(Cape Town, 22 February 2018) The HI-TEC Walkerbay Xtreme (WBX), a four-day adventure sports festival situated in the heart of Hermanus, will return to the Whale Capital for a third time between 27 and 30 April 2018.
Although relatively new on the regional race calendar, WBX has been growing in popularity and is considered a firm favourite among elite and recreational sport enthusiasts alike.
“We are thrilled to welcome athletes from across the country back to Hermanus at the end of April,” says Rick Oosthuyzen, founder of the HI-TEC Walkerbay Xtreme.
“We received fantastic feedback after the 2017 event and have made some exciting changes to the event line-up.”
With 12 disciplines to choose from, the Walkerbay Xtreme offers something for everyone – from adventure seekers, professional athletes and fitness fanatics to the recreational outdoor enthusiast looking for a new challenge and a fun-filled sporting holiday in one of SA’s favourite adventure sport hotspots.
In addition to the old favourites – the Big 6 Xtreme, triathlon, MTB Criterium, open water swim, surfski and SUP events, as well as the popular Swim-Run-Jump Challenge – the organisers have added a street mile sprint, off-road triathlon, junior triathlon, shorter open water swim and mountain bike challenge to the 2018 event mix.
Big Prize Money
An added drawcard to the 2018 Walkerbay Xtreme is the prize money on offer – R100 000 in prizes split across a number of events.
The Big 6 Xtreme – which is entered as a separate event and sees athletes competing in the street mile, 30km MTB Challenge, Swim-Run-Jump Challenge, sprint triathlon, open water swim, and a beautiful 17km trail run – will be held over the course of four days and participants will share a R30 000 prize purse.
Other events with prize money include:
- Walkerbay Xtreme Triathlons: R14 000 prize purse
- Marine Mile Xtreme: R11 000 prize purse
- Cliffpath Xtreme Fun Run: R10 000 prize purse
- Open Water Xtreme: R15 000 prize purse
- R20 000 prize total for athletes participating in both the Valley Xtreme MTB Challenge and the Urban Xtreme MTB Criterium
The Perfect Event To #FindYourXtreme As A Family
“The Walkerbay Xtreme is unlike any other event in South Africa,” adds Oosthuyzen. “It is an urban adventure and extreme challenge rolled into one that promises to test the speed, stamina and strength of every athlete participating, no matter their fitness or skill level.
“But what makes the WBX truly special is its inclusivity. Whether you are an age grouper at sporting events, a recreational outdoor enthusiast, or a family keeping fit and healthy, there will be an event for you.”
Stellenbosch triathlon coach Vicky van der Merwe, female winner of the Big 6 Xtreme in 2017, can’t wait to return to defend her title.
“Hermanus is a stunning setting for this event and offers so much diversity. I love the fact that the event tests you on different levels, mentally as well physically. The variety of events makes it interesting because it determines who is the best all-round athlete. It challenges everyone, no matter who you are.”
She plans on bringing an even bigger group this year, as the WBX offers something for young and old, beginner and pro.
Athletes across several disciplines will congregate in Hermanus between 27 and 30 April 2018 to test their physical and mental limits on land and sea:
27 April: Marine Mile
28 April:
- Valley Xtreme MTB Challenge
- Cliffpath Xtreme Run
- Tough Mother Xtreme X-Fitness Challenge
- Sea & Sand Xtreme Swim-Run-Jump Challenge
- Blue Water Xtreme SUP Challenge
- Urban Xtreme MTB Criterium
29 April
- Walkerbay Xtreme Sprint Triathlon
- Walkerbay Xtreme Off-road Triathlon
- Open Water Xtreme Swim Challenge
30 April
- Blue Mountain Xtreme Trail Runs
- Walkerbay Xtreme Junior Triathlon
- Old Harbour Xtreme Surfski Challenge
The action is centred in the heart of the village between the old and new harbours, providing an equally thrilling experience for supporters and spectators.
“The growing popularity of the HI-TEC Walkerbay Xtreme shows us that we have all the right ingredients to create an iconic, one-of-a-kind, world-class adventure festival,” concludes Oosthuyzen.
With the professional backing of Old School Group, a leader in Sports Tourism and renowned for their award winning sporting events, you are guaranteed of an event that is, at once, extremely well organised, meticulously detailed and unquestionably world class. www.oldschoolgroup.co.za
Online entries are open. For more information, visit www.walkerbayxtreme.com or email entries@walkerbayxtreme.com
For daily updates and to join the online conversation, follow Walkerbay Xtreme on Facebook (www.facebook.com/walkerbayxtreme), Twitter (@walkerbayxtreme) or Instagram (@walkerbayxtreme).
