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Jacques Buys

@jacques.buys

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Trail Runner
HOKA Athlete
@hoka.southafrica
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Weekends 🧡

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The utterly unique @otterafricantrailrun 🦦

This is an incredibly tough race to get right, both from a preparation and pacing perspective. @jacques.buys has historically done well here, and we felt we had put the pieces of the puzzle together in a way that gave him a good shot.

I’m genuinely proud of the work, discipline and grit Jacques put into this preparation. Arguably one of the better training blocks I’ve seen him put together, all while balancing a pretty stressful 9 to 5 (as well as recently becoming a high energy dog parent 😝).

Unfortunately, the day didn’t quite go to plan. But that’s the beauty of this sport. You prepare, you hypothesize, and sometimes the day has other plans.

Despite that, Jacques still came away with a PB in this direction, and I have no doubt that one day he’ll come back here and have the day we know he’s capable of.

For now, we head back to the drawing board for the final big race of the season.

Incredibly proud of you, Jacques. Onwards and upwards. 👊

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There’s a point on this course where the trail simply stops, and the sea decides what happens next. 🫣

Bloukrans has humbled fast runners and patient ones alike. Today, every athlete out there took their turn, wading through current and over rock before the trail climbed back out on the other side.

Some sections you run. This one, you respect.🫂

The Grail of Trail
Presented by EasyEquities

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@jacques.buys returns with an Otter TERREX Trail, presented by EasyEquities,PB of 04:24:39, which he set in 2024 earning him a 2nd place at the time. With three Otter TERREX Trails under his belt now, he knows what it takes to put on a show.

He warns first-timers to look out for the technical boulder fields And to start conservatively as the really difficult section catches you at the end.

The Grail of Trail
Presented by EasyEquities

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Introducing the men’s field for the 2026 Otter TERREX Trail, presented by EasyEquities: a mix of proven course record holders and hungry debutants all chasing the same finish line. 🏁

👉 Kane Reilly — PR 04:11:07 (2020, Retto)

One of Otter’s most familiar faces, back again for another crack at the top step. Six-time runner-up and three third-place trophies tell you exactly how close, and how consistent, he’s been on this trail.

👉 Robbie Rorich — PR 04:10:54 (2018, Retto)

A technical specialist who treats the boulder fields like a playground. Backed by a strong 2026 season (2nd at RMB Ultra-Trail Drakensberg GCU 60km, and 8th at George MUT 60km), he’s raced the Otter enough times to know exactly where it’s won and lost.

👉Jacques du Plessis — PR 04:45:38 (2024, Retto)

2026 has been a clean sweep: course records at the George MUT Marathon, the RMB Ultra-Trail Drakensberg SDR 34km, and the Pass2Pass Challenge 35km. Three wins, three records, one clear signal of form heading into Otter.

👉Philani Sengce — Otter debut

A course-record specialist, with back-to-back wins at the Cape Town Trail Marathon 43km and a standout run at Sierre-Zinal, becoming the first South African to break 3 hours on that course.

👉Jacques Buys — PR 04:24:39 (2024, Retto)

Off the back of three 2026 wins (Pass2Pass Ultra, Magoebas Ultra, George MUT 60km), Jacques already has Otter pedigree too: a 2nd-place finish on the Retto route in 2024, which, at the time, he’s called the best result of his career.

👉Mvuyisi Gcogco — PR 4:31 (2019, Classic)

A veteran of the Otter, with 10 previous appearances on the trail, still chasing more from a race he clearly knows well. His 2026 season has been strong across the ultras: 2nd at the G.O.A.T. Trail Race Oasis Ultra 55km, 4th overall at the RMB Ultra-Trail Drakensberg GCU 62km, and 4th in the men’s category at Whale of Trail 53km.

👉Admire Muzopambwa — PR 04:42:02 (2024, Retto)

A model of consistency, both on the trail and at the Otter itself, with three straight appearances (2023 debut, 2024, 2025) and a clear upward trend each year. His 2026 season includes a runner-up finish at the Steyn City Ultra, a win at the Harties Loop 83k

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the results are in 😏

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There’s officially one Monday left, ladies and gents ⚡️

*Your Strava needs to be public in order for your segment attempt to show on the leaderboard.

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August Photo dump : 1% Planning, 99% just living in the moment 🤩😜⛰️💛

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fast gets faster 🫨

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This past weekend was a big one, with several @science2sport athletes taking on the @wolkbergtrailrun 🏔️

🥉 @christopheratherstone continues his incredible run of podium finishes, taking 3rd overall in the 65 km stage race against a seriously elite field.

🥈 @jacques.buys also stepped onto the podium, finishing 2nd overall in the 65 km stage race.

On Sunday, @nelmariedleange and @mark_hassenkamp tackled the 25 km race, both putting together a strong day out in the mountains.

A massive well done to all of you! Onwards and upwards. 👏⛰️

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The Mountain Dogs 🐶

A Real mountain dog

Something other than safari kit for a change

Moments before suffering for 42km

Freezing

Trying to look cool

We actually made it 💪🏼

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Core memories are rarely comfortable.

Happy birthday, Emma. 🏔️❄️

#drakensberg #outdoors #hiking #southafrica #mountainadventure

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