Louise’s running pedigree sets her apart as an endurance athlete of note, with participation in numerous standard marathons to her credit (including New York, London and Prague), as well as many adventure races, duathlons and triathlons (Ironman South Africa 2007). However, it is in the realm of trail ultra marathons that she has most assuredly made her mark, exemplified by finishing not one but two Marathon des Sables, the much vaunted 250km self-sufficient 6-stage race held in the Sahara desert, Morocco. The second of these was run with husband David, whom she readily concedes is her most ardent and selfless supporter.  Add to these achievements the Jordan Desert Cup, a 180km, self-sufficient, non-stop race from Wadi Rum to Petra, and the Grand Union Canal Race, a 250km, non-stop, supported run, and it is clear that Louise is indeed a most formidable and experienced ultra warrior.

Currently Louise is completing a BSc degree in biochemistry and physiology and has applied to UCT to do an honours degree in exercise science in 2009. Besides training and studying, she focuses much of her attention on son Shaun (12) and daughter Jemma (10), both of whom are also very active and keenly involved in a number of sports. In addition, she enjoys socialising with friends, going to the theatre,  movies and travelling. She is also not averse to the odd glass of wine…or two! 

Louise and fellow competitor

Louise says:

"With a family it is difficult to fit in training required to meet the challenge involved, so it is important to be realistic about what you are able to achieve. Challenging the elite contingent is clearly out of the question, but given the terrain and demands of the challenges, just reaching the finish line has been more than enough of a reward. The nature of these type of events require many other attributes besides physical fitness, not least the ability to ‘byt-vas’!"

 "When I met David Crombie during a trail run in 2007 I was inspired by his commitment to the ECCT project. I had no hesitation in accepting his invitation to join Team ECCT for the 2008 Jungle Marathon, not only to take up the challenge of a race I had long desired to run, but also the chance to make a difference for HIV/Aids orphans."

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