Trail runners boost for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

RUNNERS and adventurers alike will be in the final stages of their preparation for the upcoming inaugural Ultra-Trail® Drakensberg, but their influence goes further as part of their entry fee goes directly to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

Organisers of the event are in the process of putting the final touches to the many trails that the runners will use during the four events over the three days from April 28-30.

The signature 100km Ultra-Trail® Drakensberg, the 62km Giants Cup Uncut, the 30km Sundowner Run and the two-day 30km Rock Jumper have attracted runners of different abilities.

Race organiser Spurgeon Flemington has been influential in bringing runners to the Southern Drakensberg for a number of years through the popular Giants Cup and now UTD. However, his events would not be possible without the support of John Crowson – Conservation Manager for the Southern section of the Maloti Drakensberg Park.

Crowson’s vision of incorporating events into the park became a reality when he was approached by Flemington a number of years ago with the concept of hosting a two-day running event along the 60km hiking trail in the Southern Drakensberg.

“I was approached by my boss who suggested that we try and set up an event as there was a mountain bike race near Giants Castle and there was the Mont-Aux-Sources Challenge.

“We contemplated it and then, luckily, I was approached by Spurgeon who suggested that he wanted to start the Giants Cup.

“This solved our dilemma, and the dream or objective was achieved,” Crowson said.

As with all Running Man Adventures events a significant portion of each entry will be donated to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

The UTD will be partnering with Wildlife Act (www.wildlifeact.com) assisting them to raise funds and awareness.

More information can be found at www.ultratraildrakensberg.com.