Adventure Racers climbing out the Van Stadens Gorge
On the weekend of 21-23 April 2023, the Thornhill area and the 3Rivers trail network were buzzing with excitement as adventure racers from around the country gathered to participate in the first-ever Mammoth Woodridge Adventure Race. This multi-disciplinary race featured three different distances – 200km, 75km, and 25km, catering to adventure racers of all skill levels.
Woodridge College and Preparatory School played a crucial role in hosting the adventure race athletes with its world-class facilities. The race started and ended at the school, which is rich in heritage and has grown to become one of Eastern Cape’s leading independent, co-educational schools. Some of the checkpoints were even located on the Woodridge College and Preparatory School campus, providing participants with a unique opportunity to explore the school’s beautiful surroundings. This added to the excitement and challenge of the race, as participants had to navigate their way through the school’s beautiful natural landscapes while competing against each other.
In addition to the terrain of Woodridge College and Preparatory, 3Rivers Trails and the Thornhill region, the Mammoth Woodridge Adventure Race also traversed the Van Stadens Flower Reserve, offering participants an opportunity to witness the region’s diverse fynbos species. The race also provided special access to the Yellowwoods farm, which borders Woodridge College, where racers had a unique experience of riding alongside wildlife. To add to the excitement, participants also got to kayak along the Van Stadens River, taking in the beauty of the natural surroundings from a different perspective
A total of 92 athletes participated in the 200km and 75km races, while 66 athletes competed in the 25km race. The Mammoth Woodridge Adventure Race was not your typical racing event. It required participants to combine trail running, mountain biking, kayaking, abseiling and navigation skills to complete the course. The rugged
Adventure Racers Traversing over the Van Stadens Dam Wall
terrain of the area added an extra layer of difficulty to the race, making it a true test of endurance, strength, and skill.
The event was an official inclusion in the Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS) African Series, which added to its prestige and put it on the map as one of the premier adventure racing events in the world. The ARWS African Series is a collection of the best adventure racing events in Africa, offering top-notch competition and showcasing the diverse landscapes and cultures of the region.
Participants came from all over the country to compete in the race, including professional adventure racers and amateurs looking to push their limits and try something new. The race featured checkpoints that required participants to use their navigation skills to find their way through the course, adding an extra layer of strategy and challenge to the race.
Participants had the opportunity to explore the stunning natural landscapes, including dense forests, rolling hills, and picturesque rivers. The race also showcased the Eastern Cape culture and hospitality, with many local businesses and volunteers coming together to support the event and make it a success.
For many participants, the Mammoth Woodridge Adventure Race was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that challenged them both mentally and physically. It was an opportunity to test their limits, push themselves to the edge, and emerge victorious.
Congratulations to the organizers of the Mammoth Woodridge Adventure Race and Woodridge College and Preparatory School for putting together a well-organized, fun, and challenging event for adventure racers of all skill levels. The event’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, and it showcased the beauty and diversity of the Thornhill area’s natural landscapes. A big congratulations to all the participants who took part in the race and embraced the adventure, pushing themselves to their limits and making memories that will last a lifetime. We can’t wait to see what the next Mammoth Woodridge Adventure Race has in store!
Photos by Richard Pearce Photography