History was rewritten at the 18th edition of the Otter TERREX Trail presented by EasyEquities as trail running legends and rising stars battled the rugged Tsitsikamma coastline. Known affectionately as the “Grail of Trail,” this prestigious event offers the only opportunity all year for athletes to run the iconic, usually hiker-exclusive Otter Trail.
Navigating the reverse direction—the “Retto” route from Nature’s Valley to Storms River—competitors tackled 2,600 metres of grueling elevation gain, slick muddy tracks, and nearly 7,000 ascending stairs. Light rain and cool, overcast conditions provided a misty backdrop for an unforgettable day of world-class racing.
Tarboton Rules the Women’s Race
In the women’s division, Bianca Tarboton delivered a masterclass performance to claim her fifth Otter victory in six years, extending her record for the most wins in the event’s history. Lining up as the firm favourite despite downplaying her form beforehand, Tarboton took control from the opening kilometres.
By the time she reached the Bloukrans River crossing, she held a commanding seven-minute lead. Moving through the mud with precision, she steadily widened the gap to cross the line in 4:55:24—nearly 17 minutes clear of her nearest rival.
Mila Geldenhuys delivered a strong, consistent run to take second place in 5:14:12, while race debutant Nadia Booyens produced an impressive second-half surge to secure third position in 5:16:05. Lijan Burger (5:19:29) and Swiss trail star Julika Pahl (5:27:18) rounded out the top five.
A Tactician’s Victory for Rorich
The men’s race delivered pure drama, defined by patience, experience, and a thrilling late-stage twist. Early pace-setter Remaketse Lekaka and subsequent leader Kane Reilly kept the field tight through the first half of the course. However, as the race entered its final 10-kilometre stretch, Otter debutant Philani Sengce pushed into the lead, building a tight margin over veteran Robbie Rorich.
Rorich used his technical expertise on the treacherous rocky sections to stay within striking distance. The decisive moment came near the finish, when Sengce took a wrong turn up a double staircase. Capitalizing on the error, Rorich surged ahead to claim his first-ever Otter victory in 4:08:11, following seven previous attempts.
Sengce crossed second in 4:09:16, upbeat about his breakout performance. Trail veteran Kane Reilly earned third place in 4:12:00, marking a remarkable 10th podium finish in 14 Otter appearances. Jacques Du Plessis (4:16:07) and Jacques Buys (4:21:01) took fourth and fifth respectively.
Rich Rewards and Lasting Memories
Beyond the athletic triumphs, the event highlighted significant backing for local athletes. Presenting sponsor EasyEquities provided a substantial prize purse, awarding R100,000 each to winners Rorich and Tarboton, including a unique investment component in EasyEquities accounts to support long-term financial growth.
As the nine-hour cutoff bell rang, 241 runners had successfully crossed the finish line. Supported by a dedicated crew of 118 members, the 2026 edition closed with high praise for both the competitors and the pristine coastal environment they left behind.
