Now in its fourth year and growing in popularity, the 1440 Eduplex Sport 24-Hour MTB Race takes place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October 2024 at Eduplex, Pretoria where riders will compete in teams – or solo – over a safe, stimulating lap route for 24 hours or 6 hours.
Paid partnership with 1440 Eduplex Sport
While the event is open to all mountain bikers, the core focus is to raise funds for The Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss and EduplexSport. Eduplex is a Dual-Medium, Three-Phase Educational Institution that provides mainstream education. It includes learners who are hearing impaired and has state-of-the art facilities in order to facilitate a mainstream education for these learners.
Twenty-four-hour races offer an energy and vibe that’s different to other mountain bike events. The relatively compact layout of the event means that spectators and supporters get to experience the challenge and rewards with their riders. In fact, support at a 24-hour race can make a significant difference to a rider’s morale and focus, especially in those last six-or-so hours when exhaustion has officially set in.
The event will be held on a relatively flat 5km lap, which is contained within the Eduplex property, making it safe for all competitors and supporters. The 24-Hour race starts at 10h00 on Saturday and ends at 10h00 on Sunday. Entry includes a breakfast bun, camping facility (you need to bring your own tent), shower and access to the race village. Because the race goes through the night, lights are compulsory for each participant, as are helmets.
The Six-Hour race starts at 14h00 on Saturday and ends at 20h00. This gives riders the experience of riding through sunset and into the night, which is rather special. Lights and helmets are compulsory for all participants. This year, a Corporate Challenge has been added to the Six-Hour race where entry requires companies to enter teams of four.
Sensible pacing, planning when to rest or sleep and appropriate eating and drinking for energy and recovery become key factors at 24-hour races. Teams will work out which riders to rest more and which to push on as the competition unfolds and rival team threats are identified.
Although it’s an ultra-endurance event, the team category makes it possible for all levels of rider to enter and enjoy a shared challenge of conquering something different. The day-night-day duration lends itself to festival style atmosphere and camping is not only allowed, it’s encouraged.
The 24-Hour and 6-Hour events permit a maximum of six riders per team, but only teams with up to four riders will be eligible for prizes. Schools can enter up to six riders in the 6-Hour event and Corporate Teams must have four members. The Eduplex Sport facility has 24-hour security, so safety is assured for all participants. There will be hot showers, cold beer, great food and a DJ/MC to keep the vibes positive from start to finish!
For more information, or to enter, head over here
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Because this event is primarily a fund-raiser for Eduplex, a night trail run has been added to the weekend’s activities and will take place at Eduplex on Friday 11 October 2024 in association with Phobians Athletics Club.
