- 36 finalists named for first Defender Trophy.
- Chosen from more than 23,000 applicants.
- Global Final spans 3,000 kilometres in Africa.
- Three countries and five conservation projects.
- Lance Kime and Isabelle Roux represent South Africa.
Thirty-six National Winners will travel to Africa later this year for the Global Final of the first Defender Trophy, an adventure competition run by Land Rover’s Defender brand with conservation partner Tusk. The finalists earned their places through ten regional events held around the world.
Who made the Defender Trophy final
More than 23,000 people applied, and the field that came through is not made up of professional athletes. Astronauts, filmmakers, teachers and firefighters are among those who qualified, and in Africa they will be tested on their off-road skills as well as their stamina.
South Africa is represented by Lance Kime and Isabelle Roux. The EU region supplies the largest group with 15 finalists, North America has five, and China and the MENA region three each. Australia, Taiwan and South America send two apiece, while Japan and the APAC region have one finalist each.
Global Final route and Tusk projects
The final covers 3,000 kilometres across three countries. Along the way, competitors will work on five purpose-led projects, giving hands-on support intended to leave a lasting legacy alongside Tusk.
Return of Defender Trophy events after 45 years
The competition marks the brand’s return to global challenge events, 45 years after the original concept was launched. It follows the Trophy and Challenge events of the past, adding a conservation element to the off-road format.
Paddy McGillycuddy, Global Managing Director of Defender, described the finalists as courageous and ambitious. “These are not pure athletes; they are from all walks of life and have an insatiable thirst for adventure,” he said.
The Global Final takes place later this year, when the 36 finalists head to Africa to complete the route and its five projects.
Supplied by MotorPress (Nomaswazi Nkosi, PR Specialist, Land Rover South Africa)
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