Hugo And Marais Set For Round Two At Totalsports Challenge
News Release / 08.01.2013
Excitement has risen to fever pitch as participants and spectators alike prepare to bear witness to a battle of note when reigning Totalsports Challenge champion, Dan Hugo and challenger, Stuart Marais return to Kleinmond on Saturday, 12 January 2013 for round two at the Totalsports Challenge presented by Liberty Medical Scheme and REHIDRAT® SPORT.
In 2012 Marais seemed to appear from out of nowhere to give race favourite Dan Hugo a run for his money. Although a notable attempt, Marais didn’t have enough in reserve allowing the more experienced Hugo to secure his 6th Totalsports Challenge Champion title.
According to Hugo the Totalsports Challenge is a perfect blend between brand and event. “The Totalsports Challenge in many ways defines who I am as an athlete. I enjoy what I do and I enjoy the space in which I get to do it. The Totalsports Challenge allows me to paddle twice, run twice, bike twice and swim once, it is just a great start to the year. It is unique as it also allows for a relay format, so it is not just fools like me that can take part. This will be the 7th year that I am participating and not once have I been disappointed. It has been a different experience every time. There is an 8th discipline that participants should not forget about and that’s the great festival village that awaits you at the finish. So when you set up for the day, have the intention to hang out for a while afterwards. Being able to see the event from start to finish is such a privilege,” says Hugo.
For Totalsports Challenge newcomer, Stuart Marais, taking part in the Challenge in 2012 would be just that. “Everyone always raves about the event, so I thought I would join in on the fun, challenge myself at 7 disciplines in 1 gruelling day. I loved the on route support that participants received from their seconding teams as well as from spectators. There is a great vibe and everyone gets involved in some way or another. I did have a few teething issues at the 2012 event, so there are a couple of things to work on. Ideally I would like to have a smooth day out, physically, mentally and nutrition wise. The Totalsports Challenge is about challenging yourself. Put together a team and join in on the fun. There are no losers, only survivors. The event is world class from an organisation point of view and I would encourage anybody who enjoys the sea, mountains and sunshine to rise to the challenge,” says Marais.
Adrenaline junkies can choose between the 7-discipline Totalsports Challenge or the less daunting 4-discipline Totalsports Terra Firma Challenge.
Other top individual Totalsports Challenge athletes to look out for will include Lezandre Joubert (reigning women’s champion) and Jeannie Bomford (former individual women’s winner on numerous occasions). Top team entrants will include Hanlie Booyens, Claire Horner, Jodie Swallow, Kent Horner, Michael Bailey, Dawid Mocke and Nikki Mocke to name just a few.
