RUNNING: Molweni magic

RUNNING

Words: Tori Leckie, www.fitchicksandfastwomen.com ǀ Photos: Graham Daniel & Kevin Sawyer ǀ Video: Courtesy of Molweni Trail Run

I REMEMBER WRITING NOT LONG AGO ABOUT WHETHER, IN THE ABSENCE OF ANY REVEALING LANDMARKS, HOW EASY IT WOULD BE TO PINPOINT DIFFERENT TRAILS IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES JUST BY THEIR TERRAIN, the wildlife, bush, rocks and rivers. In other words, if you looked at a collage of pictures, aka trail porn for the off-road runners amongst us, could you easily identify those taken in Africa?

Photo credit: Kevin Sawyer

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I REVISITED THIS THOUGHT LAST WEEKEND DURING THE MOLWENI TRAIL RUN'S 'TASTER' RUN AND MY CONCLUSION WAS A RESOUNDING YES. IN FACT, THE MORE TIME I SPEND IN THIS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY, THE MORE I CAN CONFIRM THAT AFRICAN TRAILS REALLY DO HAVE THEIR UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS AND KRANZKLOOF NATURE RESERVE EMBODIES THIS PERFECTLY. Just a stone’s throw from Durban, Krantzkloof comprises a whopping 584 hectares of dense coastal forest and grasslands above deep gorges carved out by the Molweni and Nqutu Rivers.

The race itself, for which last weekend's taster was a chance to discover some of the race route, is the Molweni Trail Run, a two-day event that is taking place this coming May, and presented by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKW) in conjunction with 369Communications and Salomon. It promises to be epic.

MY WORDS TO SUM UP THE TASTER RUN: • Steep and hairy descents.

• Roots and rocks, great big rocks.

• Twists and turns, everywhere.

• Switchbacks? Forget it - just straight ups and straight downs!

• Paths and plants.

• Rivers, several.

• Bright sunshine and secluded shade.

• Jeep roads and grassy gorges.

• Dense forest and wide open spaces.

• Flowers and foliage.

• Incredible views and vistas.

• Smiling kids.

• Bemused grown-ups!

• Breathtakingly beautiful, truly.

Yet beyond the tails of the trail, the story is this.

On this very route walk dozens of children every day just to get to school. Likewise, adults follow this route to catch a taxi that will take them to their studies or work, often far way. Framing the route are big families housed in tiny run-down houses, with little more than a single room.

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And this is where the magic comes into Molweni because the race is supporting the greater community by funding the reserve, connecting with the Kloof Conservancy and supporting Molweni Community projects through direct trail clearing and cutting work. Support is also going towards Bazamile Primary School, which is along the race route, and school kids on the day will assist with handing out water.

The event is giving free entry to four local athletes as well, athletes whose lives could potentially change forever given the prize money on offer and a free entry into the Otter Trail up for grabs.

THE MOLWENI TRAIL RUN ALSO BRINGS A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY TO DEMONSTRATE THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTING OUR EVER-COMPROMISED ENVIRONMENT, OF PRESERVING OUR PRECIOUS ECO-SYSTEM. CONSERVATION, SUSTAINABILITY AND THE NEED TO BE ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE, THESE CONCEPTS ARE ALL TODAY’S BUZZ WORDS. BUT THE HARSH REALITY IS THAT THEY’RE NOT FLEETING TRENDS TO WATCH OUT FOR. WE MUST DO WHAT WE CAN DO, BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE. Make no mistake, this race will be no walk in the park. The terrain is tough, technical and will challenge all who enter. But equally, it promises to be a grand experience of ups and downs, sweat and toil, and isn’t that what trail running is all about?

The chance to experience highs and lows, to discover your ‘why’, to see first hand that whilst the pain may be temporary, the pride and reward of crossing the finish line will remain forever. So sign up whilst places remain.

SEE YOU ON THE TRAILS! • Day 1: 3 May - 6.5 km prologue.

Determines your start time the day.

Day 2: 4 May - 32 km solo run.

Tough, technical and testing terrain.

To register, visit www.molwenitrailrun.co.za

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