Barkly East\u2019s Thato Kabeli, one of SA\u2019s star trail runners, was back in Europe this past week competing in his second mountain trail event at the 100km Swiss Alps Endurance Run.<\/p>\n
Kabeli, who does the bulk of his training in the region of the former Tiffindell Ski Resort, has been a regular on SA\u2019s trails for some time.<\/p>\n
While he has won events in SA, his sixth-place finish out of a field of 407 in the Alps run is his best result internationally.<\/p>\n
The Daily Dispatch spoke to Kabeli before and after the race.<\/p>\n
He had picked up a knee injury the week before, obviously a big concern for a 100km event in the mountains.<\/p>\n
He underwent treatment and took five days off to rest, and felt nothing when walking.<\/p>\n
However, in a final distance run he felt some pain at 24km and stopped, thinking: \u201cI have to finish \u2014 even if I come last.\u201d<\/p>\n
When he ran the Mont Blanc in 2025, he was pain-free and did really well, so with a second trip into the Alps, he was sure he could do better.<\/p>\n
The Mont Blanc has an elevation of 6,150m, while the Alps 100 is 6,250m, so not too much of a difference. <\/p>\n
As it happened, it was the downhills that would test his knee, which was to be expected.<\/p>\n
There were many tricky aspects of the Alps 100, including crossing the Aspi-Titter and Muhebach-Fungayen suspension bridges.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am so glad that I crossed the suspension bridges in daylight and not in the dark,\u201d Kabeli said.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust after crossing the bridge, here come the stepladders \u2014 so scary when you look down, you are shaking. <\/p>\n
\u201cAt one point I was thinking to myself, whoever changed this to a night race, what was in his or her mind? <\/p>\n
\u201cBecause for me it is dangerous to be a night race.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was happy when I was able to overcome my thoughts.\u201d<\/p>\n
The knee pain was worst on the downhills and had him walking and running up or on the few flat sections.<\/p>\n
In the end, it was all worthwhile and he was elated at finishing sixth.<\/p>\n
\u201cI especially enjoyed being in the Alps representing South Africa. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a huge experience and I hope I can return in 2027,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Grobler Basson, Kabeli\u2019s coach, was ecstatic. <\/p>\n
\u201cThato will obviously rest, recover and get the knee fully recovered,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur next target is to do the Sky Run again and chase the record.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere will be a three-month schedule of training in the mountains and we\u2019ll be ready.\u201d<\/p>\n
By finishing the Alps 100 in under 25 hours, Kabeli has qualified to participate in the Western States 100 Miler, the oldest trail run in the US. <\/p>\n
Kabeli and Grobler have confirmed it is on the cards. <\/p>\n