon respectively, and complete additional events that take place during the week between the two events.
'The Big5 Challenge is next-level commitment. These athletes know the level of endurance, fitness and mental toughness needed and will have been training to the max to be ready for serious competition.'
Each event comprises five challenging races, as follows:
Big5
- 30 June: Knysna Cycle TourMTB – 80km
- 2 July: Knysna Lagoon Mile open-water swimming – 1.85km
- 3 July: Featherbed Trail Run – 15km
- 5 July: MTB-X (cyclo-cross) – 32km
- 7 July: Knysna Forest Marathon (running) – 21.1km
Big5Lite
- 30 June: Knysna Cycle TourMTB – 50km
- 1 July: Knysna Cycle Tour (road cycle) – 50km
- 1 July: Or Harbour2Heads Lagoon Challenge (paddling) – 11km
- 2 July: Or Knysna Lagoon Mile open-water swimming – 1.85km
- 3 July: Featherbed Trail Run – 11km
- 5 July: MTB-X – 24 km
- 7 July: Knysna Forest Marathon – 21.1km
Says Carel Bosman, head of Momentum Sponsorships, “The Big5 Challenge is next-level commitment. These athletes know the level of endurance, fitness and mental toughness needed and will have been training to the max to be ready for serious competition. We wish all the competitors strength and resilience and the best for their five events.”
The inclusion of the Big5 Challenge on the Oyster Festival calendar makes the fest the ideal “10 days of winter” destination for adventure seekers, serious athletes and families looking for a diverse range of holiday activities.
More info and to enter
Visit www.big5sportchallenge.com / www.oysterfestival.co.za.
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