Fun run in lush apple country

MOUNTAIN biking, trail running, and apples – they’re all happening in Grabouw next Saturday to celebrate the end of the harvest as well as help raise funds for local schools and promote healthy living.

Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing sponsors the MTB and running events as a contribution to the local communities where many of its growers live and work, which collectively contribute more than R150 000 to Grabouw High School and Applewood Preparatory.

The challenging MTB will be at the Grabouw Country Club, while the Applewood Trail run will be on the opposite side of the N2 in Grabouw at Applewood School, both on Saturday morning. It’s about an hour’s drive from Cape Town.

The 11km trail run through the beautiful surrounding farmlands begins at 8.30am, and families can participate in a gentle 5km fun run which begins at 9am.

Applewood mom and event convener Catherine Boome says: “The scenic courses will take you through the apple and pear orchards that make up the beautiful environment of this country-based school. It’s a great race for both beginner and experienced trail runners.

“There will be cash prizes for the first three men and women in the 11km and fun prizes from a lucky draw for the 5km fun runners. The Harvest Festival following the race will be filled with apple-themed activities and the best of Elgin’s produce.”

Boome adds that people can expect fare from local restaurants including The Poolroom, Hickory Shack and Peregrine, along with craft cider and Elgin wines.

“Master an apple tasting, buy apple pies and apples by the bag and let the kids run free. Lots of entertainment for young and old from live music to hay-diving, ziplining, scarecrow building and apple hunting, as well as loads of beautiful crafts and goodies from local makers”, she says.

Entries fees, available via www. Quicket.co.za and at the gate: Applewood Trail Run R180 Applewood Fun Run R80 Applewood gate fee R20

Grabouw High School’s principal Herholdt Bezuidenhout says: “While there will be many technical challenges and single track, the three routes – 50km at 9am, 25km at 9.20am and 10km at 9.40am – offer something for everyone.”

Online entries for the MTB are about half the cost of late entry on the day so head to www.pedalpower. org.za.

Call Bezuidenhout on 076 943 2633 or 021 859 4203/4, or email mtbinfo@ hsgrabouw. co. za for more information.

For accommodation options visit www.elginvalley.co.za