Into the wilds with a run at the Old Mutual Radox Golden Gate Wild Series Marathon

On October 24 to 26, six Newcastle runners participated in the Old Mutual Radox Golden Gate Wild Series at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State.

The series was a three-day trail through some of the most scenic areas of the country.

Beginning on Friday, runners began the trail with a 27km run, followed by a 29km run on Saturday and finally a 17km night run on Sunday.

Between the hard mountainous routes and high altitudes, runners were hard pressed to make the run, and found completing the task to be a true challenge.

Janet van Veijeren and Karien Gouws completed the first trail stage race extremely well.

Leo Stucky and Julian van Wyk completed the race with a top 20 finish.

Fellow runners, Werner and Rolf Stucky also enjoyed their time on the trails.

The runners said the views from the top of the mountain peaks made the aching muscles and other injuries all worthwhile.

Mr van Wyk and the Stuckys are avid runners and competed in the 50km Mount Aux Sources Challenge Trail Run last month.