Cape Town local Samantha Reilly won the 46-kilometre Cape Town Trail Marathon in a remarkable display of grit and determination despite the scorching heat, on Saturday, 14 October, 2023. Photo: Cape Town Trial Marathon on Instagram

Cape Town local Samantha Reilly has won the 46-kilometre Cape Town Trail Marathon in a remarkable display of grit and determination despite the scorching heat, on Saturday, 14 October 2023.

Reilly, who had originally planned to use the race as training for the 100-kilometre UTCT in December, found herself in the lead during the climb up Platteklip Gorge, and decided to set her own pace. 

She never looked back, crossing the finish line in a winning time of 5 hours, 9 minutes, and 11 seconds.

Reilly’s victory was even more impressive considering the challenging conditions. The temperature reached the mid-30s Celsius, and the humidity was high. But Reilly remained composed throughout the race, and her victory was testament to her fitness and mental toughness.

Catherine Williamson, a former mountain biking star who has transitioned to trail running, finished second, 14 minutes and 19 seconds behind Reilly, and Landie Greyling, the defending champion, rounded out the women’s podium.

Lijan Burger Takes 22km Gold Medal

Lijan Burger earned her second 22km CT Trail Marathon win, after having previously won in 2021, she returned this year to not only reclaim her victory but smash her previous course time. 

Burger said it’s “Always hard to race against a friend,” adding that she and Rebecca Kohne both took turns overtaking one another, out on the course. When Burger hit the final section of tar, she distanced herself from Kohne and headed straight for the finish with speed.

Burger said she couldn’t have had a better race:

“A super day out with beautiful weather and views to match this spectacular day!”

22km CT Trail Marathon Champion, Lijan Burger

Irvette van Zyl Wins Cape Town Marathon’s 10km Peace Run

Irvette van Zyl ran to victory in the 10 kilometre Peace Run at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on Saturday, 14 October 2023. 

Her time of 33 minutes and 56 seconds was 12 seconds quicker than Kyla Jacobs’s winning time from 2022, but was still well off the course record of 32 minutes and 26 seconds. 

“I’m very happy to win today,” Van Zyl said. “It was a tougher course for me, because flat and fast is always a challenge for me.”

“Coming back from injury I’m still working on my speed, but I’m happy with how today turned out. To be out here, running pain free, and enjoying the day out with so many other runners is amazing.”

2023 Cape Town Marathon’s 10km Peace Run Champion, Irvette van Zyl

“I can’t wait for tomorrow and to watch the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon!” 

Van Zyl’s winning margin was 1 minute and 24 seconds over Nwabisa Mjoli. Lisha van Onselen joined the 2023 champion and Mjoli on the women’s podium places, finishing 1 minute and 12 seconds off second place. 

46km Cape Town Trial Marathon Podium Results 

1. Samantha Reilly – 5h09m11s
2. Catherine Williamson – 5h23m39s
3. Landie Greyling – 5h35m56s

22,5km Cape Town Trial Marathon Podium Results

1. Lijan Burger – 1h48m04s
2. Rebecca Kohne – 1h49m50s
3. Shaen Macdevette – 1h59m16s

10km Peace Run Podium Results

1. Irvette van Zyl – 33:56
2. Nwabisa Mjoli – 35:20 
3. Lisha van Onselen – 36:32


Main Photo Caption: Cape Town local Samantha Reilly won the 46-kilometre Cape Town Trail Marathon in a remarkable display of grit and determination despite the scorching heat, on Saturday, 14 October, 2023. Photo: Cape Town Trial Marathon on Instagram

Photo 2 Caption: Catherine Williamson, a former mountain biking star who has transitioned to trail running, finished second, 14 minutes and 19 seconds behind Reilly. Photo: Cape Town Trial Marathon on Instagram

Photo 3 Caption: 2022 Defending champion Landie Greyling rounded out the women’s podium with bronze. Photo: Cape Town Trial Marathon on Instagram

Photo 4 Caption: 22,5km Cape Town Trial Marathon Podium was celebrated by (from left) Rebecca Kohne, Lijan Burger and Shaen Macdevette. Photo: Cape Town Trial Run on Instagram

Photo 5 Caption: 22,5km champ Burger said it’s “Always hard to race against a friend,” adding that she and Rebecca Kohne both took turns overtaking one another, out on the course. Photo: Cape Town Trial Run on Instagram

Photo 6 Caption: “I’m very happy to win today,” 10km champ Van Zyl said. “It was a tougher course for me, because flat and fast is always a challenge for me.” Photo: Cape Town Peace Run on Instagram

Photo 7 Caption: Photo: The 10km Peace Run Podium was (from left) Lisha van Onselen, Irvette van Zyl and Nwabisa Mjoli. Cape Town Peace Run on Instagram

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