Goat Run is one of the most scenic routes on earth – no kidding!

WHEN I saw the email subject “Goat Run” I thought, this should be interesting. Turns out it’s not actual goats which will be running, but humans. Shows how much I know about these sporty things. If hoofing about in the mountains is your thing, it will still be interesting for you.

The annual La Capra Goat Run happens next Saturday, beginning and ending at Fairview in Paarl, which of course is well-known for its resident goats and their cheese. The trail run is held in aid of several charities, including Drakenstein Hospice, Boland Autism, Sunfield Home, Wellington Lions Club, Paarl Mountain Reserve, and The Sunflower Fund.

Runners can expect a route which climbs out from vineyards onto the fynbos slopes and upper areas of the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve. For the more fun-minded, family-oriented groups, there’s also a short Fun Walk that’s free for children.

The event caters for all levels of runners. There are the entrylevel 5km and 8km routes and, for the more adventurous “goat runners”, the challenging 15km and 28km extreme options, which include summiting the Paarl Rock, the second largest granite outcrop in the world (after Uluru in Australia).

Apparently ascending the “Pearl” is a memorable experience and the panoramic view from the top could be well worth the effort.

The extreme course also includes climbing to a plateau of tranquillity that invites some fast, open running on a packed Jeep track that circles around dams. There’s a single-track dip through a botanical garden and, once off Paarl Rock, you descend (hundreds of stairs) through thick indigenous forest. Back onto the lower fynbos slopes, it’s a meander back to Fairview to join the after-run festivities.

After all that, the food, wine and beer are likely to be very welcome as you sprawl on the lawn. Plus, there are prizes, and the knowledge the proceeds of the race entries are going to makes a whole lot of lives a whole lot better.

All participants will receive a goodie bag which includes a T-shirt, cheese, yoghurt and wine, a Fairview wine tasting voucher and discount vouchers valid on the day.

Enter online at www.entryninja. com/ events/ event/ 4081- lacapra- goat- run. Entry fees vary depending on distance. For more information call Ellane van Wyk on 072 764 4015.