THIRSTI deal to hydrate AFRICANX

There can be few more appropriate partnerships in trail running than that of THIRSTI and AFRICANX, according to race organisers of the three-day stage race set over 74km, which this year returns to the Western Cape of South Africa’s Houw Hoek Inn as the race’s favourite HQ and base.

The recent announcement of THIRSTI’s association with AFRICANX comes as athletes make final preparations for the event and is set to ensure that athletes are liberally hydrated during the three days of competition with 100% natural spring water. The sponsorship will likely lead to some new surprises and activations during the course of this year’s race.

“We are extremely proud to welcome THIRSTI as title sponsor of the AFRICANX Trailrun,” says Michael Meyer, founder of the event and Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “Proudly South African, THIRSTI water is inspired by people who follow their passion and live life to the fullest. The AFRICANX runner has no shortage of passion or drive, making this the perfect partnership.

“With THIRSTI in our corner, we will soon be announcing a number of exciting enhancements to the AFRICANX experience. The THIRSTI product range is phenomenal, and we are now able to offer these products to discerning trail runners at one of South Africa’s most iconic events. The Stillwater Sports team can’t wait to welcome trail runners to the start line of the 2021 THIRSTI AFRICANX Trailrun.”

No strangers to ultra-distance, THIRSTI has enjoyed previous partnerships with the Comrades Marathon and the Cape Epic and the addition of one of the country’s most popular footraces, AFRICANX Trailrun, is a natural progression.

“AFRICANX is a fantastic challenge! Running in excess of 70km over three days will require plenty of hydration and rehydration for these extreme individuals,” said THIRSTI MD, Rob Hoatson. “We’ll keep the athletes well-fuelled with the best water that nature has to offer, sourced deep from within the Klein Drakensberg mountains!”

Each year new and innovative routes are designed and laid out for athletes taking on AFRICANX and this year’s routes through the Grabouw – Houw Hoek and Bot River region offer a heady variety of terrain and landscape.

“Paul Cluver Wine Estate has always been a firm favourite of the AFRICANX Trailrun,” continued Meyer. “Starting at the picturesque Paul Cluver Amphitheatre, the first stage includes sections of the stunning estate trails before heading back towards Houw Hoek where the athletes will enjoy spectacular views.”

The second stage over 32 km with 850 metres of climbing and significant technical stretches will be a strenuous test for the teams, although the rewards as athletes tackle single track trails on Wilderkans and Beaumont Wine Estates and Bot River Farm before heading back to Houw Hoek will provide some compensation.

 “The third and final stage will also be the AFRICANX’s much anticipated ‘Dress-Up Day’,” said Meyer of one of the most colourful displays of running in the country. “Starting at the Houw Hoek Farm Stall, the Stage 3 route will boast sections of the magnificent Lebanon Trails, new to AFRICANX, before passing through a culvert under the N2 and onto the finish line at Houw Hoek.

“Don’t forget to dress up!” urged Meyer. “There is no specific theme, instead runners are encouraged to let their creativity reign. Enjoy the third and final stage to the fullest, take in the views and let nature give you one last run for your money!”

2021 Event Information:  THIRSTI AFRICANX Trailrun

Date:	Friday 26 March 2021 – Sunday 28 March 2021
Format:	Three-day stage race / teams of two (male/female/mixed)
Festival Village:	On the grounds of the Houw Hoek Hotel (Bot River, Overberg Region / Western Cape)
Start Time:	From 07:00 in batches, 15 minutes apart
Start, Finish and Distance:	Day 1: +- 24km / total climb 650m
	Start:  Paul Cluver Wine Estate
	Finish:  Houw Hoek Hotel
	Day 2: +- 31km / total climb 850m
	Start:  Wildekrans Wine Estate
	Finish:  Houw Hoek Hotel
	Day 3: +- 20km / total climb 450m
	Start:  Houw Hoek Farm Stall
	Finish:  Houw Hoek Hotel
ROUTES MAPS:	https://www.stillwatersports.com/event/africanx-trailrun/