“If you want it, come and run it. Don’t put it on some unattainable, unticked List. Put your mind to it, get training, and do it. You only know what you are capable of when you put yourself out there.”
Entries open quietly for two of the big trail runs of 2016 this Sunday 01 November. Keeping it simple, keeping it affordable, keeping runners loving trails.
The Merrell Whale of Trail 53km blew everyone away this year with its understated magnificence and organisers Mountain Runner have once again been granted permission by Cape Nature to book out the hiking trail in the south Western Cape for this event on 6th August 2016. Entries can be bought online on a first come first serve basis from 18h00, with a waiting list automatically created when all 175 spots have been filled. All accommodation at the historic De Hoop Collection in the reserve is held for runners and their families for this weekend and reservations can be made directly with them, with options also specifically available for athletes to be able to share rooms or chalets.
“We started organising trail runs five years ago to share the joy we have of being outdoors and active.” says Graham ‘Tweet’ Bird. He and business partner Tatum Prins are both well-known and respected multisport athletes. “We apply the same dedication and commitment to our events as to our own training. We don’t like to race at overcrowded events with massive fanfare, so we don’t plan our runs this way. It’s our business, for sure, but we keep our entry costs down so it’s viable.”
The magical two day Merrell Hobbit Journey 90km in the Eastern Cape’s Amathole Mountains is an intimate affair of just 30 runners who are prepared to be humbled and inspired by this forested mountain range quest. Those who wish to join the adventure are invited to apply if they will have completed a trail marathon within one year of the start date of 29th April 2016. Entries for the technical and tough 38km trail to be run on 30th April 2016 will also open online. The Arminel Hotel once again provides the optimum race venue and has been booked out exclusively for the long weekend event and rooms or self-catering houses can be booked through Mountain Runner. There will be several shorter races for novice trail runners. The charming village of Hogsback has plenty to offer for those not competing.