Update

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - As if running in a forest at night is not difficult enough, doing it in full firefighter gear certainly is. This is exactly what two of Bitou's finest firefighters got up to on Saturday evening when they took on the popular MTO Twilight Trail Run.

Adriaan Swanepoel and Bennie Herselman were two of the participants who took on the challenge of the Buco Trail Running and MTO Trails event organised by Muddy Foot Adventures on 18 February at Royston Farms outside Plettenberg Bay. 

While most runners showed up with their running shoes and a head torch, Swanepoel and Herselman had some extra baggage - their full firefighting kits.

Swanepoel said the reason he decided to participate was to encourage others in the firefighting field to keep in shape and ready to assist their communities in an emergency.

They also wanted to create awareness among the public about what Bitou's firefighters stand for.

This is not the first time local firefighters have proven their toughness. They are often seen running or training in their gear, not only to prepare physically and mentally for day-to-day job-related challenges, but also for competitions where the toughest firefighters are crowned. 

Swanepoel and Herselman completed the 6,5km route in 01:25 and 01:15 respectively.

It is also not the first time locals and visitors have set off into the forest for a trail run at night as the event has grown in popularity over the years. 

"Running at night opens a whole new world to runners. One gets into the zone of your headlight; with limited visibility your other senses sharpen and bring you back closer to nature than ever," organiser James Stewart said.

The event offered two routes - 6,5km and a 12km. The men's 12km winner was Jason Swemmer while Kristen Heath took the top spot in the women's category.

In the 6,5km senior men's event, Daniel Cloete crossed the line first, while Heather Raymond took victory in the women's category. 

Naytiano Windvogel won the boys 6,5km event while Lueesha Wildeman crossed the finish line ahead of the pack in the girls category.

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