Tom Evans confirms new challenge for November

Tom Evans will take on the 100km race at RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town next month in a tweak to his original 2023 plans.

The English runner took a “dream” Western States victory in June which followed a dominant win in the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia by UTMB 50K and a podium at the Black Canyon Ultras 100K.

More recently, Evans endured a difficult day at the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB), as he was forced to withdraw after suffering from full body cramps.

First trip to South Africa

Since joining the ultra-running world in 2017, the former Army captain has had a whirlwind running career, and the 31-year-old hopes to win another international event with in the RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town on Friday, November 24.

A social media post from the event said that Evans was “super excited for his first trip to South Africa and has heard some great things about the country”. They added that the English athlete is looking forward to seeing the country for himself.

Preparing at home

Taking place in the northern mountain range of Cape Town the 100km event features plenty of vertical gain on technical terrain.

Evans is at home in the UK preparing for the event with a specific focus on the “steep climbs and technical descents”, similar to the terrain he will find in South Africa.

RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town said on social media that Evans plans to get some ‘good volume and intensity’ over the next couple of weeks before travelling to Cape Town.

Evans said: “I have heard that the trail community in Cape Town is amazing, so I’m really looking forward to joining in and making some new friends.”

Bob Graham attempt

Evans had originally pencilled in a Bob Graham Round Fastest Known Time (FKT) attempt for 2023, but says he was unable to squeeze it into a packed year.

The English challenge takes place in the Lake District and includes 42 fells – or 8,200 metres of ascending – in 66 miles.

Bob Graham completed the fell challenge within 24 hours in 1932. Since then 2,700 people have recorded their times with Jack Kuenzle setting a new record of 12 hours and 23 minutes last year.

Evans was asked on social media about his attempt at the Bob Graham Round. He replied: “I ran out of time to do it properly and spend enough time in the Lake District.

“For the Bob Graham I want to be able to really commit and give it the respect it deserves!”