Toni McCann just became the queen of one of the world’s toughest marathons; becoming the first South African to win the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc OCC!
Global (06 September 2023) — For Toni McCann, becoming the queen of one of the world’s toughest marathons took “just a little bit of bravery” coupled with a lot of support from her home on the other side of the world. Winning the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc OCC was a dream she hardly dared to dream, and one that now sits in the history books of South Africa’s reality.
Toni is the first South African to win the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc OCC, which for those who aren’t familiar, is over 50km in length with an elevation gain of over 3200m.
Needless to say, it is not a run through the park, but a tough test of body and dedication alike, stretching through France and Switzerland.
According to faces.africa, Toni first tackled the marathon back in 2021 where she finished 14th. She tried again in 2022 where her 5th place finish led her to consider really going for gold.
However, before the big race, Toni actually put the dream of winning aside to relieve some anxiety-induced pressure on herself that might’ve weighed her performance down.
Trusting the process triumphed over a pressure overload, resulting in an incredible victory for her and her country.
Toni placed first in an emotional finish in just 5 hours and 28 minutes. The race lends itself to a time extent of over 14 hours.
“This one was for back home,” she shared in a nod to South Africa.
Back home, Mzansi couldn’t be more proud of her accomplishment, as are the Old Girls of St Mary’s who are singing Toni’s praises as high as her elevation gains.
For Lauren Rapson who shared the incredible news on behalf of the Old Girls’ Guild of St Mary’s with Good Things Guy, the moment is one to drink in not just for South African sports, but for women in sports who inspire—an area Lauren rightly shares is always deserving more of the spotlight.
Toni will reportedly return to South Africa where she’ll get to run in her favourite places again back home in Cape Town.
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