Off-road race adventure takes new turns

STARTING the 2019 XTERRA racing calendar at the Elgin Grabouw Country Club this Saturday and Sunday, the XTERRA Grabouw will treat off-road adventure seekers to an exciting route experience.

The largest XTERRA in the word, the XTERRA Grabouw Full Race (taking place on Sunday) features a 1.5km swim, a 27km mountain bike trail (MTB) and a 12.4km trail run.

“Grabouw’s routes are rated among the best in the world,” says Michael Meyer, managing director of Stillwater Sports. “This year we’ve implemented a number of changes to keep things fresh and exciting. The good news is that the water level of the Eikenhof Dam is higher than in 2018. This means the swim exit will go back to where it was in 2017, shortening the run to transition. XTERRA Full entrants can expect a brand new MTB and trail run experience.”

The MTB route will follow the northern trails (new to XTERRA) for the first 12km before heading back towards single-track heaven.”

The first single track encountered will be the famous Rock Garden, followed by one hill before the single-track fun continues until the finish.

An easier trail run route will take entrants around the dam and will also feature spectacular single track before the usual beach run to the finish.

The XTERRA Grabouw Lite (taking place on Saturday) features a 400m swim, a 14km MTB and a 6.5km trail run.

“Although only half the distance of the Full Race, the XTERRA Lite routes should not be underestimated,” advises Meyer. “The shorter run to the transition area after the swim applies.

“The mountain bike route will include its share of hills and single track. It is however doable. The trail run route will pose its own challenges, but the effort will be rewarded with spectacular views.”

There is also a charity aspect to XTERRA. Bring your used trail running or MTB shoes to the event, urges Fahiem Frizlar, marketing manager at Bolton Footwear: “Participants and their families are encouraged to drop their old sports shoes at the Olympic International bins provided, they will be distributed to needy children and adult charity organisations such as Aitsa, an aftercare centre in Kylemore in the Dwarsriver Valley with 180 children, Songo.info and others.”

Frizlar, a long-distance runner, adds that these donations can make a huge difference to those who are keen on sports but don’t have access to the right gear. “As a runner, I’ve often wondered what to do with my old shoes, as they are still in relatively good condition.” |