A well-known and seasoned photographer from Worcester recently returned from the first Iron Man challenge ever hosted in the African country of Rwanda.
Craig Fouché (51) is an imaginative photographer with an ardent passion to travel the world and meet interesting people.
Fouché formed part of a team of four South African photographers that was sent by Sportografto cover the historical and inaugural Iron Man Rwanda 70.3 event at Giyesni, which overlooks the pristine Lake Kivu, about 1,5 km from the DRC. The race took place on 14 August. Together, as a team, they have covered several international events in the past.
“Known for its stunning scenery and warm, friendly people, Rwanda offers a unique experience in one of the most impressive countries in the world. Rwanda has incredible biodiversity, including wildlife living among volcanoes, mountainous rainforests, magnificent gorillas, and scenic plains. You just have to experience this astounding country, the cleanliness of the cities and rural villages, but most of all, the friendliness of the people.”
He told Standard that the people in Rwanda were all fit and healthy, either walking or cycling everywhere. Bicycles are used to transport anything from food, fruit and vegetables to couches, doors, bricks, water and more. He said there are bicycle taxis everywhere. Apart from his travel experience, he said the event itself was quite memorable.
“There was a great atmosphere and buzz in the air leading up to the event. Contestants, visitors, tourists, media and locals alike, were all excited about the upcoming event. Even the Rwandan Minister of Sport was present. The Iron Man event was a first for Rwanda and will be back next year. There were 37 countries represented and Fritz Sitte rode from Cape Town to the event on his bicycle to take part. He is on his way home back to Cape Town and is expected to arrive in October. He did not have professional gear, rode his bike in slip slops and ran the 21 km barefoot. What an achievement,” Fouché added.
Fouché has travelled extensively and has been to more than 15 countries, mostly Africa and the Middle East – wherever his work takes him.
He added that Antarctica, Greenland and Iceland are at the top of his travel bucket list.
“I travel locally and internationally. I am a registered NPS (Nikon Professional Services) member, I photograph a broad variety of genres, using film in 35 mm, 120, 127 and 4×5”, 5×7” & 8×10” format, as well as digital, and am very passionate about my work.”
He has received many accolades in his career and was featured in Weg!/Go! magazine, High Life (the British Airways magazine) and many others.
