Training pays off for Venter and Blakeney. – Springs Advertiser

Springs athletes David Venter and Seth Blakeney took part in the K-Way SkyRun Ultra Trail Mountain Race on November 16 in the Eastern Cape.

Runners had to traverse the daunting Wittenberg mountain range for 65 kilometres and crossed the finish line in Wartrail.

Blakeney took part in a 65km challenge, while Venter pushed himself to complete the gruelling 100km challenge.

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Runners had to push their bodies and minds to the limits as the majority of the challenge takes place at 2500 meters above sea level.

Blakeney finished the 65 km in a remarkable time of 12 hours and 53 minutes, securing 11th place in the category.

Venter ran through the night and finished in a time of 26 hours and 5 minutes, arriving at the finish at 6.05am.

Seth Blakeney making his way through the Wittenberg mountain range.

K-Way SkyRun is known as one of South Africa’s toughest mountain races due to the remoteness of the area, the altitude and the tough terrain.

The run also requires presence of mind and intense concentration as runners are required to self-navigate the unmarked course.

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In addition, runners also have to carry with them their own water and nutrition to sustain them through the long course.

Venter says that both he and Blakeney are very happy with their performances and that their training has paid off.