Fochville’s ultra-runner Cornel Metcalfe is leaving for France to take part in an international event this coming week.

Metcalfe was invited to the UTMB race after breaking several national records in ultra-distance events throughout South Africa. This race, which will take place at Mont-Blanc next week, is the final of the UTMB World Series.

It is considered “the ultimate trail running event” and will unite top trail runners from around the world. The 300km race covers high-altitude trails without any way-marking, which requires a sense of orientation on and off the route.

The course changes every year and allows runners to discover the rich diversity of the French, Italian and Swiss trails of the Mont Blanc massif.

According to Cornel’s husband, Mark, she is one of four South African women taking part in the race.

Five male runners from our country will also participate.

All the other South African runners will, however, only take part in the 100km race. Cornel is extremely fit and worked very hard to be invited and to be ready to take part in this race.

Her last training run was the Mac Mac Ultra 100-miler at the end of June. She will start running at Mont-Blanc on August 28.

Anyone who wants to support Metcalfe’s participation in this international run, for which she was specially chosen, can visit her Back-a-Buddy page.