Another world championship, another South African province making the country proud by hosting it! The Eastern Cape’s Kouga recently hosted the Adventure Racing Worlds, and brought the big race to the continent for the very first time.
Kouga, South Africa (08 November 2023) — The list of South Africa’s hosting moments for international competitions is ever-growing, as are the times parts of our country have brought renowned competitions to the continent for the first time. Recently, Cape Town hosted the Operatic World Cup for its debut in Africa, while in the Eastern Cape’s Kouga municipality, the Adventure Racing World Championships also made their first African appearance.
While the two disciplines couldn’t be more different (unless you’re an operatic endurance athlete) both were met with the same pride from South Africans.
The Adventure Racing World Championships kicked off in Cape St Francis where 800kms awaited competitors from around the world.
Though the 18th year of the Worlds was said to have been the toughest in years due to duration and weather, it was also the biggest with 109 teams from 30 countries participating as Esti Stewart of Chokki Trail shares.
Beyond the fierce nature of the big and gruelling adventure, participants got to fall in love with another side to South Africa—from the breathtaking, rugged beauty of the Eastern Cape to its own subset culture and wilderness offerings.
“We believe the variety of landscapes, coastlines, wildlife and peoples which teams will experience in the Eastern Cape will make the race a fitting and memorable World Championship.” said Stephan Muller when the hosting opportunity was official.
The Worlds big debut on African trails was made possible by Stephan and Heidi Muller who are the Race Directors of Expedition Africa—one of the most loved adventure races in the world.
The race wrapped up in late October and sits as another proud chapter in South Africa’s hosting successes.
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