Villains and superheroes take Lievland by storm

OBSTACLE SPORTS

Words: Duane Stacey | Photos: Taryn Stacey

“IMPI! WO NANS IMPI IYEZA.” THESE LYRICS TO JOHNNY CLEGGS’ INFAMOUS OVERVIEW OF THE BATTLE OF ISANDLWANA COME FLOODING TO MIND AS I SIT SAFELY BEHIND A COMPUTER SCREEN AND ENTER A TEAM OF TEN INTO THE 2015 IMPI CHALLENGE.

Entry Ninja (the name of the booking site) does little to quell the imagery of a muddied war site, but after a long layoff due to illness, I’m strangely excited to begin my own battle on fitness and keen to conquer this event, which is to take place over the weekend of 17 and 18 October 2015 (with our event on the Sunday) at the picturesque Lievland and Warwick Wine Estates in Stellenbosch.

Tracy dashes to the finish.

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Climbing the net at the IMPI Challenge.

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IT’S THE NIGHT BEFORE AND MOST OF OUR TEAM IS TOGETHER TO WATCH THE SPRINGBOKS CLINCH A DRAMATIC, LAST-MINUTE VICTORY AGAINST THE WELSH IN THE QUARTER FINALS OF THE RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015. IT’S HERE WHERE INSPIRATION FOR TOMORROW’S TEAM UNIFORM IS BORN. BOKKE! Had we been a team

of guys that might have been it, but after negotiations with the fairer sex, team ‘Bokkie in a Rokkie’ came to fruition.

The IMPI Challenge caters for entrants from all walks of life, ranging from the 1 km IMPI Mini to the demanding 20 km IMPI Elite course. But every course has one thing in common … OBSTACLES! *“The IMPI Challenge is about facing the obstacles in life and overcoming those mental, physical and emotional challenges.”

As we set off from the start on our middle-of-the-road 12 km course, I am delighted to have my ‘Bokkies in their Rokkies’ slipping, sliding, pushing, pulling, crawling, squelching and splish-splashing alongside me. It is a festive day out, laughter and silliness envelops us and as I glance around at other teams like ‘The Incredibles’, ‘Batman and Robin’, ‘Army Men’ and countless other superheroes, I know we are in good company.

In an event of this nature it is not often that you get to appreciate your surroundings, but the undeniable beauty and splendid views over Lievland Farm are hard to ignore as we zigzagged our way up the mountain, through vineyards and over obstacles. Only those brave enough to run with their GoPros will be able to relive the splendour we are treated to.

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Challenge 1: Get these tyres down the mountain.

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The mud pit - just to get you in the mood.

Washing off with a slide into the dam.

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Superheros... Par for the course.

Piles of shoes donated on the day.

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Victorious! What a team.

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“HELPING THOSE, WHO CANNOT HELP THEMSELVES, LIES AT THE HEART OF THE TRUE IMPI WARRIOR.” ENOUGH CANNOT BE SAID ABOUT THE TRUE SPIRIT OF THIS ENDURANCE RACE. IT IS FANTASTIC TO SEE THE SHEER ELATION OF EVERY ENTRANT AS THEY BOLT ACROSS THE FINAL OBSTACLE (A FLOATING BRIDGE) AND INTO THE FINISHERS’ PEN. But more encouraging is the pile of shoes that accumulates throughout the day, as competitors donate them to underprivileged individuals who cannot afford their own.

There are numerous other individuals taking part in the race simply to raise funds for other meaningful initiatives.

For more information please follow this link: www.impichallenge.co.za/ content/16-initiatives.

The organisers of the IMPI Challenge must be congratulated for organising an event where challenges were overcome, fears conquered and friendships forged in a day that will long be remembered. The dates for next year will be announced soon, so prepare yourself for an adrenaline-charged experience next year. •

MORE INFORMATION:

For more information about the race, visit the website www.impichallenge.co.za, or the Facebook page: Impi Challenge and on Twitter: @impichallenge *Quote from IMPI Challenge website.

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