Shanda Hill is making waves as the only female competitor in the inaugural South African Deca Ultra Triathlon. On March 10, she started strong, leading a field of 11 male athletes.
In the early hours, Hill completed an impressive 38 kilometers of swimming, blazing a trail before transitioning to the nearly 1,800 kilometers of cycling. To put that in perspective, that’s like biking from Vernon all the way to Winnipeg, all while battling the intense South African heat.
Her partner, Jacs Spence, shared her excitement on social media, highlighting Hill’s determination. After completing the swimming leg, Hill called Spence, filled with joy and pride, saying, “I told you I could do this! I wanted to make everyone proud.” This race marks the start of what she hopes will be her best year yet in racing.
Next, Hill faces a monumental challenge: cycling a distance that includes climbing a height more than 1.5 times that of Mt. Everest. The race takes place in Gariep Dam, a scenic spot located about six hours south of Johannesburg. While the weather is expected to be warm, with temperatures between 27 to 32 degrees Celsius, rain may come later in the week, adding to the challenges she will face.
Spence noted that Hill must strategically manage her rest, food, and sleep to keep her energy up. Taking too long to rest or refuel might allow one of her competitors to catch up. “She knows the men will be eager to close the gap,” Spence mentioned, emphasizing Hill’s remarkable spirit and dedication.
After the cycling, the Deca Ultra Triathlon will wrap up with a grueling 422-kilometer run, comparable to jogging from Vernon to Vancouver.
Hill has several sponsors supporting her journey, including The Starting Block, Rancho Vignola, and Eve-Volve Wellness, all of whom believe in her incredible potential.
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