Walkers, adventurers and runners alike will find plenty enjoyment and excitement as they attack the trails surrounding Umhlanga in the Umhlanga MTN Summer Carnival’s second Umhlanga 12km/18km Trail Run and Walk on December 18.
The event, in association with Salomon, takes off from Breakers hotel and resort at sunrise.
The second December holiday run, and fourth in the series of trail runs that have been run around Umhlanga and surrounds in the past two years, takes athletes on an invigorating 18km or 12km sunrise high-energy run or walk. The race will have the more active tackling tar and off-road track, hills, wading through rivers, weaving through bush and sugar cane fields with the finish including a spectacular section of bush and beach.
Speaking about the Umhlanga 12km/18km Trail Run and Walk, enthusiastic race organiser, Buzz Bolton said: “The race isn’t too technical and has a nice variety of terrain. There have been a few tweaks to the layout, so those who’ve run before should come along and see what little challenges we have in store for them. It’s going to be a stunning, scenic route with just enough of a test to keep the athletes interested.”
River crossing
The 18km route starts at the Breakers Resort, then moves away from the sea up to the Umhlanga Ridge before descending towards the N2 crossing of the Uhlange River. The route then passes the Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom and then hugs the M4 near Umdloti. A bush trail takes runners down past Don’s Hut and on to the beach. The last 2kms are back past the beach before the final stretch towards the start / finish area at the Breakers Resort.
For the fourth event, the organisers have also created a shorter 12km route which gives athletes a reduced taste of the rugged terrain that is trail running and walking. Active families can enjoy this shorter route.
Champions in both the men and ladies event, Cato Ridge’s Eric Ngubane and Durban North’s Mandy Matthews will be back to defend their titles. Ngubane, a well known road athlete uses trail running to strengthen his ankles and legs. “Getting on to the roads is easy after trail running. I highly recommend using this off-road race as preparation for ultra marathons,” a confident Ngubane stated.
Due to the gruelling nature of the race, the organisers have capped it at 250 athletes. Starting at 6am, the race leaves punctually from Breakers Resort. Prizes are up for grabs.
***Entry forms are available from selected sport stores or from buzzhilde@vodamail.co.za or online www.umhlangatourism.co.za. Entrance fee is R100 for the 18km race, and R60 for the 12km race, which includes breakfast and prizes from sponsors!
Event: Umhlanga 12km/18km Trail Run and Walk
Venue: Breakers, Umhlanga
Date: December 18, 2011
Start: 6am sharp
Win! Win! Win!
Buzz Bolton, race organiser, has committed to a reward for anyone who can beat the following two persons (and previous winners, in their race categories), who will both be running. An improvement on these times will qualify should Eric or Mandy, for some reason, not be able to participate.
Eric Ngubane: 1.09.39 sec (time to beat for men)
Mandy Matthews: 1.34.47sec (time to beat for women)
More info: Sophie Thompson at 031 201 1638; 083 609 8729