THE sixth annual Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge was lauded a great success as top international sport stars and holidaymakers competed in the multidisciplinary competition in Plettenberg Bay on 27 and 28 December 2009.

Sponsored by Stonehage international family wealth advisers and Discovery, the Challenge drew some 1700 participants to compete in swim, paddle, mountain bike, run and fun walk events.

Event director Mark Collins of Magnetic South said overall figures had increased from 900 entrants last year. ”We believe this event will continue to grow, not only because of its great atmosphere and challenging events but also because it raises much needed funds for a touching cause.”

The Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge is the main fundraising activity for the Sabrina Love Foundation. Established in 2003 by Tony and Suzy Lubner in memory of their daughter Sabrina, who died at age six from complications of a rare bone disorder, the Foundation supports children and families living with physical disabilities in the Bitou region.

Events of the first day took place at popular Central Beach.

The 6km Ocean Swim from Robberg Corner to Central Beach once again lived up to its iconic status as Paralympic gold medallist Natalie du Toit and Olympic long distance swimmer Chad Ho went head-to-head in perfect conditions. Ho beat Du Toit by 43 seconds in a time of 58:09 with Du Toit coming second overall and first in the women’s division in a time of 58:52. Du Toit addressed competitors ahead of the Swim, encouraging them to “have fun and remember the Sabrina Love message of hope.”

Olympic paddler and Plettenberg Bay local Michelle Eray won the women’s title in the 15km Surf Ski event in a time of 01:16:54. Steph le Roux won the men’s title in 01:12:05.

Comrades Marathon legend Bruce Fordyce hosted the 10km Run, which was won by Marius Schechter (42:01) and Michelle Williams (46:38). Commenting on the race afterwards Fordyce said organisers Magnetic South had designed a well-balanced course with stretches of tar road, cross country, beach and boardwalks. “The overall event was well-planned and fun,” said Fordyce.

The beach walk was once again the atmospheric climax to the first day event as hundreds of walkers, donning pink T-shirts and hats, welcomed the swimmers to the beach.

The highlight of the second day was seeing Plettenberg Bay local and South African mountain bike champion Kevin Evans win the first 25km Mountain Bike Race in 56:55, followed a second later by MTN Energade team mate Jay Thomson. Christine Woods won the women’s division in 01:15:01 with Dawn Herbit in second place (01:18:19). The inland route through the Keurbooms forestry plantations drew some 350 entrants which had exceeded expectations for an inaugural event.

Paralympic gold medallist Natalie du Toit had to watch from the sidelines as her competitor in Sunday’s 6km Ocean Swim, Olympic long distance swimmer Chad Ho, took the honours in the One Mile Swim in the Keurbooms Lagoon in a time of 19:53. All Africa Games medalist Dominique Dryding came in second overall and first in the women’s swim with a time of 20:34. Du Toit was unable to participate following an infection from a spider bite. She did however attend the day’s fun activities and signed autographs.

The Sabrina Kids of Steel duathlon – a 1km run and 100m swim challenge for children under ten – was an un-timed fun event which drew 110 participants.