Shanda Hill, a Vernon, B.C. ultra athlete, completed the first South Africa Deca Ultra Triathlon, becoming its only female finisher. She finished with a time of 279 hours and 30 minutes, securing second place overall and first place in the women’s category. Hill raised over $10,000 towards her future competition goals and is seeking sponsorship for her upcoming races.
Shanda Hill, an ultra athlete from Vernon, B.C., made history as the only woman to compete in the inaugural South Africa Deca Ultra Triathlon, which concluded March 20, Vernon time. She successfully completed 38 kilometers of swimming, 1,800 kilometers of cycling, and 422 kilometers of running in a remarkable total time of 279 hours and 30 minutes, all while contending with extreme heat and injuries.
Hill’s performance was exceptional; she started the race strong, maintaining the lead until March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. Her partner, Jacs Spence, emphasized Hill’s impressive achievement, stating, “She was the only female to complete this race, which means she took first place in the women’s category. That matters.” Hill not only triumphed in her gender category but also secured second place overall, demonstrating her competitive spirit against male counterparts.
Post-race, Hill expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she received via social media. Spence conveyed, “Every word meant the world to her,” highlighting the emotional impact of the encouragement and donations that helped her throughout the race. Hill’s efforts have culminated in raising $10,340 towards her goal of competing in every International Ultra Triathlon Association event in 2025—a milestone that would set a new world record.
Currently, Hill is actively seeking sponsorships to support her through the upcoming season, as she has seven more races lined up. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out via email at info@shandahillultra.com. After her grueling race, Hill plans to return to Vernon next week to recuperate from an injured abductor muscle, with only 41 days left until her next challenge, the Brazil Ultra Tri in Rio de Janeiro starting May 1.
Shanda Hill’s remarkable journey through the South Africa Deca Ultra Triathlon showcases her abilities as an ultra athlete and the significant support she received from her community. Her accomplishment as the first female finisher not only highlights her strength and perseverance but also underscores the importance of encouragement in overcoming challenges. Hill is now preparing for future races while continuing to seek support for her ambitious athletic goals.
Original Source: www.mapleridgenews.com
