“Ultra” Adventuring in the uMngeni Valley

One of KZN Trail Running’s longest standing events and based in Howick, the uMngeni River Run has traditionally always been touted as the original “no frills, no fuss” event, simply trail running at it’s purest. Well, it’s still that, although some of the little extras, such as great service providers and KidZone, common at other KZNTR events are now included. URR stalwarts will inform you that the chief allure of the event is KZNTR co-owner, Lauren Booth’s homemade lentil soup, a mouth-watering, soul-warming feature of URR!

The event starts and finishes at WESSA, uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve on 11 August and all four distances will explore the stunning natural beauty of the indigenous grassland and dense valley bushveld on well prepared trails. The longer distances will also take in some of the very best of the Hilton College Estate Nature Reserve on their purpose-built trails. Zebra, giraffe, antelope and a variety of other faunal spectators will quietly observe as runners wind their way along the course. No raucous encouragement for this one, just quiet doe-eyed acknowledgment of the effort.

Offering distances of 75km, 50km, 25km and 12km the event is presented as an Ultra Trail Run and as such appeals hugely to those tough Ultra trail warriors looking to test their mettle. The 75km, which was added in 2018, and 50km events are great training for intrepid athletes who will take on some of the longer Ultras, such as Karkloof 100 Miler (taking place in our own backyard from 20-22 September), Kway Skyrun and Ultra Trail Cape Town later in the year. It’s a 2am start for 75km participants who will gain themselves some valuable experience with night running and early starts! The 25km, although shorter, will still ask questions of participants and test legs and lungs whilst the 12km is much more accessible to most trail runners and strong hikers, and is also open to Juniors.

Trail Running as a past time has a special kind of appeal, particularly to those who are drawn to the outdoors and enjoy racing theirs pulses. There is a tremendous sense of community amongst the folk who come together at these events and frequent references are made to “trail family” – everyone is welcome, the desire only to share the joy of the trail with one another! uMngeni River Run perfectly embodies the spirit of the trail community and family! Come and experience it for yourself!