WALKERBAY XTREME RETURNS TO HERMANUS FOR FIFTH TIME

Whether your New Year’s resolution is to pursue a fit and healthy lifestyle, be more adventurous or try something new, the Walkerbay Xtreme (WBX) is the event for you.

The WBX, a multi-day adventure sports festival in the heart of Hermanus, will return to the Whale Capital for a fifth time from 24 to 27 April 2020.

With 14 events to choose from, the WBX offers something for everyone – from adventure seekers, professional athletes and fitness fanatics to recreational outdoor enthusiasts looking for a new challenge and a fun-filled sporting holiday in one of SA’s favourite adventuresport hotspots.

Entries are open and all the old favourites are back. No matter what your preference – cycling, swimming or running – there is a race for you. Want to do it all? No problem! Enter the very popular Walker Bay triathlon or the challenging Big 6 Xtreme (7.1 km night run, 35 km MTB challenge, swim-run-jump challenge, sprint triathlon, open water swim and 21 km trail run). Looking for an adrenalin rush? Consider the exciting See & Sand Xtreme, which includes an exciting cliff jump. The two-day MTB and two-day trail running stage races will also return to the events menu for a second year.

“Now in its fifth year, the Walkerbay Xtreme has established itself as a firm favourite on the adventure-sports calendar. With events spread over four days, sport lovers – regardless of their ability – can choose two, three or even four events to challenge themselves. The WBX is a wonderful family- and community-driven event and the town offers wonderful vantage points, accommodation options and dining experiences for participants and supporters,” says Gerhardi Odendaal, CEO of Old School Group (OSG).

OSG co-owns and runs the event in close association and partnership with Hermanus and its people. The Walkerbay Xtreme is also backed by the Hermanus Business Chamber and Hermanus Tourism.

“The WBX is more than just an adventure sports festival. It is an opportunity for residents, community organisations, local businesses and schools to show some community spirit. It is also a family event that caters for all ages.”

Junior athletes between the ages of eight and 15 can enter the junior triathlon. It consists of a 150 m swim, 5 km cycling leg and 2 km run and is the perfect opportunity for youngsters to get their irst taste of competing in a triathlon. Older participants (16 years and older) can enter the very popular sprint triathlon (600 m swim, 23.7 km cycle and 5.6 km run).

Besides the junior triathlon, the WBX offers shorter distances in the Valley Xtreme MTB event and Cliff Path Xtreme fun run. These options are ideal for younger or recreational athletes who want to take it easy and have some fun at the WBX.

The Valley Xtreme MTB challenge offers three distances: 60 km, 36 km and 17 km, with the shorter route suitable for younger riders and newcomers.

Runners can choose between 5.6 km and 12.2 km in the Cliff Path Xtreme fun run or enter the Windsor Marine Mile Sprint, a 1.6 km dash down Marine Drive. Head torches are compulsory for the 7.1 km Twilight Xtreme night run.

Experienced cyclists and runners can up the ante by considering the MTB or trail running stage races on 25 and 26 April. The Valley Xtreme MTB event offers two stages of 60 km each over two days, taking cyclists to the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley on trails that were purpose-built for the Cape Epic and Wines2Whales.

The Blue Mountain Xtreme (trail run) includes two stages of 21 km and offers scenic routes and breathtaking views over mountain and sea.

The See & Sand Xtreme swim-run-jump challenge is ideal for those who want to move out of their comfort zone and try something different. This thrilling adventure comprises a 400 m swim, 1.5 km run, cliff jump from Dreunkrans, 400 m swim, 1 km run and a inal 500 m swim.

The Urban Xtreme MTB Criterium and Strongman Xtreme offer great spectator value. The MTB Criterium is an 800 m circuit race through the iconic Hermanus Old Harbour while the strongman competitors will impress with deadlifts, squats, sled and truck pulling.

Based on experiences from past participants, it is recommended that you check yourself into one of the many accommodation spots on offer in Hermanus for the whole weekend and take part in at least one of the events per day.

The Walkerbay Xtreme is backed by Old School Group, a leader in Sports Tourism and renowned for award-winning sporting events. oldschoolgroup.co.za

For more information: www.walkerbayxtreme.com Facebook www.facebook.com/walkerbayxtreme │ Twitter @walkerbayxtreme │ Instagram @walkerbayxtreme

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