Get ready for the Liberty Trail Run and Walk

TRAIL blazers, on your marks! The summer version of the uMhlanga Liberty 5km / 12km / 18km trail run and walk takes place on Sunday 15 December at 6am, as part of the 2013 uMhlanga Summer Festival.

Entries are now open on the ROAG website for the eagerly awaited 2013 event. For the first time, the event will have three distances – 5km and 12km run and walk and an 18km trail run.

Being the tenth trail run in the series, a 5km run and walk has been added to offer participants the experience of entering the famous Hawaan Forest. The 5km run and walk will be ideal for novice trail runners and walkers to test the sport in pristine conditions. The profile is 2kms of uphill, 1km of flat bushy terrain and 2kms of downhill to the finish. This route profile is ideal for walkers and trail runners in the making. The 5km trail is safe for children of five years and older. Regrettably no prams or pets will be permitted.

For the developing trail runner and walker there is a challenging 12km trail that will incorporate a testing uphill at the start, then some thick bush single track trails to contend with. After a river crossing there will be a fast gravel section to the uMhlanga Lagoon. On the way to the lagoon there will be a steep hill to climb that will be sure to test those tired legs, pounding heart and the gasping lungs. Depending on the sea tide level of the day there may be a wet lagoon crossing. Be prepared to wade in water chest high. The uMhlanga Lifesavers will be on standby at the lagoon crossing. The last 1km will be a testing beach slog back to the Millennium Stage.

The more experienced trail runner can look forward to a scenic but challenging 18km route. Due to the weather being warmer runners should, if possible, carry water as there will be one major refreshment table. Some water will be left at the 14km mark. The route incorporates three stiff climbs and some thick single track bush to contend with. Runners can expect a 2km dash through some fynbos near the Sibaya Casino and a punishing 2.5km trek along the beach to the finish.

“Trail Running has taken KwaZulu-Natal by storm and it is no wonder that many runners are moving towards this exciting method of exercise. It gives one the opportunity to break away from traffic and city life and enjoy the beautiful wide open spaces that surround us. The entire route is every trail runners dream,” said race organiser Buzz Bolton.

The start will be held on the uMhlanga Promenade at the uMhlanga main beach Millennium stage at 6am. Due to the large number of entrants expected, a staggered start will be applied. A refreshment table will be in place at the 7km mark for the two longer runs.

The finish point will be at the Millennium stage and prizegiving will commence at 9am where many lucky draw prizes will be awarded. As the race forms part of the uMhlanga Summer Festival, participants are encouraged to take their families to join in the fun.

Liberty, as the main sponsor of the trail run, is hoping that the turnout for this event will be another record breaking one. To enter go to www.ROAG.co.za. For more information you can contact buzzhilde@vodamail.co.za

Entrance fee is R40 for the 5km run and walk, R80 for the 12km Run and Walk and R100 for the 18km run. Late entries will be accepted on the day. It is recommended for participants to sign up onto the ROAG on-line registration system to be kept informed of this and other similar events (www.ROAG.co.za).