It’s about time – Drakensberg Northern Trail Running Spot

With the knowledge of old and new trail races, mountain enthusiasts are taking on bigger challenges in the Drakensberg. Before we know it, the Drakensberg will become a central hot spot for some of the most amazing races in South Africa. Leading the way is the Drakensberg Northern Trail (DNT) as the first proper trail event, which offers access to sky-high ridges, untouched single tracks and a family vibe all in one.

There are not many races in the Drakensberg. The few that exist either have large portions on well-maintained Jeep track or are tougher two-day races that don’t cater for the average Joe and his family.

The DNT, on the other hand, promises to cater for everyone, from skyrunners to park runners.

The inaugural DNT will take place on 28 March 2015 and will host 200+ runners, who will take on various distances and elevations to experience their chunk of ‘the Berg’. The pro/experienced trail junkies will take on the first of the South Africa SkyRunner Series, running 42 km of glorious trail while climbing +2,100 m. The slightly saner will challenge themselves to a 20 km route that’s closer to home, but still have the opportunity to experience the Drakensberg. Those with more brains than brawn can choose between a 10 km or 5 km, which will get their heart pumping. The DNT has been planned and organised to encourage the entire family to get out and explore what would otherwise be off limits or too dangerous for an afternoon dash.

As the main event of the DNT is the first of the South African SkyRunner Series, the 42 km SkyMarathon is bound to sit on the radar of a number of running stars. The route, as described by Race Director Andrew Booth, is set to be a toughie. “The course poses a serious challenge over a huge diversity of terrain and vegetation. The first half of the course traverses the KZN/Free State border in a westerly direction. With the sun on your back and the Drakensberg panorama as a view, runners will wind their way along the ridge line, criss-crossing through mountain peaks and sandstone valleys. The race reaches its highest point after a very steep and sharp climb at 2,341 m. A trig beacon marks this peak known by the local Free State people as Baba Omkhulu (the big one who looks over). After summiting, the course goes into an off-trail section that links into some flowing trail that contours around Baba Omnthani (the small one who is watched over) to the top of Stoney Pass. This is where runners will drop down into KZN and pick their way back via some of the best Northern Drakensberg Resorts, which will serve as aid stations. The climb back up to the finish will test every skyrunner,” commented Booth.

Top female athletes to watch out for include Su Don-Wauchope, Nicolette Griffioen, Megan Mackenzie, Tracy Zunckel, Michelle Ronne and Karine Bezuidenhout.

The top male’s to watch are Lucky Miya, Iain Don-Wauchope, Andrew Erasmus, Graeme McCallum, Prodigal Khumalo and Pedro Calderondelabarca.

Even before the start gun has fired, this event seems to be off to an amazing start. It has everything the trail community needs in an event. It allows the sport to grow through family participation, everyone can experience a part of the notorious Drakensberg while staying safe and we all get to go trail running! What more can you ask for?

More information

For more information about the race, visit https://drakensbergsky.wordpress.com/
To enter, visit the race organiser’s (KZN Trail Running) website http://www.kzntrailrunning.co.za