“Intriguing mountains, enchanted forests, running streams and cascading waterfalls – The Hobbit Trail Run in the Amatola Mountains. It is a mystical and magical place that will awaken your imagination and heighten your love for the trails”. These are the words used to describe the Merrell Hobbit Trail Runs presented by Nikwax. The event, which includes the two-day 100km and one-day 38km, 16km and 5km distances, is like no other. Scheduled for the 28/29th November 2014, entries for these magical races open today.
The 100km event takes runners on a magical journey along the Amatola Hiking trail, with over 5000m of ascent, making this is one of the toughest multi-day trail running events on the calendar. The “rustic” overnight at Cata Hut makes this truly a unique experience. The two days are long, with average finishing times of 8-12 hours each day, giving the runners plenty of time to reflect on life’s subtleties, as they experience the physical, mental and emotional highs and lows that come with covering the extreme route. Entries for this unique trail run are limited to 45 runners.
While the 100km runners make their journey from the overnight hut on Saturday, 29th November, three shorter one-day events are offered around the mystical town of Hogsback in the Eastern Cape. A 38km event takes runners on a loop out and over the famous “Hogsback Mountain”, while the 16km runners do a loop in the forests surrounding Hogsback, both enjoying magical views of Hogsback. A far tamer 5km loop gives families and kids a taste of single-track trail running at its best.
Arminel Hotel provides the perfect venue for the event, with discounted accommodation on offer.
Entries for all events open at 12h00, 14th April 2014. There are limited entries available for the two-day Merrell Hobbit 100km.
Check out the www.mountainrunner.co.za for full details.