Merrell Hobbit Trail Runs
Where: Hogsback
Start & Finish: Arminel Hotel, Hogsback, Eastern Cape
Dates: 30th April & 1st May 2021
Distance: 90km 2 day / 42km / 16km/ 5km
The Merrell Hobbit Journey is a 2 day staged run of the Amathole Hiking Trail. Just thirty brave journeymen and women share in the adventure covering 90km of varied and magical terrain. From Maden Dam explore the enchanted indigenous forests and intriguing Amathole Mountains up to Cata mountain hut to pass the night with good food, good cheer and tired company. The next morning forge onward past cascading waterfalls and across crystal clear streams while enveloped in glorious vistas, and no small amount of sweat, to finally descend into Hogsback.
Meanwhile, the 42km run on Saturday may be referred to as the short one at this event but this phenomenal route is consistently noted as the ‘most value per kilometer trail run in the country. Showcasing an immense variety of terrain and challenges, the course has determined runners building a very special relationship with the ups and downs of mountain running.
The 16km and 5km routes are neither flat nor easy, but very doable and see a mixture of racers and casual runners all loving the magical vibe of the forest along well marked routes.