Strand resident Carla Annas has traded her career in yachting for a year-long sabbatical and a gruelling mission: to conquer the Patagonman Triathlon in Southern Chile while raising R100 000 for educational access in the community.
A dedicated endurance athlete with seven half-Ironman races under her belt, she is channelling her passion for extreme sport into support for the Beehive Bursary Fund at The Honeybush Collective, a small, community-based school in Somerset West.
Annas has previously raised funds for a child’s full school bursary at Stellenbosch Waldorf School (“Avid tri-athlete raises R400k for a cause”, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 28 June 2023). She recently concluded a 12-year career in yachting and is taking a sabbatical this year, while preparing for what is regarded the world’s most demanding triathlon.
The Patagonman Triathlon, set for Sunday 7 December, presents a “brutal” challenge that only 300 athletes, selected via a rigorous lottery system, get to attempt. Annas believes she may be the sole South African participant this year.
“I got the email to say I got the slot as soon as I was on my way home after the final goodbye to my yachting career,” Annas said. “I’ve been following this race for a while and I was motivated to do it someday. I’ve been to Chile before and it is a stunning country. To be able to do compete in this race for such an amazing purpose is a blessing.”
The full-distance race requires supreme endurance and preparation as it includes a 3,8 km swim, starting by jumping off a ferry into an icy fjord in Patagonia.
A 180 km cycle follows along with a demanding ride featuring strong winds and significant climbing. Then participants will tackle a 42 km run, a full marathon distance on a challenging trail run through breathtaking scenery.
“I wanted to do what I love, but I wanted it to mean more. I’m helping the cause that’s important to me: education,” Annas related.
She is leveraging her athletic momentum, which has seen her complete two Ironman-distance events since 2022, to reach a fundraising goal of R100 000 by the end of December. All proceeds will go to the Beehive Bursary Fund, providing financial aid to children otherwise unable to attend school.
Annas chose the school for its unique philosophy: “It’s a place that cultivates compassion, confidence and social responsibility… I want every child to have access to the school.”
Annas’ commitment has rallied both her past and present communities. The yachting community has provided significant financial support, while local training partners and her devoted family have formed her essential support structure.
“My whole family is involved,” Annas said. “My dad and sister are coming with me, because the planning and logistics is a team effort.”
She has undertaken an intensive training regimen, dedicating three to four hours daily. “I get through the daily pains and pulled muscles by trying to recover well.”
Her preparation also includes a strict diet.
Annas leaves for Chile on Saturday 29 November, a week before the race. She urges the public to support her dual mission: “Help me help others. Donate to the cause and help give children access to education that they desperately need.”
๏ฎ Donations can be made via her Back-a-Buddy page or you can follow her training journey on Instagram @carla.annas.
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