It may only just be celebrating its 5th birthday but it’s fair to say that the Hollard Jozi Urban MTB Adventure has already been through a lifetime of experiences. After a ground & bone breaking start in 2014, and year two where it wasn’t even given a chance (due to the event being rained out), it’s been a long but adventurous ride back for one of South Africa’s most unique mountain bike races.
“Because no one had ever organised a race like the Hollard JUMA, there was little to one to ask how to do it, however after taking the lessons learnt from the first year & the “year that never happened” in 2015 we ensured that 2016 & 2017 have placed us firmly on the map as one of SA’s most talked about mountain bike races,” said race organiser Russell Willis.
Despite the early setbacks, Russell Willis and Mark Castel remained resolute and dedicated to the Hollard JUMA vision. This year, on the 3rd of June, the Hollard JUMA will return for its 5th instalment focused adding even more of the surprises, twists and drama the race is known for.
“You have two choices. Either you pack up your things and go or you stand up, dust yourself off and make sure you don’t fall over the same bump again. The 2016 event was a testament to that. And since then, we’ve gone on from strength to strength. We haven’t just remained stagnant. This year, we’ve gone ahead and upped the ante and released our most ambitious route yet.”
And ambitious it is. For the very riders that have embodied that very same never say die attitude that has proved a hallmark of the Hollard JUMA over the years, organizers have this year introduced The Punisher; limited to 300 riders only, this 72km monster route is certain to push even the most hardcore riders.
Along with the 72km Punisher, this year’s event will have the familiar 22km and 54km routes spending over R1,6 million to provide riders with a never before seen look of the world’s biggest urban jungle. The race will take place on Sunday, 3rd June 2018 – a week later than previous years on with a slightly later start time of around 7.30am. All 3 routes will then culminate in an all-new daredevil finish.
This year the Hollard Adventure Festival at Marks Park is will keep those muscles moving with the best ‘Old Skool’ and R&B music from Hot 919 FM, our official radio partner for 2018. You’ll be entertained from start to end by the most popular Hot 919 radio personalities. Make sure to keep an ear out on Hot 919 FM for all the latest Hollard JUMA & Hollard JURA news.
Have we got you shaking in your spandex with excitement yet? Entries are R360 for the 22km, R488 for the 54km and R593 for the 72km Punisher. Visit: www.joziadventure.co.za for more information.
If you want to make it a weekend full of adventure, don’t forget the Hollard Jozi Urban Run Adventure on Saturday, 2nd of June 2018. This year the Hollard JURA will debut its new look. Can’t wait that long for the big reveal? Well, here’s a preview. The 18km has been ditched. In its place, some exciting new alterations have been made to the existing 6km and 12km routes with over R1 million spent on the course build. For one of Johannesburg’s most unique urban runs, 6 and 12km have never looked so good.
Entries are R297 for the 6km, R359 for the 12km. Visit: www.joziadventure.co.za for more information.
Author: Tanja Schmitz
Founder and Editor of Fitness Magazine. You’ll find her behind her computer or on her bike, dreaming up new ways to improve or create content for you.