Well-deserved third for Glenmore runner
A Glenmore runner achieved third position in his age group at the SA Long Distance Trail Championships.
GLENMORE resident Deon Braun earned a hard-fought third place in the 40-49 age category at the SA Long Distance Trail Championships on 3 May.
He was up against some of the best trail age group runners in the country, including former pro cyclist Jock Green of Gauteng, who won the category in 3:37:10.
The event was part of the Molweni Trail Run, presented by Salomon, and was held over 32km of hilly, technical terrain at Krantkloof Nature Reserve and the Molweni River area. Braun's time was 3:57:49.
In the open men's race, Johardt van Heerden of Mpumalanga was a surprise winner of SA championship title against two of SA's fastest trail runners, Lucky Miya and Thabang Madiba, both of Gauteng. Compatriot Megan Mackenzie, formerly of KZN, won the women's title in a close finish with Nicolette Griffioen, also of Gauteng.
The course climbed a leg-sapping 2,000m, which is considered extremely hilly over the 32km distance, and included many steep sections that required caution, and even some scrambling up the side of a mountain.
Braun, the founder of TRAIL magazine, has been running since the age of 15, and is still in awe of its remarkable benefits.
“For me, trail running is far more than being fit and healthy. It’s an escape from the city, and a return to Nature, which I believe all humans need to be truly happy people. Trail running is both a way to exercise in nature, and a way of thinking that lets me realise that there’s a better, more caring way to live on this planet,” he said.
As an ethical vegan who eats no animal products because he believes the system that produces them is exploitative and cruel on all levels, trail running is a perfect fit for Braun.
“Being competitive while thriving on plant-based nutrition feels great. I plan to be running and enjoying it for many years to come. Many trail running events support a philosophy of caring for our environment. The Molweni Trail Run is one of them, and I enjoyed every second on the magnificent course, even when the going was tough, which was most of the time!”
In the last five years, Braun has also run the SkyRun 100km, Otter African Trail Run, Giant’s Cup Trail Run, Dodo Trail (Mauritius), Royal Raid (Mauritius), the Fish River Ultra Canyon 100km (Namibia), and the Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race in India, which he won.
“Every run I’ve ever done is unique and helps focus my world view just a little more. For example, after spending time in polluted Delhi in India and then the contrast with the magnificent Himalayas, I realised how fortunate we are to live in a relatively prosperous country, without massive pollution and over-population problems. True, our situation could be much better but we could also be a lot worse. I realised that we will be headed that way too if we (as a nation) don’t put our foot down and prevent our resources being unsustainably exploited. It has made me more eco-politically aware. We are the solution, not the problem. Growing our own food, going off the grid, living within our means – these are all ways to ensure a better and happier future for us,” said Braun.
