A crisp, clear autumn morning greeted some 430 trail enthusiasts at WESSA uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve on Sunday morning. As the sun pulled itself away from the horizon the day warmed up and mother nature smiled on everyone who had come out to enjoy her bountiful offerings!
There is no better venue than uMngeni Valley to appreciate the beauty and variety of this wilderness haven, and no better way to explore it than on foot on the immaculate, well-marked trails. Three distances were on offer on the morning – the 5km was enjoyed by a wide range of outdoor lovers, being especially well received by families and youngsters. The 12km posed more of a challenge to both walkers and runners, whilst the 22km event was taken on by the more intrepid trail warriors who had both their lungs and legs tested.
All distances were hotly contested at the sharp end of the course, with some blistering times set by the podium achievers. The top three male finishers broke old records by finishing in less than 20 minutes!
5 km
12km
Men
Ladies
Men
Ladies
- Calum Steer 17:37
- Innocent Shangase 18:15
- Mholi Cibane 18:52
- Nkanyezi Guliwe 24:06
- Lindokuhle Mkhize 26:14
- Yolanda Ngcobo 26:21
- Donsumhlaba Xulu 50:12
- Thulani Skhakhane 50:42
- Sinovuyo Ngcobo 51:10
- Nadia Reuter 1:08:29
- Louise Mccabe 1:10:01
- Lindsay Hayward 1:10:26
23 km
Men
Ladies
- Mbhasobhi Gumede 1:41:57
- Skhumbuzo Bhengu 1:42:09
- Sanele Maphumulo 1:45:42
- Jeanine Dreyer 2:.00.:40
- Sue Chapman 2:19:42
- Kirsty Bomford 2:37:55
Participants were rewarded with a unique wooden finishers badge as they crossed the line; a reminder of their experience and accomplishment. Many hung around following their efforts out on the trails and took advantage of the superb gourmet food and drink, including top class coffee, on offer, soaking up the awesome chilled vibe and atmosphere – always a much-enjoyed aspect of KZN Trail Running events.
For full results and to see what events are upcoming visit the KZN Trail Running website: www.kzntrailrunning.co.za.
