This past weekend, four members of the Vryheid Athletic Club ran the Somkhanda trail run near Pongola. Starting out each day at 05:00, the trail runners tried to escape the extreme heat of 38 degrees each day. The bespoke trail run boasts 60km of trail paths run in a ‘Big 5’ game reserve over three days… Day one being a 28km run through rocky reserve trails, ending with 5km of sandy paths along the Mkuze River. Day two was 19km and day three a 13km run on a rainy, cool Sunday morning.
Because it’s a ‘Big 5’ reserve, rangers led the group with a game drive vehicle and also covered the rear to keep the runners safe. This proved absolutely necessary, as they ran into a white rhino pair 2,5km into the run on day one; saw and followed black rhino spoor on day two; and seeing fresh lion spoor and faeces on day three. The group had to get in the vehicle to pass the lion pride to a safe distance before climbing out to continue the run. Picking up the pace a bit after that, you can imagine…
Being only 10 runners, it was a unique experience to be out in the bush where they could unwind, breathe and reload. Doing what runners love, relaxing at the super lodge facilities, and enjoying good company with excellent catering was an absolute privilege.
The uMoya team are hosting two more weekends this year on October 29 and November 4. An experience not to be missed if you love quiet bush relaxation.
ALSO READ: VRYHEID KZN: A run not for ‘sissies’, but for sisters
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