Chantel Nienaber

About

Chantel Nienaber is one of South Africa's most accomplished female trail runners — a Stellenbosch-based personal trainer, running coach, inov-8 ambassador, and philanthropist who came to competitive running at age 37 in 2011 and rapidly became a dominant force on the South African trail circuit. She studied fine arts before finding trail running through watching her brother-in-law's Cape Epic cycling entry and completing a five-day, 250km stage race from Hermanus to Stellenbosch as her introduction to the sport. Within her first season she set the overall ladies record at the Wildcoast Wildrun, acquiring the nickname 'Hot Pants' for her bold racing attire. Her career accumulated 34 podium finishes — 20 of them outright victories — across South Africa's most competitive trail events. She represented South Africa at the IAU World Ultra Trail Championships in Annecy (87km), qualified to represent her country in Wales, and has been a perennial competitor at the AfricanX Trailrun — entering in 2012 and returning for successive editions, placing 3rd overall mixed (with partner Chris Visser, 07:05:14) in 2023. She also won the IMPI Elite Race in 2:13:20. She trains 15–20 hours weekly across hill repeats, speed work, strength training, obstacle running, and pilates/yoga, and dedicates significant time to charitable work, particularly supporting her husband Markus who lives with a brain condition affecting his motor skills and balance.

Notable Wins

• — Wildcoast Wildrun overall ladies record 2011
• — IAU World Ultra Trail Championships (87km
• — Annecy) SA representative
• — IMPI Elite Race winner (2:13:20)
• — AfricanX Trailrun 3rd overall mixed 2023 (07:05:14)
• — 34 career podiums including 20 victories

Race History