Impi elite winners celebrate their heritage

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Claude Eksteen and Nicolette Griffioen were amongst the 1427 adventure seekers that celebrated Heritage Day (Thursday, 24 September) by testing their skill at the annual IMPI Challenge held at the picturesque Van Gaalens Cheese Farm near Hartbeespoort (North West Province).

“Having just come off of a massive training block, I had to run within my capabilities,” said Eksteen. “It’s definitely in my favour that the IMPI Elite Race features more running. I managed to build a decent gap in the beginning. After today’s race I am happy to say that my form is good and I feel ready for the Obstacle Course (OC) World Championships that will be held in October. I’ll definitely keep on supporting IMPI. The vibe is awesome, the obstacles aren’t too extreme and it’s ideal for family and friends.”

Eksteen claimed victory in the men’s Elite Race in a lightning fast time of 01:46:42. Thomas van Tonder came in second, while Greg Avierinos finished third.

Nicolette Griffioen was excited to claim her first ever IMPI Elite Race victory on the day. “Today’s race was challenging with a lot of competition. Having had a tough training week, I was not feeling rested and honestly did not expect to win. I went out at an easy pace and was behind after the brick carrying obstacle. I used the runs to my advantage and managed to catch up, passing Trish and then Hanneke. For a while it was a game of cat and mouse between Hanneke and me. Hanneke has more upper body strength, making her good on the obstacles, but I managed to take the lead on the long run. The IMPI Challenge is an amazing combination of fun obstacles and beautiful run routes. It really is a good workout.”

Griffioen completed the IMPI Elite Race in a well-deserved time of 02:10:31. Hanneke Dannhauser came in second, while Trish Bahlmann finished third.

NEXT UP: IMPI Cape Town #2
Date: Saturday, 17 October 2015 & Sunday, 18 October 2015
Venue: Lievland Wine Estate, Stellenbosch (Cape Town)

A trail run that features obstacles, the IMPI Challenge has five fun categories to choose from and is ideal for entrants of all ages.

Categories: IMPI Challenge: 10 km with 18 obstacles (age 18+ years)
IMPI Dash: 5 km with 12 obstacles (ages 10+, all adults welcome)
IMPI Mini: 1km with smaller supervised obstacles (ages 6 – 10 years)
IMPI Elite: 18- 20km with 25 tough obstacles (age 18+ years); timed event with prize money
IMPI Corporate: the 10km Challenge distance with extra benefits (age 18+ years)

An event favourite, entrants are invited to enter the best dressed competition. Pull out all the stops! There are awesome sponsor prizes up for grabs.

Family and friends are invited to relax in the Festival Area while loved ones conquer their fears out on route.

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For more information on the IMPI Challenge contact 076 772 3735, email info@impichallenge.co.za or visit www.impichallenge.co.za

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