This highlight in the trail running and MTB calendar will be held on Sunday 13 August this year. Hosted by the Lions River Club, the Dargle Valley will once again be a hive of activity as participants and spectators attend the Marriott Dargle Trails Festival
Now in its 6th year, the Marriott Dargle Trails festival follows on the success of previous years, and promises again to be a wonderful day out, with activities for the whole family.
“The trails will follow a similar route to the 2016 event with spectacular views making the climbs worthwhile. The trails are generally tough but not very technical, although there are sections of exciting single track for the more seasoned cyclists. The runners will also enjoy clear paths and a challenging route that takes them through a variety of scenery and vegetation,” said Craig Rees the race organiser.
The 2017 Festival offers three trail events (6, 12 and 21kms), two MTB events (6 and 21km), a 3km fun, family, dog walk and a 12km horseback social ride. A portion of the proceeds from the fun family walk will go to the SPCA, and a portion of the proceeds from the horse trail will go to the KZN Coastal Horse Care Unit. Once again, trail runners will be permitted to take dogs on the 6km and 12km routes.
With the course not usually open to the public it will be a completely new experience for first time Dargle Festival participants, and for returning MTB and trail running enthusiasts it offers an opportunity to enjoy the challenge again.
An exhibition polo match will be played on the grounds over lunchtime which will add to the variety of entertainment on offer at the Marriott Dargle Trails Festival. 2017 will see some exciting new additions to the food and beverage stalls, offering a wider variety of food and drinks. There will also be craft and novelties on sale, and, as usual a “Kids Corner” will be available, complete with fun activities and child minders so parents can participate in an event without worrying about their children.
“The Marriott Dargle Trails Festival, with the excellent trails and family atmosphere has drawn good crowds in the past, and with some new activities planned for this year’s event, we are certain that attendance will increase,” said Neil Nothard, CEO of Marriott Asset Management. “The day offers something for everyone, with challenging routes and stunning views offered to serious mountain bikers and trail runners so it is an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy the beautiful Dargle Valley.”
The Marriott Dargle Trails Festival, only 60 minutes’ drive from Durban, will undoubtedly be a highlight on the 2017 Dargle and Hilton events calendar.
Pre-entries for the trail running and MTB events are open on ROAG (www.roag.co.za), with registration for the horse outride and the fun family dog walk taking place on the day. For more information on the event and how to enter, please visit www.dargletrailsfestival.co.za.