More than 3 000 athletes competed in a diverse range of events such as open-ocean swimming, trail running, mountain biking, beach walking and a 'Kids of Steel' mini-duathlon over two days.
In 2003, local entrepreneurs Tony and Suzy Lubner conceptualised Sabrina Love in loving memory of their daughter, Sabrina, who passed away after succumbing to a rare bone marrow disorder; it has become one of the premier fundraisers supporting families and children with physical disabilities in the Bitou region.
"Few other destinations in South Africa offer such varied and naturally scenic landscape as Plettenberg Bay, and it is easy to see why so many people return again and again to participate in the Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge," said event director Mark Collins, of Magnetic South.
On day one the flagship event, a rigorous 6km open-ocean swim from Robberg Corner to Central Beach, was dominated by Olympian Chad Ho who won the men's category in 01:03:49 and Megan Stephens, who took the women's title in 01:10:23.
The 15km surfski ocean paddle, a firm favourite amongst competitors, was won by local hero Michele Eray in a time of 01:07:11.
The 10km urban and beach run (10km) crown went to Michael Bailey who blitzed his opposition in a time of 00:35:30, with Michelle Williams taking the ladies title in 00:42:40.
On day two the internationally renowned Kurland Pavilion, usually reserved for prominent polo tournaments, served as event hub for the full range of the day's events.
A 500m open-water lake swim saw swimmers taking to the water at Kurland Polo Estate. Exceptional swims by Carol Reeves and Johan Lourens saw them first out of the lake in 00:11:00 and 00:10:15. The 25km mountain bike race saw some top riders saddled up to battle it out along a specially laid out MTB route. Shaun Bester and Carol Reeves dominated their respective categories.
More than 500 trail runners ran through the indigenous forest surrounding Kurland Pavilion in the 6km and 10km trail runs. Michael Bailey crossed the finish line in first place in a time of 00:37:03. Kane Riley placed second and local Chantelle Nienaber took poll position in the ladies category.
Athletes who entered all three disciplines were awarded the title's for the staged triathlon, overall first positions went to Mark Price (02:01:59) and Carol Reeves (02:15:19).
Around 180 children between the ages of six and 12 years took part in the Kids of Steel swim and 1.5km adventure trail, considered by many to be the highlight of the Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge.
The festivities came to a close with Tigger and Wendy Oldfield performing the Sabrina Song, accompanied by the Plett Field Band.
Event organiser Christine Collins expects the event to have raised well over R500 000 for charity once all monies have been tallied.
Competitors in the ninth annual Sabrina Love ocean challenge's flagship event, a rigorous 6km open-ocean swim from Robberg corner to Central Beach.
