Night run set to awake the senses

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Running around in the dark is usually associated with horror movies and an activity that most people try to avoid, but in an effort to give runners a unique experience, Plettenberg Bay sport organisers once again have a trick up their sleeve.

Muddy Foot Adventures and MTO Trails will be hosting a twilight night run experience on Saturday 4 December.

This is not a first for Plett, as similar events were hosted in the past to give trail runners a glimpse of adventure racing, which often sees extreme athletes running in the dark. These types of events have become more popular of late.

According to James Stewart of Muddy Foot Adventures, the event will start at 18:45 at Moss and Maple in the Crags.

"Get to experience the true magic of running at night on two well-marked routes," he said. There will be two routes of about 5 and 10 km. "As always, we will have our trusty sweeps to make sure that you are not left behind in the forest all night. 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."

The Moss and Maple area has seen several trail runs in recent years, but Stewart said that they had found a new route through a kloof in the area. "So we will have something new on what is becoming a tried and tested night run route."

For adults, entries will be R120 and R75 for the respective distances. On-the-day entries will be R150 and R100 respectively. Juniors (under 18s) will need to pay R100 or R50, depending on the distance. On-the-day entries will be R120 and R80.

Masks will be required for all public areas. Athletes are also required to bring along a torch or headlight as well as a fully charged cellphone with airtime.

Previous night runs have proved popular in Plettenberg Bay and have inspired 4 December's night run.