Marais out to defend his crown
"It has a rich history and winning this triathlon solidly engraves your name into the history books."
DEFENDING champion Stuart Marais has committed to returning to take on the MiWay Durban Ultra Triathlon on Sunday 4 March, eager to retain the crown he won so impressively earlier this year. Marais is a fan of the Durban event that will once again double as the SA Ultra Triathlon Champs for 2018, with its 1,9 km surf swim, 90km bike and 21km run.
“The veterans of our sport speak of the Durban Ultra as the holy grail of triathlons in South Africa. It has a rich history and winning this triathlon solidly engraves your name into the history books of one of our country’s most prestigious endurance events,” said Marais. His win in 2017 was a massive confidence booster, and a far cry from the freakish circumstances he had to confront in a 70.3 race in 2016 when bad weather left the sea in an inhospitable mood.
“The surf was really standing up, and I got caught in between a huge set with a few of the other pros. I was in desperate trouble and eventually had to call the jetski and climbed on the board he was towing. I completed the rest of the race knowing full well that I was probably going to be disqualified, which is what happened. Being able to come back and win the 2017 race was very satisfying,” said Marais.
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Marais says the Durban Ultra layout is deceptive and often catches some experienced ultra triathletes by surprise.
“The bike in particular is harder that you think.Everyone thinks it is flat and fast, with the resurfaced M4 along the coastline, but it is tough and can catch you out. Yes, it is fast but you have to really work for it. I am very keen to get back for the race again,” he added, hinting that a number of the elite stars are talking about the March 4th date in Durban.
“With the Iron Man in Port Elizabeth coming up, the Durban Ultra is well placed, so I think we will see a strong field entered,” he said.
Marais remains a staunch supporter of the event, and after winning the most recent edition he reinforced the events uncompromising standards.
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