GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The 2024 edition of Mountain Ultra Trail (MUT) by Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) is well underway in George, with athletes in the MUT Miler, 100km, 60km, and 42km marathon crossing the finish line earlier today, Saturday 25 May.

Douglas Pickard was crowned the champion of the 2024 MUT Miler, completing the race in 22:25:26 and crossing the finish line at 10:27. 

The race began at 12:00 yesterday. Christiaan Greyling secured second place with a time of 24:43:28, while the third spot on the podium was claimed by Brandon Hulley, who finished in 26:10:17.

George's own Rebecca Kohne was the first lady to finish the MUT Marathon, completing her race in 04:52:52 and securing an overall 9th position. 

Ryan Sandes surprised everyone with a victory after overtaking race leader Iain Peterkin shortly before the finish. Sandes, last year’s MUT Miler winner, completed his race in 04:12:00. Robert Rorich took second place with a time of 04:30:37, while a well-deserved third place went to Peterkin, who finished in 04:32:20.

Ryan Sandes crossing the finish line.

In the 60km race, Andreas Lundegård claimed victory, crossing the finish line at 13:08 this afternoon. 

Kane Reilly and Admire Muzopambwa demonstrated true trail running camaraderie by finishing hand-in-hand for a joint second place with a time of 06:22:34. 

Emily Djock was the first woman in this race, completing it in 07:17:18, which secured her an overall 9th place.

Athletes participating in the 100km race are expected to reach the start/finish at Outeniqua Park rugby stadium later this afternoon. 

Tomorrow, Sunday 26 May, spectators can look forward to the 20km MUT Challenge and the 10km MUT Lite.

This year, nearly 2 000 trail runners from 39 countries are taking part. The MUT is a key event in the international trail running calendar, forming part of the UTMB series. 

Held over the final weekend of August in Chamonix, UTMB is regarded as the most competitive trail ultra-marathon in the world and serves as the finale of the trail running world series. The George Mountain Ultra Trail by UTMB (MUT) also forms part of this prestigious series and is taking place at the end of May.

Click here to follow the athletes on their journey.

The first three men in the MUT Marathon were Ryan Sandes (middle), Robert Rorich (left) and Iain Peterkin. 

The start of the MUT Miler on Friday afternoon. 

Young dancers during the opening ceremony on Friday. 

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