Michael Lord wins Jonkershoek mountain rain

PIETERMARITZBURG, 23 MAY 2017 – On Saturday 20 May, multisport athlete Michael Lord (Jeep Team SA) took part in the 11km trail race at the 2017 Jonkershoek Mountain Challenge in Stellenbosch.

Lord, who has been out of action for over a month on doctors’ orders with knee issues, came out the stalls galloping with 411 other athletes across various categories to take part in the fast 11km race.

Ideal for short-course trail runners, the race started in Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve and followed established trails and tracks into Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.

The route through the nature reserve features 218m of ascent, forestry jeep track, smooth single track, crossing the Eerste Rivier and running through the Kleinplaas Dam wall.

Lord took the top spot in the 11km race in a time of 00:42:39. Second place went to Malibongene Mcosana in a time of 00:43:48, and Damian Will took third in 00:44:16.

Says Lord, “I am chuffed to take the win in the littlest race. I was quite nervous as it was my first time running properly in a long time, but my knees held up splendidly. The route is awesome. Jonkershoek is still one of the most amazing places I’ve been to – every time I’m there, I see another awesome piece of how the whole race fits together. You could spend a lifetime exploring all the little corners and peaks.”

Results – 11km Jonkershoek Mountain Challenge

Men

1. Michael Lord 00:42:39
2. Malibongene Mcosana 00:43:48
3. Damian Will 00:44:16

Women

1. Uta Lehmann 00:51:51
2. Katie Leslie 00:52:11
3. Lara Rossouw 00:53:11