TheASICSFrontRunnersWhoConqueredthePUFfeR:MusaDlisoandHillaryArries

The 30th edition of Cape Town’s iconic PUFfeR ((Peninsula Ultra Fun Run) brought friendly competition, extreme weather and a renewed sense of community among runners. ASICS FrontRunners Musa Dliso and Hillary Arries tackled the challenging race, commemorating not only the race's milestone but also their remarkable personal journeys.

The PUFfeR: A True Test of Endurance

For those unfamiliar, the PUFfeR is no ordinary race. Originally started in 1995, the current course spans over 68 kilometres, starting at Cape Point and ending at Table Mountain. Participants tackle steep climbs, technical terrain and (as is usual for the Western Cape) unpredictable weather, all of which make it one of the toughest trail races in South Africa. To complete the PUFfeR, runners need to be physically prepared for long hours on their feet and mentally ready to push through moments of extreme fatigue. In the words of Musa Dliso, "It was so hot, and I thought I was done at the Silvermines aid station. But I pushed on, thanks to the community and the volunteers who wouldn’t let me give up."

Both Musa and Hillary credit their preparation to Cape Town’s close-knit trail-running community. Hillary recalls, “Running with everyday legends shows you that you can do hard things. You are always stronger and more capable than you think.”

Musa Journey

Musa’s love for trail running began with the Cape Town trail community, which played a pivotal role in his physical and mental preparation for PUFfeR’s gruelling demands. The community isn’t just about running; it’s about camaraderie. "I’ve learnt so much from more experienced runners, whether it's pacing, nutrition, or mental strategies," Musa shares. "This year’s PUFfeR was brutally hot, and my stomach was giving me trouble. At one point, another runner shared food with me, and we ran together for 6 kilometres without exchanging names. That sense of unspoken support is what got me through."

Musa reached a point where he seriously considered quitting due to nausea and exhaustion. However, a volunteer’s encouragement and a clever "trick" to get him to the next aid station kept him going. "I thought there was an ambulance waiting at the next stop, but instead, I found more encouragement and some much-needed coke and pretzels," he laughs. It’s these little moments that made the race memorable for him, reinforcing how trail running is as much about the community as it is about personal endurance.

Hillary’s Toughest Race Yet

For Hillary, the 30th PUFfeR was his hardest race to date. “I couldn’t run for the last 24 kilometres. My legs just wouldn’t cooperate,” he recalls. Walking through the forest, he had to fight off the mental demons telling him to quit. "I had come too far to give up, but it was the cheers, cowbells, and support along the route that pulled me through." Hillary’s journey to becoming an accomplished trail runner wasn’t an easy one. In fact, he never considered himself a trail runner until just a few years ago. "Trail running seemed like it was reserved for a special group of people," he explains, "but once I found the right community, I realised it’s accessible to everyone. You just need to show up."

Hillary’s first trail race was during the COVID-19 lockdown when road races were not allowed. Despite having no experience, he completed it and went on to finish his first ultra-marathon—a 45-kilometre race in the mountains—where he was the last person to cross the finish line. "That achievement was huge for me," he says. Now, having conquered the PUFfeR, Hillary is eyeing even more challenging distances.

Reflecting on his journey, Hillary feels a deep sense of gratitude for the trail community that welcomed him in. “Running has brought so much into my life, and I want to help others experience that same joy.”