THE popular Illovo Eston MTB Challenge has added another string to its bow as organisers have included two trail running events to the list of events on offer.
Trail runners can choose between 18km or 9km when the event takes place on Sunday, 6 August.
The Eston MTB Challenge has been consistently one of the most popular one day classics in KZN and for race organiser Andrew van Rensburg, trail running is an obvious inclusion as they look to cater to the growing new market.
“It’s a natural progression to move into trail running,” Van Rensburg commented. “We have seen through the inclusion of trail running at our other events that it is increasing in popularity and we feel that it makes our events even more appealing for the whole family.
All you need is a pair of takkies to run along the trails and with it being cheaper than the mountain biking races, it is a great alternative for those who aren’t riders.”
The Illovo Eston MTB Challenge offers riders four different options, ranging from a 60km marathon to a 10km fun ride, and Van Rensburg believes trail running and mountain biking complement each other perfectly.
READ ALSO: (August 18, 2016) Mambas’ podium places shows their mettle in Illovo Eston MTB event
Through the years the Eston MTB Challenge has attracted the country’s best mountain bikers with Olympians and MTB world championship stars taking part, and winning the high profile event.
Rio Olympian James Reid took home the title in 2016 ahead of Brendon Davids and fellow Olympian Alan Hatherly in second and third respectively, showing the race’s appeal to the cream of the mountain biking crop.
There are a number of factors that influence the nation’s elite riders’ decisions to take part in this event.
“It’s one of the longest running races and so there is a fair amount of prestige attached to it. The race has a long history and the top guys all want to win the Eston MTB Challenge. The fast-paced nature of the race is also a massive drawcard because it is basically an all-out sprint for 60km, which is exciting for the riders and spectators. It also appeals to the cross-country riders and they seem to excel at Eston,” explained Van Rensburg.
“I also think for the average rider the race offers brilliant scenery and some exciting single track.”
The 2017 Illovo Eston MTB Challenge provides runners and riders with a wide selection of events to take part in. From a mountain biking side there is the Illovo 60km marathon, the 40km aQuellé half-marathon, the STIHL Tala family ride and the Omnia children’s ride. More information can be found at www.illovoestonmtb.co.za
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