Lace Up For The Seventh Spur Cape Winter Trail Series™

Trail running is fast gaining in popularity in many countries and South Africa is no exception. There’s something special about the simplicity of it and that back-to-nature quality not found on city streets. Moreover, there’s no shortage of incredible country terrain in many parts of South Africa, so much so that the seventh Spur Cape Winter Trail Series™, presented by Wildrunner, is already underway. Best of all, part of it courses through our beloved Overberg.

Who can enter?

Starting at Paul Cluver Wine Estate in Elgin Grabouw last weekend there was some earnest competition at the front of the field. That said, this race, in addition to the obviously famous countryside really is an event for all sorts of running enthusiasts. There’s no need to be intimidated by the hardcore professionals. 

Novices are genuinely welcome to don their trainers for the sheer pleasure of running “wild” as it were. Just don’t be fooled by the challenge of loping over uneven natural terrain.

Fast fact for history buffs

Trail running might not be as new you would think. The first recorded hill race allegedly took place in Scotland in the bonnie year of 1040. It is said that the race was organised by the King to find himself a swift-footed messenger.

Regardless, you will often find the words “primal” and “dirty” associated with trail racing. Not to be confused with anything untoward, this kind of racing is unique, sometimes muddy, great fun and an ideal way to immerse yourself in pavement-less, crowd-less nature.

The rest of this year’s schedule

There are still a few online entries available for races 3 and 4. Alternatively, you can try your luck and get an on-the-day race entry between 06:00 and 07:30 for a measly R30 late entry penalty.

27 July: Race 2, Tygerberg Nature Reserve, Bellville
3 August: Race 3, Taal Monument and Paarl Nature Reserve, Paarl
16 August: Race 4 and XL, Kogelberg Biosphere, Kleinmond

For more information, to enter online or to keep up to date on full race reports visit www.trailseries.co.za. Follow Wildrunner on Twitter @WildrunnerZA and “like” the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/trailseries to get regular updates.

Images by: Mark Sampson, Spur Cape Winter Trail Series™