Meet Don Hartley
In September 1997, Don Hartley, an experienced mountain climber and marathon runner - twice the winner of the Two Oceans Marathon in the early 1970's - initiated and organised a 100-year commemoration of Schneeberger's achievement. Eleven of the thirteen starters completed the inaugural Three Peaks Challenge which was won appropriately by Hartley. Intended to be a once-off gathering, it revived a tradition that has since entrenched itself amongst the toughest physical and mental challenges on the trail running calendar, establishing itself as a quintessential Cape Town Event.
The legend, race director + artist
Don not only ran and climbed these mountains, he paints them. As an avid artist he creates a series of paintings every year that get awarded to the Three Peaks Challenge winners. In true old school style the focus is not just on the podium. Every year Don creates a handmade unique Three Peaks Challenge trophy for every finisher.
Don is the core of Three Peaks – keeping the race personal, grounded and true to heart. Tradition and trail community with an old school vibe.
