A run through the jungle

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GARDEN ROUTE SPORT NEWS - If you have jungle fever combined with a desire to run through the jungle as commanded by Creedence Clearwater Revival, then there's a chance you found yourself at the inaugural Jungle Rush Trail Run last weekend.

Inspired by the Oxpecker Trail Run in the Drakensberg, the Jungle Rush Trail Run is a two-day stage trail-running event, set on a farm in the Outeniqua mountains, halfway between George and Knysna.

The trails take runners through the Garden Route Trail Park, and the first event took place from 21 to 23 February, with the second stage concluding on Sunday 23 February.

Photo gallery: Jungle Rush trail run

The 22 runners arrived on Friday for registration and setting up camp before a braai where everyone could get to meet each other. The running got under way on the morning of 22 February with a 16.4km first stage lying in wait. After running concluded in the morning, participants enjoyed afternoon yoga followed by the first "Jungle Jol" on Saturday evening.

The second stage presented runners with a 13.6km challenge to close out the weekend's action. With running once again concluded in the morning, a prize-giving followed where the winners were rewarded for their efforts. Gert Cloete won the men's section, followed by Rohan Swanepoel and Tyrone van Rooyen. In the women's section Nancy Cloete took first place with Robyn Tayelor in second and Rene Moolman in third.

According to co-organiser of the event Malaika Boon they were beyond chuffed with their first event. "It was absolutely amazing to have everyone around, it was such a huge success for us," Boon enthused.

She further noted that the Jungle Rush was born out of a passion for storytelling through the forest. "The jungle feels so mystical and unknown, with so much potential for new legends to be told, and so much room for growth and expansion," she said. "The Jungle Rush is a celebration of the Garden Route's local beauty as well as our local talents."

One of the ideas behind the event was for it to be as fun as possible while still respecting nature – as Boon put it, "We're here for a good time, not a long time, so have the best time! We've brought the Jungle Rush to life with much intention and a deep respect for the jungle herself. One of our missions is to be as green as possible, leaving nothing but our footprints."

The men's podium finishers, Tyrone van Aswegen (3rd), Gert Cloete (1st), Rohan Swanepoel (2nd), and organiser Malaika Boon.