Red Bull LionHeart

Red Bull LionHeart

Entries are now open!
Qualify for the one of the most demanding
endurance trail challenges in Cape Town!
 
www.redbulllionheart.com
lionheart@za.redbull.com
redbullza
Red Bull

Red Bull LionHeart

Test your mettle in one of the most demanding trail runs in Cape Town!

Back for its fifth edition, the Red Bull LionHeart Challenge affords both elite and intermediate fitness freaks a riveting route to determine who has the heart of a lion. With VIP access to the famed Lion’s Head, this Cape Town-based contest sees athletes test their mettle in a gruelling challenge on Saturday, 22 October 2016.

The up-and-down knockout run along the intense Lion’s Head trail (it’s a total of 3.7kms) is an annual competition to determine the most lion-hearted male and female runners out there. To qualify for the challenge, trail enthusiasts must complete a time trial route (it circles the base of the Lion’s Head) and the top 100 men and 30 women on the leaderboards (those with the best times) will compete in the competition. On race day, those who make the cut-off time of 31 minutes will advance to the main event – the top half will compete for the Elite title, while the bottom half will battle it out in the Intermediate category.

The event was created by Mzansi trail-running superstar Ryan Sandes, who is widely regarded as one of the foremost endurance athletes in the world. After traversing some of the world’s most arduous pathways, the 34-year-old Capetonian wanted to highlight one of his hometown’s finest routes and formalise the #TamingTheLion underground time-trial, up-and-back route from the SanParks hut. 

So, if you’re keen to participate, but don’t have a clue on where to start, here’s a quick rundown on how this contest works.

DO YOU MAKE THE CUT? The qualification route remains the same in 2016 as in 2015, taking runners around the base of the mountain along ‘Pat’s Track.’ Participants can expect 164 metres of climbing included in the 3.3-km track. Entries to the competition are based on how fast competitors can complete the designated time-trial route. The course takes entrants around the base of the majestic peak and both elite and intermediate participants are welcome to enter, provided they keep up with competitive pace. The entry period is open for six weeks and eager athletes can continuously attempt the run and aim for a better time to climb the ranks on the leaderboard.

HOW TO ENTER: As previously mentioned, participants must complete a circular route around the base of Lion’s Head and record their best times. To do so, runners must download and log onto the Strava app on a smartphone, if you use a GPS, you can upload your data to the app afterward; the mobile application is available on iOS and Android. For more information and for updates on the Strava leaderboard, visit RedBullLionHeart.com/stravaleaderboard.

CAN YOU HANDLE IT?: On race day, the top 100 men will be evenly assigned (according to qualifier time) to one of four groups of 25 to run a timed up and down route. Those that make it under the cut-off time of 36 minutes will qualify for the next round. Those that exceed the cut-off time will be entered into the Intermediate race. Intermediates compete in a three leg knockout race, which will halve the field in the first leg. After a nine minute break, the second leg will halve the field again, followed by another nine minute break and the final leg to determine the first, second and third position. Next to compete will be the 30 female qualifiers who will race one leg to halve the field, followed by an eight minute break and then the final contest. Lastly, the Elite men will race in the same format as the intermediates, meaning that by the end of the day, those in the final will have raced up and down the mountain four times – once against the clock, and three times in the group knockout phase, with a six minute rest between the three heats.

WHAT DOES ONE NEED?  Besides your regular running gear, there is only one special requirement to enter: the heart of a lion! And if you think you have what it takes to make the cut and the endurance to finish on top, then best you don those trail-running shoes and get cracking on setting the best time.The time to beat is 28 minutes and 50 seconds.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Entry fees have been waived for those who have the chutzpah to enter. Seriously, there is no entry fee. Though, participants are encouraged to support SANParks with a donation, which can be submitted at registration on the morning of the event.

A NEW PERSPECTIVE: Aside from testing your mettle alongside fellow trail adventurers including Ryan Sandes, this 3.7-km route affords athletes a brand new appreciation for the iconic Mother City landmark.

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Interested in other running events around Cape Town? Take a look at our overview of October events in Cape Town and surrounds so you don’t miss any of the trail running fun.

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