The 2024 Marathon National Championships were held in the iconic Karkloof Mountain Bike Park, KZN, a venue celebrated for its challenging trails and stunning landscapes. This year’s event lived up to its reputation, offering riders an 85km course with a formidable 2679m of climbing. The technical terrain required riders to dig deep, both mentally and physically, with little room for team tactics.
The day began with beautiful autumn weather, which turned sunny, providing ideal conditions for the riders. The race saw fantastic performances across all categories, highlighting the park’s status as one of South Africa’s premier mountain biking destinations.
In the Elite Men’s race, Wessel Botha emerged victorious with an impressive time of 4:04:29, finishing two minutes ahead of Marc Pritzen. Jeadon Terlouw secured the third spot on the podium, capping off a fiercely contested race.
Danielle Strydom continued her dominant form in the Elite Women’s category, claiming victory ahead of her teammate Samantha Sanders and Tyler Jacobs in third. This win marks Strydom’s second SA title within a fortnight, following her recent success at the Gravel Championships.
The age categories also saw intense competition. Thinus Redelinghuys triumphed in the Sub Vet Men, while Mikaela Hagemann took the top spot in the Sub Vet Women. Andrew Hill demonstrated his prowess by winning the Vet Men category, and Marissa van der Linde excelled in the Veteran Women.
Cycling South Africa extends its gratitude to all the organizers and volunteers whose dedication made this event a resounding success. Their efforts ensured a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Congratulations to all the newly crowned SA National Champions. Your achievements are a source of immense pride, and we wish you continued success in the upcoming events. Wear your jerseys with pride and inspire others with your dedication and excellence.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the 2024 Marathon National Championships. We look forward to more remarkable performances and milestones in the future.
Keep riding with passion!
Full Results below:
