From the start of the 42.2 km race shortly after 7:00 am and the 21.1 km fifteen minutes later until the last people left the venue at Carpe Diem School, George was abuzz with athletes, sponsors, volunteers and spectators.
Officially 714 athletes from across South Africa as well as Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Ghana participated in the four different distances.
In the men’s race, Stuart McCreedie (1:08:20), Ernst van Dyk (1:39:05), and Pieter du Preez (1:45:10) won their respective categories in the 42.2 km as did Thandiwe Ndhlovu (2:00:43), Delia Lubbe (2:20:19), and Ayishetu Seidu (2:37:59) in the women’s event.
In the 21.1 km race, the men’s category winners were George local Shaun Butler (47:54) and Ghanaian Raphael Botsyo (56:08). The women’s category winner was Stella Joncwe (1:29:12).
The category winners in the 10 km race were: Rubin Afrika, Amahle Kani, Antonio Jobe, Ronaldo Mantsana, Mayenzeke Guiga, and Hanno van Jaarsveld.
The category winners in the women’s race were: Martelize Brink, Elizabeth Booysen, and Khulani Kaba.
A total of R147 000 was paid out in prize money to the winners.
The complete list of results is available on the OCC website.
An event of this nature would never happen without the sponsors; and the organisers would again like to express their sincere appreciation to all those involved.
The George Municipality and the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport continue their long-standing financial support. The Municipality also provided invaluable infrastructure and logistical support, without which the event would not be possible.
Colorplast was another of the financial partners and exhibitors.
Media sponsors included Cape Town Magazine who donated a R50 000 contract as part of the Premier of the Western Cape Premier’s Office Event Pitching Competition. AlgoaFM was once again the official broadcast sponsor and the George Herald the official media sponsor.
Great Time provided the official time-keeping services.
In addition, various community organisations make invaluable contribution including the Lions, Rotary, QuadPara Association of the Western Cape (QAWC), Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa, Afrique Rehabilitation & Research Consultants NPC, South African National AIDS Council Trust, APD, the South African Society of Physiotherapy, and the George Business Chamber.
Special mention must be made of Lancewood who have become an integral part of the Outeniqua Chair Challenge.
To illustrate just how much of a community the event is; here are some additional statistics.
A total of 400 officials, marshals, traffic officers, route layout crew, and registration staff; 250 volunteers give of their time to push chairs and assist with other tasks; the OCC organising committee consists of over 50 members under the leadership of event director, Alewijn Dippenaar; and more than 15 service providers supply portable toilets, tents, food, medals, sound, stage and race timekeeping.
Eleven water points were manned by 70 crew members. Eighty-five assisted with registration, at the race village and as marshals. Thirty-two businesses supported the event financially or with products and/or services. Six service organisations who work with people with disabilities were involved. Three thousand units of water were handed out. Two thousand meals were served during supper in Friday and lunch on Saturday. Thousands of photographs were taken, and 21 km of delineators were placed along the route.
And then it all had to be cleaned up and packed away so that the planning for next year’s event can begin!
Event director, Alewijn Dippenaar, said that the organisers were “super-satisfied” and confirmed that the 19th OCC will take place on 19 and 20 February 2021, with Carpe Diem again the gracious host.
Until next year, happy cycling.
Press release on behalf of the Road Race Foundation:
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mimi finestone | mimi@gojipr.net | +27 84 583 3144
