When the trails closed for KZN Trail Running
We knew it was coming and we knew that the lockdown would change our lives forever. The questions were many and emotions beyond description.
What did the lockdown mean for KZN Trail Running and what did this mean for our trail community? With the first restriction on public gatherings, we made the tough decision to postpone one of our flagship events, the Drakensberg Northern Trail. This would be the first of many…
With the lockdown announced, we immediately had to postpone all events. This meant that our income source dried up overnight. It was a stressful time for our team who have become a family. We have salaries to pay, bills that need to be honoured and the list goes on.
Then we had a glimmer of hope from Rhyan Rudman, a regular participant at our events and the man who produces the beautiful badges for each of our events. Out of his idea, the Garden Trail Series was born!
The idea was to bring the trail community together, while being apart. The series had become so much more than we expected. It gave each of us a glimpse of hope and positivity and has helped each of us get up and smile. With 665 participants joining us from all parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Western Cape, even reaching the international gardens of Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, Australia and more! The support and response from the trail community has been overwhelming with many opting to “pay-it-forward” through donations to help us keep our doors open during the lockdown.
From this Sunday, 3 May 2020, we will be starting the Radius Run. It will be a virtual series that encourages trail enthusiasts to take to the “trails” within a 5km radius of their homes. While we all are thrilled to be able to cross our gates, we have strongly encouraged a “no group” format, so that we all stick to the rules and maintain the integrity of our health.
With the chaos and uncertainty that came with the lockdown, we can proudly say that we as South Africans will come out stronger and closer than before. As a country, we have faced countless challenges, and COVID-19 has been one of the toughest. But it is during times like these that we discover our strength, the power of our determination and the togetherness of our rainbow nation.
This is what a community is, and we feel privileged to be a part of such a family.
For further information individuals can follow our social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@KZNTRAILRUNNING). We have also created a group called The KZN Trail Running Group, where individuals from the trail community share their day to day “trail” stories and has become a platform to share positive thoughts and keep each other encouraged.
Photo Credits: Lauren Booth
