Runners are invited to enter online for the races on www. lowveldtrailrunning.co.za with the first run for the year, Beyond the Mountain, taking place on February 24 at Franklyn Park in Hoedspruit. The trail run will take place on the foothills of Mariepskop mountain, and the routes follow perennial streams under the canopies of indigenous trees.

Spectacular views of riverine forest and savannah grasslands, birdlife and butterflies await on these exhilarating trails. The 20km race is set to start at 06:30, followed by the 10km race at 06:45 and the 5km race at 07:00. Registration takes place on the day of the race from 05:30 to 06:30 with Yum Factory selling food and coffee before the run starts.

Also read: Family fun at Lowveld trail run

Online entries close on Friday, February 23. On December 16 a handful of runners took on the 5km, 10km and 20km routes for a muddy run. Wilveco Beeslaar took first place in the 20km race with Lourens Beeslaar in second place and Belinda Barkas in third place overall. Kevin Pietersen took first place in the 10km race with Kobus Beeslaar in second place and Dee Finlay in third place.

Ryan Thomson won the 5km race. The highlight on this year’s trail running calendar is the Wildlife Estate Series, which will start on March 23 on the trails at Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate. Visit www. lowveldtrailrunning. co.za or call Belinda Barkas at 076 479 8906 for more information.

2024 Lowveld Trail Running events:
February 24 – Beyond the Mountain
March 9 – Summer Dash
March 23 – Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate
April 20 – Zandspruit Aero Estate
May 25 – Elephant Rock Eco Estate
June 14 to June 17 – Inhaca360
July 27 – Blyde Wildlife Estate
August 23 to August 25 – Wild Rivers
September 21 – Cape Vulture Challenge
October 5 – Uitzoek Mountain Marathon