The world’s most iconic swim-bike-run, the Calling Cape Town Extreme Challenge has opened entries for public participation in 2023 and announced a new partnership with Southern Sun.
Held as a closed event for the first time in March 2022 when only a few pioneering athletes participated, the upcoming 2023 event invites athletes to test their mettle in a combination of three of Cape Town’s most iconic challenges that together represent the ultimate test of human endurance and athletic performance.
The 208-kilometre, 24-hour challenge comprises the Robben Island Crossing (an 8-kilometre swim from Robben Island to Bloubergstrand), the Cape Town Cycle Tour (the biggest timed bike race in the world over a distance of 109 kilometres), directly followed by the Three Peaks Challenge (a 50-kilometre trail run with a combined elevation of 3 kilometres, which includes summitting Devil’s Peak, Table Mountain (Maclear’s Beacon) and Lion’s Head).
The event is held in support of Calling Education NPC, a non-profit education group that provides top-quality education to low-income learners in South Africa.
About the previous inaugural event, Stephan May, founder of the Calling Cape Town Extreme Challenge says, “The athletes started swimming at 5:30am on Sunday and the last runner came in at 2:30am on Monday morning. The athletes conquered choppy waters, rain, wind and mist, and raised over R700 000 for Calling Education.
“It was incredible to witness the attitude and perseverance of the athletes. Seeing them come in with smiles after more than 20 hours of battling the elements was truly extraordinary and something that I will always remember. We are very grateful that the first event was a success and we’re excited to open it up to the public in 2023! The generosity and support from friends, family and sponsors has truly been humbling and encouraging.”
Announcing further plans for the 2023 event which is taking place on 12 March, May says, “We are thrilled to welcome Southern Sun as Calling Cape Town’s official accommodation partner. Southern Sun will be hosting our athletes at their SunSquare Cape Town Gardens hotel, which will also serve as our base camp for the duration of the event, from the Friday beforehand to the Monday afterwards.”
Southern Sun’s chief executive, Marcel von Aulock says, “We are delighted to be the official accommodation partner of Calling Cape Town and provide a home away from home at SunSquare Cape Town Gardens. We look forward to sharing our warm hospitality with participants and we wish the athletes every success in completing the challenge and raising funds for the Calling Education non-profit organisation.”
For adventurers keen to participate in the 2023 event and support Calling Education NPC, entries are now open! Enter as an individual or relay team and join the ultimate journey!
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African proverb
EVENT INFORMATION: 2023 Calling Cape Town Extreme Challenge
Date: 12 March 2023
Place: Cape Town
Facebook: @CallingCapeTown
Instagram: @CallingCapeTown
Hashtag: #CallingCPT
Website: www.callingcpt.com
