![\"ccs-62657-0-06318600-1439479833.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-06318600-1439479833-1.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>2014 Women’s Winner, Jeannie Dreyer (USN\/Hi-Tec, is excited to be taking part again this year in the Mandela Day Marathon MTB Dash in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands on Saturday 29 August 2015. \u00a9 Darren Goddard<\/span><\/p>\nJeannie and her husband, Martin, recently returned home from a tough 900km Colorado Trail MTB race in the United States, where she was the first woman across the finish line setting a new record as well. \u201cIt was incredible, well when I look back it was,\u201d she laughed. \u201cThe scenery and experience was unlike anything I\u2019ve done before, but it was tough.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Dreyers are well known for their mountain biking adventures together, and when asked what the significance of the Mandela Day Marathon MTB Dash means to her, she said: \u201cThere are a lot of different types sporting activities on offer at the festival. It creates an environment for as many people as possible to get involved because there\u2019s something for everyone. Having added mountain biking to the event brings another exciting dimension to the weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n
Although a large total prize purse of R120000 is on offer for the Mandela Day Marathon MTB Dash, Dreyer is more excited to be on her bike taking in the atmosphere on the day. \u201cIt\u2019s such a momentous occasion, and to have the start and finish at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site is so special. It\u2019s a truly iconic venue, and although most people know where and what it is, many people don\u2019t actually take the time to absorb the beauty and history that it offers,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
With equal prize money up for grabs in the men and women\u2019s races, the event organisers have gone a long way to recognise the efforts and commitment from women, particularly during Women\u2019s month in August.<\/p>\n
Being a mother herself, Dreyer sees the importance of making this event a family affair: \u201cThe venue is a great place to hang out in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and it is safe off the highway. The children can picnic on the grass there in the beautiful setting with mum or dad whilst the other parent competes, if the youngsters don\u2019t take part themselves. It\u2019s just a really good day out.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Mandela Day Marathon MTB Dash offers route variations, with the full 42km MTB Classic, a 21km intermediate and a 10km fun ride for family and friends.<\/p>\n
Online pre-entries for the Mandela Day Marathon MTB Dash are open, and close on Wednesday 26 August. Late entries will be accepted at registration, which is at Greg Minnaar Cycles, Town Bush Road, Pietermaritzburg from 12:00-17:00 on 28 August, and at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site from 06:30-08:00 on race day, 29 August.<\/p>\n
For information on the 2015 Mandela Day Marathon MTB Dash, visit the official website \u2013 http:\/\/www.mandelamarathon.co.za\/<\/a><\/p>\n For more information on KZN MTB Commission, visit \u2013 http:\/\/www.kznmtb.co.za\/<\/a><\/p>\n