Fresh Kaapsehoop Mountain Ultra to take place this weekend

Trail runners are gearing up for the Fresh Kaapsehoop Mountain Ultra taking place this weekend, Saturday September 10.

Set atop a mountain pass on the Drakensberg escarpment above Mbombela, the trial run in Kaapsehoop promises spectacular views of rock formations as well as its grasslands with misty mountains and plantations.

The area of Kaapsehoop is known for its moderate climate, making it a lot cooler up there during the summer months while the rest of the Lowveld bakes. This creates a wonderful environment for the runners.

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The Fresh Kaapsehoop Mountain Ultra has three running routes of various distances: the 69km run, which has an elevation gain of 2 750m and six aid stations, the 42km run with an elevation gain of 1 800m and four aid stations, and lastly, the 17km route with an elevation gain of 540m and one aid station.

The 105km run was cancelled this year.

Entries for the 69km trail route closed on August 31, however, runners who want to take part in the 42km or the 17km runs can register for R600 and R270 respectively, on the day before the race in Kaapsehoop on Friday September 9 between 16:00 and 18:00, or on the day of the race from 04:30 until 06:30.

Runners taking part in the 69km race are expected to start at 06:00 with a race briefing 05:45. The 42km run will begin at 07:00 with a race briefing at 06:45 and the 17km run will start at 07:30 with a briefing at 07:15.

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The prize-giving for the 17km and 42km runs will be held at 15:00 at the Kaapsehoop Race Village on Saturday while the prizegiving for the runners braving the 69km route will take place on Sunday September 11 at 09:00.

Competitors can expect water points during the route and at the finish, as well as medals and craft beers for finishers.

Fresh Trails has promised a well-marked route with medical staff on-site as well as ablution facilities and food and refreshment stalls.

The magic of Kaapsehoop can be seen and felt by anyone who visits and is a choice spot for an ultra trail run.

“The village is particularly regardful of their wild horses (there are about 200 of them) that range at will among the houses and on the plateau beyond,” said Fresh Trails in a statement.

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“Their blue swallows are unique. They are rarely seen in South Africa and part of the escarpment is declared a blue swallow natural heritage site. Then there is the series of ancient stones known as Adam’s Calendar, that suggest an ancient and mystical history of mankind.

“What a great setting to present a Fresh Trails experience of pristine trail running.”
To find out more about the race such as the various routes, visit the Fresh Trail website at www.freshtrails.co.za.