Trail runners tackle conservation terrain in Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden
Trail runners tackle scenic conservation terrain while raising vital funds for local ranger salaries and equipment.
The Black Eagle Mountain Run brought trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts to the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden on Saturday,October 3, with participants choosing between four distances.
Catering for different levels of trail-running experience, the longest challenge covered 16km, followed by 8km, 4km and 2km routes. Pensioners over 60 and children under eight entered the 2km route free of charge, while entry cost R390 for the 16km, R370 for the 8km, R270 for the 4km and R120 for the 2km.
Conservation and Trail running
The routes formed part of the Black Eagle Mountain Run’s exclusive trail experience at the botanical garden, with participants able to explore trails in the home range of the black eagles. There were water points along the routes, medical support and a finisher’s medal at the end.
For Wild Africa Experiences, which was involved in the event alongside Black Eagle Project Roodekrans and conservation partners in the Sugarbush Ridge Coalition, the run is an opportunity to bring trail running and conservation together, with profits supporting conservation ranger salaries and equipment.
Paul McIntyre of Wild Africa Experiences said the organisation’s involvement came from a shared interest in Africa and protecting its natural heritage. “Wild Africa Experiences got involved with the Black Eagle Mountain Run because of a common passion for Africa and a common wanting to protect what we have in our heritage,” he said.
McIntyre said Wild Africa Experiences specialises in experiential trail runs in the mountains around the Magaliesburg Biosphere, which he described as an important area for black eagles.
Looking to the Future
According to McIntyre, the partnership with the Black Eagle Mountain Run has developed over the years. “It’s gone from strength to strength over the last four or five years,” he said.
With this year’s runners back on the trails, McIntyre said the focus now turns to building on the partnership. “We’re looking forward to a great one for next year with a lot more involvement,” he said.
