Impi gets coverage in February Khuluma magazine – available on all Kulula.com planes
Posted in Impi News on February 9, 2012
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Posted in Impi News on January 31, 2012
The title of Elite Champion is solely mine for the year
Posted in Impi News, Testimonials on January 13, 2012
Firstly I really enjoyed the Impi, every aspect of it, from registration, to lining up, the presentation, the venue, the event, the after party, the video. It is a great experience to be a part of.
Impi tested my wits, courage, my stamina and fitness. An all round test of your metal.
I had moments in the challenge where I thought I was stumped, particularly the swims and Bin Ladens revenge. And having the lead it was easy to panic at these points, but I didn’t. Being the hare was thrilling for me, I am normally part of the chasing pack.
I had to constantly up my pace to make sure I wasn’t taking it easy, the obstacles are so demanding you don’t have a chance to think about resting, or going any faster. When I ran through the purple fields I knew I had won, but I still kept telling myself “Don’t get too excited and lose it now”, this worked so well that by the time I crossed the line, I still hadn’t realised I was finish. I just grinned. It was overwhelming.
Winning the Impi was a great achievement for me. It’s unique in South Africa, and so, the title of Elite Champion is solely mine for the year. That is something to be proud of. And I am very proud of it. I wanted to win, and I did, I expect an even better showing in 2012. But I also expect a much more hungry field.
I train like an Impi elite all the time. Be ready to give it everything you’ve got, in any situation.
Charl Souma
2011 Impi Elite Winner
Go until you throw!
Posted in Impi News, Testimonials on January 10, 2012
Impi 2010:
In the weeks leading up to the Impi I ran around the mountains surrounding Stellenbosch with one motto in my head “Go until you throw”, super determined to claim first prize. Come race day I was more nervous than I have ever been for any other race, not knowing what to expect and also seriously doubting my abilities. It was only at the water table around the 8km mark that I realized I was almost sprinting through the race and I either had to pace myself or pass out. This unhealthy amount of adrenalin that surged through my system took its toll and I was reminded of it more than once about 20mins after I finished the race…
The Impi 2010 was tough and I felt its full effects the next day. All the aches, pains, cuts and bruises are definitely worth that feeling you get when you cross the finish line and realize that you have just succeeded in what you set out to do, whether it is winning, completing or simply just enjoying the race.
Impi 2011:
Round two: same motto, same game plan. Only this time instead of just doubting my abilities I was also aware that the competition was stronger than I was, one competitor in particular. So I went into the race a little less nervous, still determined to try claim first prize, but this time knowing that that determination was probably not going to be enough.
The obstacles were MUCH worse than the previous year and I was struggling to run compliments of a surfing injury.
Suffering through the entire race at maximum pace, that wasn’t fast enough, with that “go until you throw” churning in my head was not the easiest thing I’ve ever done. Especially when you know you aren’t catching up.
At the second last obstacle I understood why this race is called the Impi CHALLENGE. Getting up those ropes was challenging to say the least, but it was here that the tables turned and I was now almost in front. The last obstacle, the wall, was all I needed to complete ahead of the next competitor, who I was now right beside wondering what the best approach would be and then it would be a sprint to the finish. I knew the sprint would not turn out in my favour so I put whatever I had left into getting over that wall as fast as possible. I made it across the finish line first.
Sometimes it turns out that the results you get when you just keep going are much better than what you expected.
Nadia Malan
Ladies Elite winner 2010 / 2011
Impi helped me realise what I truly want from my life
Posted in Impi News, Testimonials on January 9, 2012
The Impi Challenge obstacle course includes a 3 metre high diving board.
Perhaps not the most scary obstacle for some, but being afraid of heights, for me, this is always the most frightening barrier to overcome during the race.
I am terrified of leaping forward, letting go of all control and free-falling through the air into the dark water below. In 2010, after facing my fear on the diving board, I realised that I could use my strength in overcoming this race obstacle, to overcome real-world obstructions.
After undergoing surgery for lung and sinus issues and spending close to 5 years on chronic medication, I entered the 2010 Impi as a challenge to myself to finally put my health issues behind me. Training towards this goal, and completing the race, not only gave me my health and fitness back, but also served as a powerful mental achievement that helped me realise what I truly want from my life.
I’ve since completed two Impi Challenges, quit my desk job and started my own fitness company.
Whenever I feel afraid or have a moment of doubt, I remember that feeling of leaping off the board into the great unknown – and everything being okay once I resurface.
Claire Davidson
Impi TV Premiere Party a huge success!
Posted in Impi News on December 19, 2011
Over 120 people packed into the new Hudson’s in Claremont to join us for the show. We had both winning male and female Impi warriors at the premiere – Charl and Nadia.
Great atmosphere, great food and exciting general vibe! The show is now playing on Supersport for the rest of SA to enjoy – check the times here.
TV Schedule
Posted in Impi News on December 6, 2011
The 2011 New Balance Impi Challenge will be shown on television at the following times:
Premier: 14 Dec – 19:30 – SS6, SS6A
Repeat: 15 Dec – 12:30 – SS6, SS6A
Repeat: 16 Dec – 07:30 - SS6, SS6A
Repeat: 19 Dec – 16:30 - SS6, SS6A
Repeat: 21 Dec – 03:00 - SS6, SS6A
Repeat: 23 Dec – 13:30 – SS6, SS6A, CSN
Congratulations to all 2011 Impi Warriors!
Posted in Impi News on October 24, 2011
Congratulations to all Impi Warriors who managed to complete the 2011 Impi Challenge. Thank you for all the kind words on Facebook it makes the last 8 months of planning all worth it.
Pictures to follow soon!
Well done to the Elite winners… Impi Style!
Male: Charl Souma “1h31.52″
Female: Nadia Malan “2h04.20″
