AfricanX routes set to shine for 10th anniversary
An exhilarating trail running experience awaits participants at the the 10th anniversary celebrations when the AfricanX Trailrun presented by ASICS takes place at the picturesque Boschendal Wine Estate in theStellenbosch/Franschhoek area.
The exciting race take place on the weekend of 27 – 29 April 2018.
Founded in 2009, the AfricanX Trailrun was hosted in the quant coastal town of Kleinmond for four years. In 2013 the event moved to Oak Valley for five exciting years of trail running.
This year South Africa’s premier three day stage trail run will welcome Boschendal Wine Estate as its new home.
“We are excited to celebrate the AfricanX Trailrun’s 10th anniversary by welcoming a new venue and exciting new trails,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports.
“Stage One, the icebreaker stage, will start and finish in Jonkershoek. Covering a distance of 33 – 36km, more than half this distance will be run on Cape Nature single track, high up in the mountain.
Apart from some jeep track, the Stage One route will be very hilly and technical. The skyline route in Jonkershoek will definitely be one of the stage highlights.”
“Stage Two will start and finish at the beautiful Boschendal Wine Estate,” continues Meyer.
“Teams will cover a distance of 33 – 35km. The entire stage will be run in the Banhoek Valley. Some amazing new trails have been built at high altitude. One of the stage highlights will definitely be coming down Bartinney’s Skyfall. Runners can look forward to experiencing some new spectacular single track in the Banhoek Conservancy.”
“Stage Three will also start and finish at Boschendal Wine Estate,” confirms Meyer.
“A 20 – 22km route will close off a spectacular weekend of trail running. Teams can look forward to a pleasant run on the slopes of Simonsberg.
The stage starts with a 3 – 4km climb and features awesome single track sections and a surprise hill towards the end before a fast finish. The stage highlights the spectacular views that Boschendal has become known for.”
EVENT INFORMATION: 2018 AfricanX Trailrun presented by ASICS
Teams of two (male/female/mixed) will be seen putting teamwork and endurance to the test when they battle it out on a route that will vary in distance between 20 – 36km each day. The three routes have been planned in such a way that the runners will have the opportunity to tackle a different breath-taking scenic route each day.
STAGE ONE: Friday, 27 April 2018
- Start & Finish Venue: MTO Head office, Jonkershoek
- Start Time: 08:00
- Distance: 33km -36km
- Terrain Description: Mostly single track and some forestry roads in Jonkershoek.
- Advice to runners: Train for hills, athletes will require a comprehensive safety kit.
“There is no better place to start the race than the World Heritage Site, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, which forms part of the larger Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve Complex,” says Alexis Olds, Scientific Technician Cape Nature.
“With mountain peaks of over 1500m, runners will be treated to breath taking views and scenery. Participants will be running through a host of vegetation types all with different characteristics. There will be Fynbos, pine plantation, forest and even wetland seeps on top of the mountains.”
“With such a diverse landscape, there are bound to be lots of natural beauties to look out for,” continues Olds.
“The blushing bride (Serruria Florida) is a plant endemic to the area and is found only in the Assegaaiboskloof area. This beautiful little plant only starts flowering after five years and has a lifespan of 20 years. With winter on the way, the proteas have started flowering and that brings countless Sugarbirds and Sunbirds to the reserve.
Local wildlife to look out for will include Klipspringer, Cape Grysbok, Leopard, Black Harrier, Martial Eagles, Verreaux’s Eagle and the elusive little Cape Rockjumper. Sightings of caracal are also quite regular in the reserve.
After the tough climbs to the top of the Stellenbosch Mountains, runners may hear the soft calls of the Landdros Moss Frog, Montane Marsh Frog and even a few Cape Mountain Toads. Be sure to stop and have a listen to nature.”
STAGE TWO / DRESS UP DAY: Saturday, 28 April 2018
- Start & Finish Venue: Retreat, Boschendal Wine Estate
- Start Time: 08:00
- Distance: 33km -35km
- Terrain Description: A hilly route with three prominent climbs, technical single track and a few flat sections that connect all the mountain trails.
- Advice to runners: This will be an enjoyable run, but not too easy. Don’t underestimate this stage.
STAGE THREE: Sunday, 29 April 2018
- Start & Finish Venue: Retreat, Boschendal Wine Estate
- Start Time: 08:00
- Distance: 20km -22km
- Terrain Description: Vineyards, jeep track and flowing single track.
- Advice to runners: Weather dependant, smaller backpacks will suffice during this stage. Don’t forget to take a camera.
To view the Route Profiles visit: http://www.stillwatersports.com/event/africanx-trailrun/
SANET WENTZEL SPIRIT AWARD: Introduced in memory of a fallen athlete, the ‘Sanet Wentzel Spirit honours AfricanX entrants who persevere irrespective of the adversity that they face. Trail runners taking part in the 2018 AfricanX Trailrun are encouraged to send their nominations with a short description to niquita@stillwatersports.com
BEST DRESSED COMPETITION: Although all three stages of the AfricanX Trailrun are equally special, Stage Two features ‘that extra flair’ with trail runners allowing their creative sides to get the better of them as they try to outdo their rivals in the AfricanX’s “Best Dressed” competition. With awesome sponsor prizes up for grabs, “Dress Up Day” is sure to be the source of much excitement.
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For additional information or to enter the AfricanX Trailrun presented by ASICS visit www.stillwatersports.com, contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045 or email entries@stillwatersports.com.
Issued by: NEWSPORT MEDIA
On behalf of: STILLWATER SPORTS
