SEDGEFIELD NEWS - The popular annual Tortoise Tuff, now in its 21st year, is set to take place on Saturday 10 March, and for the eighth year the host club, Sedgefield Striders, is offering four races:
• 10km run and walk
• 21km trail run
• 30km run and walk
• 2.5km fun run
All the races take place in and around Sedgefield, giving those taking part a grand tour of some of the village’s most beautiful areas.
The flat course of the 10km event has always been popular among the "speedsters" of both the running and walking sectors, but the event also attracts those just looking for a gentle run – or stroll – through the village, around the island, and back again.
This race also serves official ASWD Race walking trials to select a team for the SA Road Walking Champs later this year.
Those runners who are a looking for something longer, the original "tuff" 30km course is just what the doctor ordered, covering some of Sedgefield’s most spectacular climbs, drops and flats on both gravel and tar.
It is an ideal training run for Two Oceans and a great target distance for those who normally stick to half-marathons.
Walkers are also welcome for this event, but should take note of the four-hour cut-off time.
The trail run is presented for the eighth year, and is a challenging course that includes sections along the beach, through the Goukamma Nature Reserve, and some serious dune work.
CapeNature's cooperation makes it possible for runners to enjoy stunning views and almost untouched trails as a reward for the hard workout this event will provide for the ever-increasing market of adventure racers.
Just want to run for fun?
And, of course, the youngsters (and perhaps not-so-fit) haven’t been forgotten, with a gentle 2.5km fun run which always attracts great numbers of younger athletes.
Timing for the race will be electronic – which in effect means the athletes will have their time electronically recorded via a microchip as they cross the finishing mat.
Please note that this means that the Tortoise Tuff 10km, 30km and trail run are pre-entry events, but entries for the fun run will be accepted on the morning of the race.
All the races will start at the Sedgefield Primary School field.
Starting times are:
- 10km run/walk: 07:15
- 30km walk: 06:00
- 30km run: 07:00
- 21km trail run: 07:10
- 2.5km fun run: 08:00
Spectators are encouraged to support the runners, and there will be food on sale at the school.
Equal prize money is on offer for male and female winners. The winning runner of the 30km race will win R500, while the winning walker will receive R200. Winners of the 10km (run and walk) and 21km trail run will receive R300 each. Age category prizes are also on offer.
Registration will take place at Sedgefield Primary School from 17:00 to 19:00 on Friday 9 March and from 05:30 on race day, Saturday 10 March.
* Participants can enter as follows: download an entry form from www.sedgefieldstriders.co.za; enter online through www.aswd.co.za or get the forms from Sedgefield Tourism and Tekkie Town branches in the Garden Route, as well as Top Gear Sport in Meade Street, George.
More info: Sarie Exton 074 177 6888 / sarie@cordinsa.co.za.
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