Grand Traverse Record Race

Thanks for the update Stijn. I've been following the blog and read that you were skipping this one. Perhaps this is for the best? I must say the thought of 40 hours sounds horrific, and if that ever happens I'm not sure I'll ever bother having a go at that! I'm a mountain junkie but not an adventure racer....and I'd rather spare my joints for many years of hiking and climbing.

From Vertical Endeavour we wish the guys attempting the record tomorrow all the best!! We will be watching for updates keenly.

Just an update for those who haven't been able to follow Stijn's link.

The boys have all pulled out, leaving 2 teams left in the race against the clock. One team was a mixed team and the one pulled out due to injury. The other 2 guys (aka the "Hares" ) pulled out at Injisuthi due partly to inclement weather, but I think they may have gone out too fast, reaching Cleft peak in under 12hours, from the Sentinel Car Park.

The remaining lady from the mixed team (Christine) pushed on alone trying to catch up with the ladies team ahead of her. Latest news in is that she still has not seen them, more than a day of chasing. The advice from the ground team (at Cathedral Peak) was to come down. I would echo their sentiment personally.

The other ladies are apparently still going full guns ahead.

Will update more as I hear more...

Christine did wisely pull out at Bannerman Pass, though this was obviously an agonising decision as she was doing very well and would probably have completed the Traverse. It would have been very dangerous for her to cross the Giants Castle area and beyond. The area has had some troubling incidents of attacks on hikers by the Basotho herdsmen.

The remaining team were at the Giants Castle checkpoint yesterday.

Well done to all that have tried so far, even if you did not complete it!

It is officially over. The ladies record has been set (6 days, 13 hours, 11 minutes). Much excitement and drama unfolded as the teams did their best to get across the distance in as short a time as possible.

Well done to the 2 ladies who completed the course, and compliments to those who attempted but for various reasons had to pull out. I am sure we will see you back up there again!

I heard that the weather was clear...good for you! Were you waiting for a gap in the weather or were you gonna go regardless?

Once again, well done! A remarkable achievement!

Hmm, we'll see about the challenge....