Community supports mountain bike and trail run challenge in Kyalami

The chilly morning air was not enough to keep cycling and running enthusiasts from this year’s Beaulieu Mountain Bike and Trail Run Challenge.

Beaulieu Preparatory School hosted its eighth annual challenge at the Riversands Farm Village Market on 11 June to raise funds for the school.

Community members competed in 2.5km, 5km, 15km, 25km and the 45km mountain bike trails, and for the third year in a row, people could also take part in either 5km or 12km trail runs.

The races were staggered throughout the morning to make sure the day was structured.

“Last year we had about 1 000 cyclists take part altogether,” said Kerry Kleb of the school’s Parent-Teacher Foundation, and one of the day’s organisers.

“It’s amazing because this event started out as a tiny cycle race on the school grounds, and every year it’s gotten bigger, so much so that we needed a new venue over the last few years.”

Kleb added that the event received plenty of support from the community. “The Beaulieu school community is definitely a cycling community, so people always get excited about the challenge and come out to support it.”

The challenge is a family event where visitors can not only run and cycle, but also enjoy food and coffee at the market, or browse the goods sold at stalls.

“I came through today because my husband and our family are cycling enthusiasts and they were really excited,” said Jeanine Annadale, one of the participants.

The school also used the opportunity for social good. Members of the Diepsloot Mountain Bike Academy were invited to the challenge to run a bike wash drive to raise funds for their non-profit organisation which teaches basic mountain biking and life skills to youth in Diepsloot.

Did you attend this year’s challenge? Share your photos and stories with us on the Fourways Review Facebook page.