trail

Trails are to be shared, and trail runners should welcome the presence of the full trail community in all our wild and wonderful spaces, unless permits suggest otherwise. But, with shared space comes shared responsibility. A few weeks ago, local road and trail running champ, Siviwe Nkombi, was attacked during the first few kilometres of a race, on a beach where dogs are permitted to run without a leash. This incident has sparked some debate in the trail community, calling on dog owners to be more responsible.

The Jonkershoek Mountain Challenge was launched by Wildrunner in 2011, hot off the heels of the inaugural Helderberg Mountain Challenge in 2010.  The opening JMC offer consisted of 30km, 21km and 11km routes combining the best of Cape Nature & Cape Pine properties in the then relatively unknown Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.  736 runners entered the opening event and for the next eight years, this Cape classic has been a firm favorite on the trail and mountain running calendar - becoming infamous from the get go!

Regular mountain users were encouraged and relieved to receive the news that the iconic Lion’s Head would be closed to all for much needed maintenance between 7 January and 15 February this year. Everyone had to find new places to get their ultimate sunrise yoga Insta images while a professional crew took care of trail erosion, metal work and other pressing issues on and around our popular old lady.

Fallen off the training scene? Can’t remember when last you entered a race? New Year’s resolutions slipping out of your hands as you hit snooze, again?

You aren’t alone. Let’s look at some basic ways to regain that running mojo and make 2019 your time to shine.

Ever wondered what running in paradise would feel like? 2019 is your wild year, and the Wildrun® Africa portfolio is your answer. Kei Mouth to Hole-in-the-Wall, The Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa is paradise unparalleled.

Race 1 and 2 are done and suitably dusted, with potential series champs lined up and ready to race for final victory. A sunset run at Meerendal, and a classic Oak Valley throw down are still to come, and the vibe couldn’t be hotter.

It’s here! And if you haven’t thrown your hat in the ring yet, here are some really good reasons to get on it.

Yes, it’s time. Time to declutter, unfollow, let go and simplify. Time to discard that which does not serve you, and be true to the calling of your heart. Time for the New Year’s resolutions to be less about counting calories or kg and more about counting blessings and opportunities for growth.

Hello January, and a generally strained economy. Plenty of us are looking at the nice-to-haves in our lives and trimming things down a little. But running is a necessity, right? It is where so many of us
find our life balance, make new friends and feel continued joy.

So, how to keep our favourite sport alive and well in 2019, without melting the credit card?

Q1)  It's my first Trail Series®, where will I be running and do I get a medal?

The Cape Summer Trail Series has 4 events each at a different venue: