|
|
|
|
Local accomplished trail runner, Chantel Nienaber in the rough at the foot of the mountains.
|
GEORGE NEWS - Local runners gathered at the Botanical Gardens before dawn on Saturday morning to prepare for the annual Outeniqua Traverse trail running race and clearly their showed colours.
The event caters for a variety of fitness le-vels, offering a 38km, 25km and 10km route.
The participants of the tough 38km trail, tackled the Old Voortrekker Route over the Cradock Pass, ascending more than 700m within 6km. They then made their way to Tierkop, via North Station, just off the Montagu Pass.
Runners were treated to the most spectacular panoramic views as the trail descended behind the George Peak. The pathways were exceptionally muddy and slippery due to the recent heavy rain fall, making it that much tougher to negotiate.
A local runner, Chantel Nienaber, said: "Our Outeniqua Mountain range is a trail runners dream playground, challenging the participants of the Outeniqua Traverse technically as well as testing their endurance and stamina - with a total ascent of 2 000m throughout the run. This race, with its stunning scenery and multitude of single tracks, certainly does not have to step back for any of the other large races within our country. I am thrilled to see that it is growing and going from strength to strength annually."
Nienaber proudly waved the George flag by claiming the first place in the 38km ladies division, with Mark Collins a renowned trail runner from Knysna, winning the men's division.
|