World’s biggest obstacle race comes to SA

MEDIA RELEASE | Paarl will host South Africa’s first FISHERMAN’S FRIEND StrongmanRun, the world’s biggest cross-country obstacle race, on Saturday 1 October 2016.  This is the first time this event, known as the ‘strongest race of all time’ will be held outside of Europe.

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This rapidly growing cross-country-obstacle-race set on a long distance track including swimming, climbing and crawling obstacles. Paarl Rock, the country’s largest recorded mass of granite and the picturesque Berg River are the location, and will add to the challenge and scenic beauty for this one-of-a-kind event.

Ferdinand Rabie, winner of the first Big Brother SA in 2002, has been awarded the three-year license to bring this popular event to South Africa.

“Last year, 12 FISHERMAN’S FRIEND StrongmanRun events took place throughout Europe, with over 80 000 participants and I was extremely fortunate to participate in the event in Nuremberg earlier this year,” said Rabie.

“This is known as the strongest race of all time, and after participating, I know why.  I had the most fun I have had in a long time wading through mud and swimming through streams in the biggest obstacles.

“Considered the ultimate adrenaline adventure and famous for its gigantic obstacles, we are expecting the first South African event to be a sell-out.”

“We spent two weeks with the European organisers to ensure that our race follows European standards,” he added.

“The FISHERMAN’S FRIEND StrongmanRun has created a new running category and obstacle adventure racing is the fastest growing sport for women. Runners can enter as individuals or teams, grab your moment, dress up, it is the ultimate adrenalin kick,” said Julie-Ann van Niekerk, Clippasales, distributors of Fisherman’s Friend.

“We are excited to be extending this race outside of Europe, and that teams that have competed in Europe will be coming to South Africa,” says Ingo Pauly, International FISHERMAN’S FRIEND StrongmanRun Project Team.

There are three distances: 8km with 12 obstacles, 14km with 20 obstacles and 21km with 25 obstacles.  The South African event is the first to offer school learners the opportunity to participate in the 8km race.

Entrance is limited to 5000 over the three race distances.All participants will receive a T-shirt and medal and the overall male and female winners in the 21km race get to compete in the 10thanniversary of FISHERMAN’S FRIEND StrongmanRun 2017 in Germany.

To enter visit www.strongmanrun.co.za 

Race details:

 

Distance Entry fee Concert fee with race entry Starting time Finishing time Prizes No of entries
8km R350 R85 10:10 3 hours Medals, goodie bags and T-shirts 1500
14km R450 R85 10:30 4 hours Medals, goodie bags and T-shirts 2000
21km R750 Free 09:45 5 hours Medals, goodie bags and T-shirts 1500

To add to the entertainment of the weekend, Prime Circle will head the line-up to the Build Courage event concert on Friday 30 September.  Tickets are R160 for adults and R80 for children under 13 and available on itickets.

There is plenty of fun for the whole family as well as a separate kids event for ages 4-12, which takes place between 11:30 – 13:30 on Saturday.