Scenic trail at Mount Sheba continues to attract runners
For the second year in a row, runners had the opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of Mount Sheba and this time they came even more prepared than last year.
Smashing four of the six records and having triple the amount of entries it was clear that the idyllic nature scenes was quickly becoming a highlight on runners diaries who took part in the Ilanga Trail Series.
“Although the race is still early in its days, we were extremely happy to receive triple the amount of entries this year”, Ms Marisa Coertze, general manager of Mount Shaba said. According to her, they are expecting to see the race grow each year and build on the foundation that was laid. “We are already excited for next year and believe entries for next year will continue to rise”.
For most runners it was probably not the easiest race to complete due to the technicality of the route, but it seems as if the indigenous rainforest with its abundance of rare plant and wildlife somehow was still enough to keep the runners going and allowing them to finish all in good spirit. “It was a nice race, but it was very challenging”, a tired, but happy Mr Zwane Nkanyeza said, who conquered the grueling 20km in a time of 02:12:56.
Whilst some runners did not clock their best times, others made it look easy, such as the well-known van Heerden twins. Natia and brother, Antoine, dominated the 12km and 20km category, while Sias Jnr and Linda van Staden claimed the gold in the 6km race. Aubrey Mabuza crossed the 12km finishing line in first place in the male open category, while Marianne Wood celebrated her win in the 20km open class in a time of 02:58:06.
“The trail run was a huge success and it’s definitely a route every runner can look forward to. We would like to encourage each and every person with a love for nature to join us next year”, Coertze said.
