"I'd rather be seen on my bicycle than on a park run" - Quote from the dark side

Wednesday 18 September 2013

Otter Trail Challenge Preview


I missed a lot of key training while being sick but I am recovered now. I will take the trip and go run the Otter Trail Challenge next week Tuesday. Out of shape but at least well rested...

Record holder, Ryan Sandes

This is not a race to be taken lightly. It is for experienced trail runners only and throws a hard challenge at the competitors. The profile is a bit deceiving. There are no major mountains to climb, but there are no flat parts on the route. The total elevation gain is about 2000m (6562ft) over the marathon distance.

Race profile

It follows the world famous Otter Hiking Trail, a 5 day hiking route, and we have 11 hours to finish. The route follows the coastline on the southern coast of South Africa. There are numerous river crossings which involves some swimming and plenty of rock climbing and hopping. Nothing I can't handle!


The race starts at Storms River Mouth and finishes at De Vasselot, Nature's Valley. We will be staying at Nature's Valley so we have a long trip ahead this weekend. It is about 1250km (777 miles) from Johannesburg to Nature's Valley.

Long drive to the race.

On Monday we run a 4km prologue on the Salt River trail to determine starting positions. I will not be gunning for a front start :) The prologue includes a notable climb...

Prologue at Nature's Valley.

A few pics from the race...






Feedback to follow next week!

18 comments:

Karien P. said...

So happy that you're healthy and that you're going! Have fun and can't wait for the feedback!

KovasP said...

Glad it worked out for you - since you won't be gunning for a front position, you can just relax and enjoy the race. :)

Robin said...

Looks like another challenging race! I don't think any of your events you can take lightly lol. Glad you are feeling better! Can't wait to hear all about your race.

Char said...

It's great news that you're able to do it.

misszippy said...

Glad you are feeling good enough for the challenge--and wow that looks like a major one!

ajh said...

Wow! THat race looks incredible. Good luck.

Jill said...

I'm so relived to hear you are feeling better, Johann! What a challenge, indeed, but no doubt you're going to nail it ... and have a wonderful experience along the way. Have a blast!

coach dion said...

It's a great race, go and have fun, and remember you can run those last couple of km so remember that...

Unknown said...

Good luck - can't wait for the race report with lots of photos!

Giorgio said...

Great to hear you're back running. Looking forward to reading the race report about your next challenge!

Liz said...

What a race profile! Glad you're feeling better - good luck!

Unknown said...

I can't wait to read your race recap already! This looks like so much fun. Glad you're feeling better - have a blast Johann!

Lauren said...

Oh my gosh!! Looks so fun, thrilling and scary. Wish I could be there. Best of luck to you Johann. And be sure to have some fun too!!! ;) (I am sure you will have some fun)

Kate Geisen said...

Oh Johann, this race looks AMAZING. I'm a little jealous! :)

I didn't realize you'd have such a long trip to get there. Makes it even more of an event. Best of luck!! Can't wait to read about it and see your pictures!

Paul said...

Glad you are recovered and able to run..always great what that happens!

Looks like a cool race! We only got as far east as Knysna when we drove east from Capetown on our visit in 2007

Black Knight said...

Is that a race or a battle?
Good luck and show us many pictures please.

Michael said...

Holy crap. I seriously can't imagine. I am excited to hear your race details soon. I expect you'll be posting tonight....maybe :)n Hope all went well.

Black Knight said...

Congrats to the Springboks on the great match!