Google Earth file for 15 km route now online

At long last I have put the 15 km route on the route info page. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to download the kmz file. If you open the kmz file it should automatically open Google Earth if you have Google Earth installed. Happy virtual scouting!

Route info - Google Earth Files updated

I have updated the Google Earth files on the RouteInfo page. There is now one single 40 km kmz file and one 25 km kmz file. I still need to do one for the 15 km. Have fun. The last bit of the 40 km around Witfontein takes one along the Forest Buzzard hiking trail to a small dam (actually more a weir) with a wooden walkway... watch the route info page page for an upcoming photo of this possible checkpoint...

I have also not been that accurate in tracing the routes, but it will give you a good indication of where you will be running, walking... or crawling!

Who is your money on...

I am pleased to announce, John Collins will be back to defend his title as King of the Outeniqua's! However, things will not be easy for our Knysna hero! Hot on his heels will be the likes of Cas van Aardenne, Graham Bird, Nic de Beer and Dirk Cloete. The George based Jacques (2nd in 2009) and Eddie Mouton (1st in 2008) will also be gunning for a top spot. Cape Odyssey winner, Mauritz Jansen van Rensburg is also in the mix. There are always a few unknowns who will also be looking to make a name for themselves, so we will be waiting with eager expectation to see who is who in the zoo come 7 August 2010.

In the ladies race, Hanlie Booyens and Tatum Prins will be fighting things out, and Esther Lategan (winner of 2010 38 km Hell Run) will also be a lady to watch. Once again there are some unknown names, but it is anyone's guess who will be the new Queen of the Outeniqua's in 2010 - Annemien Ganzevoort will not be able to defend her title as she is working in the far east at the moment.

The 2010 route is the reverse of the 2009 route with some variations thrown in to keep things interesting. Runners will start at the Botanical Gardens in George, run up to and through Tonnelbos (a 400 m climb to get there). Then it is a long steady downhill to the Old George Dam, followed by a long climb up to Tierkop Hut. After a quick stop for refreshments, runners will head onto the wild stretch of trail between Tierkop and North Station. With very little space for overtaking on the trail, this will be the ideal oppurtunity for the runners with strong technical abilities to open up the lead. Runners will traverse a ridgeline along Dizzy Hieghts before descending along the dangerous switchbacks to the Kaaimens River (at this point nothing more than a mountain stream). At North Station runners will once again enjoy a drink and something to eat before heading out on the gruelling Craddock Pass. Some navigational decision making will be required on the Forest Buzzard hiking trail in Witfontein before runners head back to the Botanical Gardens in what could be a sprint for line honours.

What will the weather do? Will we have warm and sunny weather with Berg winds or will it be cloudy with drizzle, heavy rain or even snow on the peaks? This is trail running, and runners will take whatever comes their way come race day!

News from www.trailrunning.co.za

Much of the country is FREEZING, but the trail season gets hot!

There are loads of events coming up in the next 2 months, so here is a heads up!
The Cape Winter Trail Series starts on the 25th July and runs for the following 3 Sundays. Great trails in great locations.
The Hansa Hout Bay Trail Challenge is on the 24th July. One of the toughest events on the calendar with a very strong field this year.
In KZN, the banana boys are being creative: The Fugitives Trail Run on the 21 August, near Isandlwana;  Umdoni Park Challenge on 25th July and Trappers Ngoje Trail Run 31st  July, all promise spectactular views and excellent running. 

PE has a trail run. On the 1st of August the 2nd of the Aerosat Woodridge Trail Running Series takes place.

In Gauteng you can run the Vodacom Livetrack Dirt Festival Trail Run, on 15th August.

Back in the Cape the (snow capped) Outeniqua Traverse is up next on the 7th of August. Starting in George, runners enjoy good mountain time - be prepared.

Then, the original ultra - the Hi-Tec Puffer - is a long way to run (80km) for a beer - from Point to Pub. 21st of August.

The 28th of August brings us close enough to spring for the Namaqualand Flower Power Run.

A NEW race on the 28th of August is the Rooikat Trail Run in McGregor. Joining in with the Food and Wine festival, this is a family weekend jaunt. Entries opened today and are limited.

To view all upcoming events head over to www.trailrunning.co.za, click on EVENTS CALENDAR; Scroll to your event and view MORE INFO or BOOK ONLINE.

Trail TV on Supersport, next new show on the 28th July.

Happy Hot Trails

Trailblazer

Show me the way

I have had numerous requests for maps, Garmin files, etc etc...

Check out the route info page.


I have uploaded the 40 km map, it is 6 MB so be warned. There are waypoints on the page, rounded to the nearest second (probably 50 m accuracy). I left the one from last year up as well so that you can compare routes.


YOU WILL GET A MAP ON RACE DAY, so don't stress if you can't download it.


I will work on putting some photos up as well (in the next week or two)
I will update the Google Earth files and put those up too (in the next week or so),

Kelfords comes to the Mountains

Kelfords, a Ford and Mazda dealership in the Somerset West area have generously sponsored some goodies for the Tierkop Checkpoint. Runners will enjoy a refreshing glass of coke and something to nibble before setting of on the wild stretch of trail behind Craddock Mountain.

I drive a Ford Fiesta, so I was happy when Kelfords stuck up their hands to help out at a checkpoint. I wouldn't mind driving a 4x4 Ford Ranger or even better a Ford Everest, these vehicles look ideal to carry you to your next adventure. If you are in the market to buy a new car, give Tristan at Kelfords a call and  I am sure he can sort you out with what you need.

First 50 T-shirts are gone

The first 50 T-shirts have all been taken. If you still want a T-shirt, you have until Tuesday evening to pay and you need to pay an additional R50. I am placing my order on Wednesday, no extra-money received = no T-shirt ordered.

Well done to Spain, despite a slow start they managed to take the cup.