AfricanX 2023 was a party on foot

CN&CO’s Blake Dyason took part in the 13th annual Pickle Juice AfricanX Trail Run 3-Day Stage Race this past weekend, 17 – 19 March 2023.

The African X trail race is hosted at Houw Hoek Hotel, the oldest licensed hotel in South Africa, built in 1779 in the heat of the Kogelberg Nature Reserve surrounded by mountains, wineries and apple farms.

African X is also know as the party on foot, with wine tasting at the water points on day 1, a pool party at the race village on day 2 and the famous dress up day on day 3.

Blake ran his first African X almost 10 years ago and tries to go back every year. He says, “I love this event! We get to spend a weekend with amazing people, sharing stories, making new memories all while running on some beautiful trails we wouldn’t normally have access to.”

Blake and his running partner, Tiaan Botha, took the dress-up day seriously and hired NFL footballer outfits. They ran 18 km through the mountains carrying the heavy helmet hoping to win the best dressed competition. Unfortunately they narrowly lost to the camouflaged team in Ghillie suits.

If you are looking for a fun trail race or want to do your first stage race, book AfricanX for 2023 and start planning your dress up outfit.

Enjoy the highlights video of day 3.