THE popularity of the Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival weekend of mountain biking and trail running is being reflected in a steady stream if entries for all the events that will be part of the edition of the event on the June 1 and 2.
Now into its 26th year the trails through the plantations and countryside of the Karkloof have earned an enviable reputation among mountain bikers across the country as fast and flowing, offering rewarding views at the end of each tough climb while at the same time being technically challenging enough to make each rider memorable.
The decision to open the trails to the ever increasing number of trail runners in 2016 has paid dividends as the numbers taking part in the various trail runs have mushrooms in three years.
The Karkloof Club is also the epicentre of the provinces passionate Enduro community that has been responsible for creation of some of the most thrilling descents that are linked for these unique competitions for gravity thrill-seekers.
The 60km Sappi Karkloof Marathon has developed a respected reputation in the South African MTB community, and the stellar field has seen the class of Max Knox, Brendon Davids, Rorke Croeser and Phil Buys, and last year champion Julian Jessop gracing the top step of the podium.
Intermediate riders find enough of a challenge in the 40km aQuellé Half Marathon, which course designer takes to new corners of the Karkloof trail resource that boats over 200km of managed trails, jeep track and single track.
In keeping with the family ethos of the event the club always lays on the very manageable 20km and 10km aQuellé Family Ride to allow every member of the active family to get in on the action.
After three years of steadily increasing support some of the best trail runners in the region will stand shoulder-to-shoulder on the start lien for 18km Karkloof Trail Run that gets under way early on the Saturday morning, often as the typical mist starts to burn off in the Karkloof valley, followed thirty minutes later by the 9km option.
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