Leading international runner joins the Umhlanga trail

Internationally acclaimed trail runner, Ryan Sandes to join runners in this Sunday’s uMhlanga’s Trail Run (Sunday 18 December), one of the main events in this year’s uMhlanga Summer Festival.

Considered one of the world’s leading ultra-trail runners, Sandes will be joining trailers as he competes for fun in the longer 18km event on Sunday.

The epic adventurer said, “I will be taking the run easy and running mid-pack as I have taken a bit of break from training the past few weeks.”

Vaughn Smit, one of the coordinators for the event said, “It is fantastic not only for our event, but for runners to be able to say they blazed the same trail that Ryan did. He is a legend off-road and we are delighted that he will be joining us this weekend!”

This is the 19th running of the popular event in the seventh festival. The distances that keen participants can tackle are the challenging 12km or 18km and for the entry level runners, the shorter 5km race.

The first race gets underway at 6am, with the two longer races setting off, and the shorter race having an individual start ten minutes later.

All distances will have a river crossing and a section on the beach.

The race takes you out and back on an adventurous trail through the wooded areas around the suburbs of uMhlanga.

The start and finish is along the promenade near the Millennium Stage.

Talking more on the route, Vaughn Smit from Riverside Trails explained, “Entries are still coming in, but we look to have a competitive field. They will run along some picturesque paths through the forest and sugar cane fields.

“The route includes a few small climbs, river crossing, single track and beach sand to challenge you and to add to the experience of our run.”

There will be two water tables on the 18km, one on the 12km route and another one placed at the finish for all runners.

For the podium finishers, there is a reward of prize money. In the 18km first place is awarded R1,000, second place R500 and third R250 for both the top men and ladies. In the 12km first wins R500, second R250 and third walks away with R150 for both the top men and ladies.

In the short 5km distance the money awarded is R200 for first, R150 for second and R100 for third for both the top men and ladies.

The entry fees are R140 for 18km, R120 for 12km and R70 for the 5km for all online entries. Online entries close on Thursday 15 December.

Late entries are R160 for 18km, R140 for 12km and R90 for 5km. Parking is available along Lagoon Drive.

For more info visit www.umhlangatrailrun.co.za or to enter, go to www.roag.co.za.

>>> For more events this holiday check out our Events calender.

>>> Need some ideas for things to do? Check out Holiday Vibes.

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