Upgrade complete for Oyster Catcher Trail Run

written by: Mark Sampson 

They say if a business makes it past the third year it should survive, in this case and in its third year, the Oyster Catcher Trail Run in the Western Cape of South Africa is going to far exceed expectations. Having already had two very successful years the 2014 race has taken into account runner’s feedback with Race Director Hano Otto adding a third day to the previous two stages on offer. Thus the new and improved version allows even the most discerning or unfit trail runner a suitable option to choose from according to their preference and fitness.

The route takes runners along some of the best-kept secrets along the coastline of Mossel Bay and its surrounds. Starting beside the lighthouse at Reins Nature Reserve the journey passes well-known landmarks such as Gourits River, Boggom’s Bay and Dana Bay finally delivering you to the lighthouse at Mossel Bay and the finish line. The famous Oyster Catcher hiking trail, ordinarily only available to paying hikers, makes up part of the route as well as the St Blaze hiking trail on the final day.

Anyone who enjoys the coast is in for a treat as the terrain includes: rocky sections with big boulders, expansive white beaches bordered by the ocean on one side and towering white dunes on the other and for the more adventurous – and those not scared of heights – single track more suitable for mountain goats with sheer cliff drop-offs and pounding waves below.

Apart from the stark beauty of the run it is also appealing as it can be entered as a three, two or one-day stage run with very manageable distances of anything between 16 to 20 km. The ‘shorter’ distances and less technical terrain compared to the hard multi-stage races like afb SOX makes it enticing to the more casual trail runners. Having ample time to complete the distance each day and steaming meals prepared each lunch, it is the ideal opportunity to find out what multi-stage trail events involve.

To summarise the full route: Day one, the new addition to the route, offers runners the opportunity of running through Reins Nature Reserve. Day two starts at the mouth of the Gourits River meandering along the coastline with a variety of beach sections and knarly technical rock sections finishing at Boggom’s Bay. Day three starts at Dana Beach, with an easy beach section prior to heading over a number of cliffs offering expansive views of the ocean.

Fred Orban, your venue host for the weekend and founder of the Oyster Catcher hiking trail has partnered with TriSport allowing competitors this great opportunity. Creating awareness for the African Oyster Catcher along the coastline of South Africa and its fight to survive against habitat loss is part of the event initiative.

The area has a number of alternative attractions that will keep the whole family entertained if running is not your thing. Numbers are capped due to the fragile ecosystem so make sure you enter before the closing date on the 5th of September 2014.

Available options:

3 Day Trail Run: Day 1: 24km, Day 2: 20km and Day 3: 16km.

2 Day Trail Run: Day 1: 20km and Day 2: 16km.

1 Day Trail Run: 16km (St Blaize Trail)

For more information email admin@trisport.co.za or go to www.trisport.co.za