Champions Push Limits in Battle of Personal Bests at the 2024 K-Way SkyRun
Lady Grey’s iconic K-Way SkyRun delivered yet another unforgettable weekend as athletes took to the rugged Witteberg mountains in a thrilling test of endurance, skill, and sheer determination. Blessed with near-perfect conditions—highlighted by lush landscapes, a brilliant supermoon, and a breathtaking fly-by from the region’s bearded vultures—this year’s SkyRun was one for the books.
The flagship 100km race saw an epic duel between Barkly East local Thato Kabeli and seasoned ultra-trail runner Douglas Pickard. Trading leads and pushing each other to the limit, the pair crossed the finish line together in a time of 12:44:08, both achieving personal bests and joining the elite club of sub-13-hour finishers.
“This race is something special. Running at sunrise in these mountains is incredible,” said Douglas. “Thato and I pushed each other hard all day—it was an honour to finish with him.”
Thato, who improved on his second-place finish from 2023, shared his pride: “This is my home race, and beating my coach’s time of 12:59 makes it even more special. Doug and I worked together, and it was amazing to finish alongside him.”
Behind them, last year’s winner Simon Tshabalala claimed third place in 14:03:11, a strong performance but just shy of his personal best.
In the women’s 100km, reigning champion Simone Malan defended her title with a new personal best of 16:08:22, improving on last year’s time by over 15 minutes. Jess Barrow, another returning athlete, shaved two hours off her 2023 time to finish second in 16:33:40, while SkyRun newcomer Helen Buley took third in 21:19:29.
“The camaraderie on the trail and the stunning scenery make SkyRun unlike any other race,” said Simone. “It’s tough, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.”
The 65km men’s race saw a standout performance from Mjongile “Tonic” Masilo, who clinched his third SkyRun victory in 08:07:08, narrowly missing the record of 8:02:11. “I pushed hard for the record, but the heat got to me. I’ll be back to try again next year—maybe for the 100km,” he said.
In the women’s race, SkyRun first-timer Jada Linstrom triumphed with an impressive time of 11:28:52, describing the experience as both “overwhelmingly hard and overwhelmingly beautiful.”
The 38km race welcomed a host of new faces, with Louw van den Heever and local runner Ana Sampson taking top honours in their respective categories. Ana, based in Cape Town but originally from the Witteberg region, celebrated her win in 06:47:06, calling it a deeply personal achievement.
?“This year’s SkyRun was unforgettable. The weather was perfect, the competition was fierce, and the spirit of adventure was alive. Watching Doug and Thato push each other was incredible, and seeing so many athletes embrace the challenge—whether racing for records or simply to finish—is what makes SkyRun special,” says race director, Adrian Saffy.
For more info and results, please visit www.skyrun.co.za
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ENDS
Results
2024 SkyRun 100km Results
Men:
Douglas Pickard & Thato Kabeli – 12:44:08 (PBs)
Simon Tshabalala – 14:03:11
Michael Cole – 16:08:22
Women:
Simone Malan – 16:08:22 (PB)
Jess Barrow – 16:33:40 (PB)
Helen Buley – 21:19:29
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For more information on SkyRun, visit www.skyrun.co.za.