MEDIA RELEASE words by Trystan Haynes | The final countdown for Africa’s biggest adventure race; Expedition Africa, has begun. Athletes from all over the world are arriving in the Garden Route to accept the challenge of the gruelling and exciting 500km adventure race. The race starts this Sunday: 15th May 2016.
Over 50 teams will arrive at Pine Lake Marina, host venue to this year’s multi-disciplined international event that will play out in the Garden Route, recently labelled; ‘the Home of Adventure’.
“We are excited to welcome teams taking part in Expedition Africa 2016”, shares Greg Vogt; CEO of Knysna & Partners who approached Kinetic Events to hold the event in the Garden Route.
Members of the Australian team Dash x RSS Expedition Africa, and team That’s Cray explored the beautiful wanders the Garden Route has to offer by exploring the mystical West Head of the Knysna lagoon Mouth; Featherbed Nature Reserve, a rich and stunning piece of land offering the most magnificent views and experiences just before pre-race excitement hits.
The organisers, Stephan & Heidi Muller have once again kept the start and all other locations a secret. Media, supporters and athletes will only receive communication regarding the route, disciplines and transitions incorporated in this year’s race at the opening ceremony taking place at Pine Lake Marina on Friday evening, 13 May 2016.
Expedition Africa has always kept the local communities at heart and the 2016 edition is no different. Leading up to the race, teams will be partnering with the local Knysna & Partners Tourism office, Sedgefield and Masithandane Bursary Fund for Children to leave a legacy of a creative mosaic masterpiece, a Sedgefield trademark.
Members of the public, supporters and media are welcome to attend the community project which will take place at the Mosaic Village & Outdoor Market on the Saturday at 12h00. “The Mosaic Village & Outdoor Market is proud to host the Expedition Africa 2016 participants. We are honoured to be chosen to provide the backdrop for the mosaic masterpiece that will be crafted as a memory for the community project” shares Cliff Elion.
Once this daunting yet exciting adventure race kicks off this Sunday, families and supporters can cheer on their teams via the live tracking feed which will feature a leader board, transitions and checkpoints along the route. Witness your favourite teams progress on www.expafrica.live as they endure a race of a lifetime.
As Teams gear up for their final preparation, messages from all over the world are pouring in with encouragement from their supporters. This race will not only be a physical struggle, but a mental one, so have your positive messages heard and cheer on your team by utilizing the official #expafrica2016 hash tags and message board posts featured on www.expafrica.live
Photo of Joe Selby from Team After Work Athletes, by Bruce Viaene
3 Dutchman and a Lady;
Good luck for this last leg of the race!
You all look strong and happy!
Enjoy !!
Hi Guys, hi Jamie just to say we’re trying to keep track of you all wherever/whenever. Enjoy this lifetime adventure – you are very inspiring to us, and we wish you all the best. Of course I still think you are all mad! !!!!!
Hi Sue. There’s a message-board function on the event website – http://www.expafrica.live – where you can send messages to teams. Click on the ‘Teams’ heading and look for the ‘Click Me’ button. They’ll get to see these during the race (I think) and after. Lisa