Cape Town - South African running sensation Ryan Sandes has proven he has what it takes to take on the world's best by coming in third in the NorthFace 100km race in Australia this past weekend.
Having never competed in a single day 100km event before, Ryan showed he has what it takes.
The race was won by Spain's Killian Journet in a time of 9:19:06, second place went to Australia's Andrew Lee in a time of 9:24:33, with Sandes third in a time of 9:54:57.
"Wow what an awesome but tough race! I don't think I have had to dig that deep for a long time," Sandes said.
"Up until the 40km mark I was having a perfect race, leading the field with Killian Journet. Then at 45km things seemed to go pear-shaped and to my frustration my legs started cramping and by the 50km mark it crossed my mind to drop out as I was struggling to run up any hills without cramping. I was now in third place and kept shuffling along like a wounded Kangaroo until the 65km mark were I seemed to improve and find a bit more of a rhythm.
"I was stoked to cross the finish line in third place on my first attempt at a big international 100km race. I learnt some invaluable lesson's out there which will all help in preparation for the Leadville100 miler in August.
"Thanks to everyone for all your support!"
Having never competed in a single day 100km event before, Ryan showed he has what it takes.
The race was won by Spain's Killian Journet in a time of 9:19:06, second place went to Australia's Andrew Lee in a time of 9:24:33, with Sandes third in a time of 9:54:57.
"Wow what an awesome but tough race! I don't think I have had to dig that deep for a long time," Sandes said.
"Up until the 40km mark I was having a perfect race, leading the field with Killian Journet. Then at 45km things seemed to go pear-shaped and to my frustration my legs started cramping and by the 50km mark it crossed my mind to drop out as I was struggling to run up any hills without cramping. I was now in third place and kept shuffling along like a wounded Kangaroo until the 65km mark were I seemed to improve and find a bit more of a rhythm.
"I was stoked to cross the finish line in third place on my first attempt at a big international 100km race. I learnt some invaluable lesson's out there which will all help in preparation for the Leadville100 miler in August.
"Thanks to everyone for all your support!"