DO IT NOW Magazine article 16-07-12 by DO IT NOW Magazine

inTRAIL:

Words by Donna Wright Photos by Debbie Agenbag, Ilonka Potgieter and Greg Levieux

GREYLING RISES TO THE NUM-NUM

CHALLENGE

THE NUM-NUM TRAIL - A JOURNEY WHERE EVERY STEP IS A DESTINATION

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to Tired of farm roads? Then The Num-Num Trail’s annual race is the one than l technica more start training for. Described by Landie Visser as ‘way langa the Otter’, this pure and scenic trail running experience in Mpuma Now . surprise by buffalos and snakes trail catch to came out of nowhere races, It Rough km 15 and ge Challen km 36.5 the year, second into its even which took place on 7 July, tested the physical and mental skills of the most hardened trail runner. Jock Some of South Africa’s leading runners, including Landie Visser, Dom and Greyling an Green, Mazu Ndandani, Graeme McCallum, Christia an Christia Gorge. ruit Banksp the Wills, lined up to be challenged by in race big first his win to head cool and pace Greyling kept a steady ne sandsto of km 36.5 covered Visser Landie 04:53. breaking a quad take and forest twisters in 05:08, an hour ahead of Nathalie Romeo, to es resourc mental enal phenom on first place. While the last runners pulled the for sailing plain all not was it hours, 11 in to get in just after dark up front runners either. Graeme McCallum took a wrong turn and ended a After trail. the of doing the Bermanzi Loop twice – the toughest section covered he l, downhil stone loose of ‘mere’ rock climb of 1.5 km and 2 km 40 km of rough terrain in 05:31. Num-Num staff member Sijila Msitini in his was one to watch out for and he did not disappoint. Powering away and use Wareho ans first pair of trail running shoes contributed by Sportsm third. many of the runners, Sijila finished in and In the 15 km Rough It race, the route was tougher than last year's m Num-Nu the of followed some of the most technical and trickiest parts and areas forested of out and in Trail; limbering over old boulder falls, d to through sandstone rock formations. Jonathan Beattie manage , with cramps and injuries past some despite 02:52, in place first snatch The Roelof Nel (02:53) and Deborah Leat (02:55) close on his heels. hours. 5 last runners crossed the finish in over

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Some comments from the trail runners:

“Cape Town Trail runners supporting Mpumalanga jewel! Definitely worth the travel. Lung burning technical trail with unforgettable scenery!” Christiaan Greyling, Num-Num Challenge 2012 Men's Winner "I am sure that the Num-Num will grow to become one of SA’s elite trail runs in the future! The technicality and unique variety of nature scenery on this trail is hard to find elsewhere. I thoroughly enjoyed darting on the single tracks and hopping on the rocks!" Landie Visser, Num-Num Challenge 2012 Women's Winner “The variety of terrain is probably the most enjoyable part of the race – easy escarpment running, great views, steep climbs, quadbusting technical descents, twisty forest sections, ladders, bridges, waterfalls, rock pools – Num-Num has got everything." Neill Leith, 8th place “I just want to say a big thank you to you and your team for putting on such a great race, it really is one of the most awesome races I´ve done.” Graeme McCullum, Quad Breaker

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: 1. Spar Prayer 2. Joseph Beattie 3. Lindie & Graeme, 4. Jock Green 5. Berm Hill & Clint Seager - early morning Num-Num vista

HIGHVELD CHEER

Not only did The Num-Num gain a reputation for being the toughest, most technical race outside of a staged race, it also provided excellent support in the form of lunch packs for on the trail, four water tables, shots of Pure Technology Nutrition glutamine drinks and unique goodie bags and medals. A potjie of steamy gluwein helped convert memories of pain into a kaleidoscope of magnificent landscapes. Francis Darvall, Wimpie Rauch and Attie van Niekerk, co-owners of The NumNum Trail, said, "We were blown away by the runners on the challenge. This sport requires individuals to reach into the depths of their endurance and yet everyone still acted with impeccable integrity and team spirit. We are determined to grow this event and make it even more efficient, challenging and enjoyable for trail snakes and klipspringers.” We will keep it as an exclusive trail tester that boasts beautiful scenery, country hospitality and an awesome sense of achievement.

Donna Wright, trail race organiser, said, “The owners of the Num-Num Trail have completed an amazing 15-year programme to restore the land from a wattle and blue gum plantation into a treasure trove of natural wonders. A decade of work has accumulated into this wonderful day and we just love it when trail runners and hikers have such a brilliant time on the trail. It’s also great to have dynamic companies like Sportsmans Warehouse, Pure Technology Nutrition, Jacklin Organics, Komati Gorge Lodge and WildTrails SA that are willing to support trail running and new races. "WildTrails SA, RaceTime, Kinetics.co.za and the Mpumalanga Paramedics and Police Service really made this event happen. They guided the organisers to ensure that all runners got over a few mountains safely – although more than one person definitely met Mother Earth up close and personal."

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Race resultS - 36.5 km Challenge WOMEN

MEN

Name

Time

Landie Visser

05:08:38