Excitement builds for Goukamma Traverse Trail Run 2017
“Online entries for the Pick n Pay Goukamma Traverse and Family Fun Trail Run have been open since mid February on www.trailrunning.co.za and entries have been streaming in.
We’ve had entries and enquiries from some of SA’s top trail runners too. Being limited to 250 entries, avid trail runners will need to be quick off the mark to secure themselves a place!” said event organizer Amanda Dixon.
Starting with a pont ride across the calm Goukamma River on Sat 15th April, the 19km race starts from the western side of the river and sets off on 4km of single track, tackling the first of five climbs. Opening onto a short ‘jeep’ track for a short section, the route again threads onto a single track Dune Milkwood forests, swathes of Fynbos, over the undulating series of dunes with spectacular ocean and lake views and eventually leading to Lake Pleasant and ending on the Village Green in Sedgefield- the hub of the Festival.
The 2016 Goukamma Traverse attracted a top field of trail runners and was a raging success. “Absolutely awesome run!” raved one trail runner. “I think this event has become one of the “must run” trails on the calendar” and “I have done over 30 trail runs around the country over the last few months and I rate this as one of the best there is!” commented another.
“We have 4 great sponsors on board this year- Pick n Pay, SOGA Organic, AfriCamps and Vivolicious Native Sport which means that we have both cash and great prizes up for grabs!” said organizer Amanda Dixon. SOGA Organic will be sponsoring buffs to the first 50 online entries and there is R5000 cash prizes up for grabs as well as Vivolicious and Native Sport vouchers to be won. The main lucky draw this year is a 2 night stay for 5 people at an AfriCamps camp.
Naturally wanting to attract the shorter distance runners, youngsters and families, a 5.5km Family Fun Trail Run is also being offered under the Pick n Pay banner. This event starts and finishes on the Village Green in Sedgefield and routes along the scenic fisherman’s trails along the edge of the Sedgefield lagoon.
Sedge Pick n Pay manager Edwin Bartie comments “We’re thrilled to be involved with this prestigious event once again this year, now in its 6th year. Pick n Pay will be there every step of the way. We will have a water table for the longer route and the substantial prize money up for grabs for the 19km and 5km race which will surely be a huge drawcard to enter.”
Registration for the 19km race will take place at the Info centre in the Goukamma Reserve whilst those wanting to do the 5.5km route should enter at the Village Green in Sedgefield.
Do NOT miss the Goukamma Traverse, it’s one of the most spectacular runs you’ll ever do!!
Enter online at www.trailrunning.co.za or on the day. For more details, please see www.slowfestival.co.za or www.facebook.com/slowfestival.co.za.
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