The value of the shorter distance mountain bike race is significant. Sure, the longer distance always hogs the media limelight and that’s usually where the pro’s contest the podium places, but the shorter distance race is where you find everyday heroes. Here’s why it matters…
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Most South African mountain bike races offer a full distance and a shorter distance race option. The majority of events are marathon distance (50-90km) with a half-marathon (35-45km) distance alternative.
There’s obviously less pressure on participants in the shorter distance events. You can be relatively slow and still finish in a reasonable amount of time. There’s usually a more relaxed vibe, where riders aren’t stressed about a fast time, but more interested in a having a good time. And the routes are usually less technical, making them lower risk for the riders.
Of course, there’s still a challenge to be conquered and the reward for finishing is no less important because it was earned through toil, commitment and a desire to achieve a goal. While the start pens of the longer distance events usually contain the lean, fit and (mostly young); it’s in the start pens of the shorter distance race where you will find someone that:
is on a weight loss journey
is overcoming a family tragedy
is recovering from serious illness or injury
is alone/lonely at home
is just starting out in mountain biking
is recovering from substance addiction
is in his/her teens and building stamina and strength
used to be super fit, but now focusses his/her time on his/her family
works long hours and simply cannot train for the longer distance
enjoys the sensory stimulation of being in nature
loves – and does – a variety of sports/forms of exercise
needs a break/escape from his/her daily grind
If you see yourself somewhere in that list, which is by no means complete, then you can understand why the results lists of the shorter distance events are sometimes longer than those of the full-distance races. The shorter race is where you find a blend of sheer courage and compromise. It’s where you find camaraderie in its rawest form and its where everyday heroes gather to take another step forward in their personal journeys of progression.
A race like the Momentum Medical Scheme Attakwas Extreme MTB Challenge, presented by Biogen, has its iconic ultra-marathon (121km) distance and a shorter 47km Attakwas Half option, which is a complete challenge in itself. The full event is a beast – even the winners, which include some of the world’s best mountain bike racers, endure deep levels of suffering.
At 47km with 950m of ascent, the Half is no walk in the park, but it’s definitely achievable. Those who feel they’re not quite ready for the full Attakwas Extreme would undoubtedly benefit from the experience they will gain in the Half. Besides the distance, the main difference is that the long race is a point-to-point format, and the Half is a circular route – you start and finish at Groot Brak, where the long-race finish is celebrated with a carnival-like atmosphere.
You get to start at 10h30, which a very sensible time to begin your race. Logistically, the Half is rather kind as you return to your vehicle/family/supporters after tackling the race route, which includes some gravel roads, jeep track and singletrack. What you also get is to experience the incredible energy and vibe at the highly rated Dryland Event Management water points, which famously offer a lot more than just water…
When you finish the Attakwas Half, you will receive a high-quality finisher’s medal. For many, this is a lot more than just a medal. It’s an acknowledgment that you successfully completed a challenge that you committed to. It’s a badge of honour that confirms you are making good progress on whatever your personal journey may be. For some, it’s a reward for the greatest physical achievement of their lives; while for others, it’s just the motivation need to enter the full distance Attakwas Extreme the following year…
Why not give yourself a goal to train for through this Festive Season? Enter the 2023 Attakwas Half which takes place on Saturday 21 January. Online entry and all the race information is here.
