GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The spectacular Goukamma Nature Reserve, a CapeNature Reserve to the east of Sedgefield, is usually host to the tough yet popular annual Goukamma Traverse Trail Run.
However, due to the damage sustained during last year's June fires, organisers felt that despite the green flush coming through, the reserve is still "in recovery phase" and would like to give it more time to bounce back to its usual beauty.
“We decided to move the trail run to the Cape Dune Molerat Trail, part of the Wilderness section of SANParks’ Garden Route National Park," says race director Amanda Dixon.
"The trail is situated in the hamlet of Rondevlei, 6km west of Sedgefield and overlooks Rondevlei, one of a series of lakes between Swartvlei to the east and the Touw River to the west.
"A spectacular outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, it hosts a variety of aquatic, bird and plant species and has been proclaimed as a Ramsar site (a wetland of international importance).”
New name this year
With its new name of the Rondevlei Traverse Train Run, set to take place on Saturday 31 March, distances will include the 16km traverse and a 5km Family Fun trail run.
“The 16km route is tough and challenging,” says Dixon, “and will traverse singletrack through fynbos biome on the Cape Dune Molerat Trail and into primary Afromontane forest trails on private farms to the north of the reserve. The 5km run is a perfect circular route for beginners and kids.”
Spectacular views await entrants in the Rondevlei Traverse, formerly the Goukamma Traverse Train Run. Photos: Supplied
With amazing sweeping views over Swartvlei, the start/finish venue will be at the magnificent 5-star Lakeside Lodge, whose general manager Karl Pietersen says, “It’s the perfect setting to host an outdoor event and we’ll be adding a few Easter trail running specials to our menu for the day for all who are hungry.
"We have also sponsored two lucky draw prizes; two-night stays for two people sharing with a two-course dinner and breakfast.”
“We have three great sponsors on board this year – Pick n Pay, Lakeside Lodge and Wimpy – which means we have both cash and great prizes up for grabs!” says Dixon.
How to enter
Enter online at www.entryninja.com (entries close 27 March) or on race day 31 March. Register for the 16km run from 07:15 to 08:16, race starts at 08:30. Register for the 5km run from 07:30 to 08:45, race starts 09:00. Be sure not to miss this event, it’s one of the most spectacular runs you’ll ever do!
More details: email Amanda on events@tumbleweeds.co.za.
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