Runners tackle trail run fundraiser

DOZENS of runners laced up for the Kloof Conservancy’s Kwa-Ximba trail run fundraiser on Saturday.

Runners could participate in the 9km, 16km or 23km events, all with varying degrees of difficulty depending on the length of the trail. The 9km fun run or walk started at isiThumba Adventures and ran upstream along the southern bank of the uMgeni river up to the confluence of the Mngcweni River.

The 16km trail run followed the same route to the first water table after which there was a climb to a small settlement at Nonoti and from there the route headed towards the Mngcweni River for a scenic route back to the first water-table before it retraced back the finish.

The very tough but doable 22km trail run followed the same route as the 16km run until just after the Nonoti settlement. The route then climbed steadily to the highest point of the Denge plateau where runners found the second water table that was manned by a team from GCS Environmental Consultants.

Runners collected a coloured wristband at this point. From here the runners took a very scenic descent to the Mngcweni River and found their way back to the first water table. The route ascended very steeply along the southern side of the isiThumba Mountain. At the top of the granite dome of isiThumba Mountain, runners had to collect a second coloured wristband. From the top of the mountain there was a steep descent to the D1004 followed by a short run along the uMgeni River back to the start/finish.

All participants received a finisher’s medal that was handcrafted by local craftsmen.