Down 2 Earth race caters for all categories in fun day out

AS the season reaches its crescendo, mountain bikers will be pulling out all the stops to ensure they end their year on a good note.

With only three events left this year, riders will be turning their attention to the Down 2 Earth race for charity on November 19.

The event caters for both social and competitive athletes, and entrants can choose between trail running and mountain biking.

Competitors can tackle a 5km fun run or 11km trail run.

On the mountain biking side, there is an 11km fun ride, a 20km alternative route or the main 35km route.

The event, organised by Round Table PE West 142, will be held at the Hopewell Conservation Estate nature reserve.

This year will be the fourth edition of the event, with proceeds going to charity.

The proceeds will go to eight-year-old Trystin Stevens, who was diagnosed with leukaemia earlier this year.

Late registrations for the MTB section are from 6.30am to 7.45am on race day, with the race briefing at 8.15am.

The action starts at 8.25am for the 11km, with the 20km and 35km five minutes apart (8.30am and 8.35am).

Cyclists not registered with Cycling South Africa can buy a day licence at a cost of R35.

The race briefing for the trail run will start at 8.20am, with the 5km event getting under way at 8.40am and the 11km five minutes later.

Entry fees for the MTB section are R120 for the 11km, R150 for the 20km and R190 for the 35km race.

Entry for trail runners is R90 for the 5km and R130 for the 11km.

Medals will be awarded to the top three men and women finishers in each of the five events, with floating trophies being awarded to men and women winners of the 11km trail run and 35km MTB race.

Race director Ernest Pretorius said the event had grown since the introduction of the trail running, and attracted more families as there were a few races to choose from.

“I think a major drawcard is that it is being held at Hopewell nature reserve, so there is an event for everyone, and people bring their kids along to participate in the fun run or ride,” Pretorius said.

The remaining events are the Kwelera 2 Kei (East London) 70km social ride on November 25 and the Fat Tracks/Cycle Pro Longmore Classic on December 3.