Dust off you running shoes

The runner’s calendar this year features many scenic and exciting, yet challenging fixtures. Here is a guide to some of the most anticipated races in the Lowveld.

January 28

Van Wettens Night Race

The 10km is a tough, double-lapper of a race through the suburbs of Steiltes. The 4,9 kilometre fun run is a safe route, suitable for families and dog-walkers. It offers a great family atmosphere. The race ends at Lowveld Country Club, where a wonderful social atmosphere, food and drinks await you. Medals will be awarded to all finishers and prizes to category winners. There will also be a lucky draw. The 10km and 4,9km fun run starts at 18:00. Walkers, wheelchair users and dogs are welcome.

Enquiries: 081-803-5083.

Saturday 31

I’langa Trail Series – Misty Mountains

The Misty Mountain Trail, maintained by the owners, takes runners into dense natural vegetation in the kloofs and along the escarpment edge, presenting spectacular views of the Lowveld below. The average elevation is 1 700m. The property is a National Heritage site and the indigenous forests are magical, and the streams refreshing. The hospitality of the staff is old-world and the food will break anyone’s diet.

Enquiries: 082-894-0432.

February 11

Power of Love Night Race

The Power of Love Night Race is a wonderful way to spend a Wednesday with your sweetheart. There is a 5km and a 10km where you can jog together in the cool evening air admiring Mbombela’s city lights. Come and enjoy the evening with Nelspruit Marathon Club. Race starts at 18:00. If you do not have a special person yet, you might just run into one.

Enquiries: info@marathonclubnelspruit.co.za or 086-527-8746.

February 28

Please note that the Pricewaterhouse- Coopers fast 3-in-1 has been cancelled.

Enquiries: Winnie Uys on 082-459-9780.

March 14

Bateleur Estate Memorial Half-marathon

This race is moderate by half-marathon standards but peppered with a few rolling hills. It’s not too difficult but can be very challenging for some. The scenic route makes this a race not to miss. All category winners get gold medals, the next 20 finishers in each race receive silver and all other finishers in all races get bronze medals. There are various spot prizes.

Enquiries: 081-803-5083.

March 28

York Longtom Ultramarathon

The Longtom Ultramarathon has been consistently ranked in a number of our surveys as a well-organised and well-presented event. It will be run for the 26th time this year. Tables are well-appointed and the festivities at the end rival any big race on the calendar. For Comrades runners this is a training run like no other. It is an exquisite beauty in every way possible. Enquiries: Odette van Staden on 083-678-3937.

April 25

Elanzeni Ultramarathon 4-in-1

The race offer distances of 54km, 42km, 21km, 10km and 4,5km. It starts at 06:00 at Barberton Rugby Club.

Enquiries: Winnie Uys on 082-410-0170.

May 9

Selati 2-in-1

This will be the 27th time this well-known annual road race is presented by Onderberg Marathon Club. It has become the favourite of hundreds of athletes since it was first introduced in 1989 when a mere 80 runners entered.

Enquiries: Deon Valks on 082-788-0675.

June 20

Riverside Park Take a Step for Children

Run for a good cause starting at Riverside Mall at 08:00. The race follows a serene route of moderate difficulty through the Lowveld National Botanical Garden. To find out more about this race, contact Craig Lewis on 073-665-6881.

June 27

Misty Mountain Winter Warmer

All routes follow dedicated single-track and forestry roads. With some 800 metres of ascent at an average altitude of 1 640m, this is a real tester. The views across the Drakensburg are amazing and the resort will entice you to come back for the monthly ‘Thin Air’ Time Trial held on the last Sunday of every month. Enquiries: Clive Smart on 082-894-0432.

July 11

Hall’s Half-marathon and 10km run

Go and get your running shoes dirty with undulating gravel roads at Halls Estate. Enquiries: 072-651-0610.