30 Aug Spotlight on Thirsti AfricanX Trailrun 1-Day XPERIENCE
By Jacky McClean
Paul Cluver’s iconic trails set to command the spotlight at the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 1-Day XPERIENCE!
“Let Nature Give You A Run For Your Money”
The 2nd annual THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 1-Day XPERIENCE will return to the picturesque Paul Cluver Wine Estate (Grabouw) on Saturday 17 September 2022 and trail running enthusiasts can look forward to exclusive access to world class trails.
“The THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 1-Day XPERIENCE is the perfect introduction to AFRICANX,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and founder of the Event. “The 1-Day XPERIENCE is an ‘individual entry’ event (not teams of two), runners can look forward to experiencing some of the Western Cape’s most iconic trails combined with spectacular views, mouth-watering food, a relaxed atmosphere and great vibe.
Paul Cluver is renowned for its fantastic wines and spectacular trails, both reflecting the uniqueness of the Elgin Valley. Trail runners will get to indulge in both at the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 1-Day XPERIENCE. With four distances to choose from (6km, 12km, 24km and 42km), the 1-Day XPERIENCE caters for trail running enthusiasts of all ages, fitness levels and experience. We can’t wait to welcome runners to the start line on Saturday 17 September ready to ‘Let Nature Give You A Run For Your Money’.”
“Paul Cluver has spent the last two decades building spectacular mountain bike tracks on their farm and it is such a treat for trail runners to be granted exclusive access to these trails,” says Alfred Thorpe, THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN Route Manager. “Irrespective of the distance entered, all trail runners are guaranteed to have a jol when they head towards the finish line, meeting up with runners from other distances along the way.
The 6km is family friendly and will mainly feature farm roads with some easy single track. The 12km is also an entry level route, with a total ascent of 250m. Expect some climbing, but nothing too hectic. The 24km route will be on a par with the routes of the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day STAGE RACE. Expect a good mixture of technical sections, climbs, farm roads and jeep tracks with a total elevation that ranges between 600 – 800m. The 42km route is for the more hardcore mountain runner.
The route is challenging, but doable and will boast a total elevation of 1200 – 1500m. Look forward to a mixture of mountainous technical sections, climbs, farm roads and jeep track. My advice to all entrants is to ensure that you have the correct kit on you. Elgin has its own unique weather, so be prepared for anything.”
EVENT INFORMATION: THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 1-Day XPERIENCE
| Date: | Saturday 17 September 2022 |
| Venue: | Paul Cluver Wine Estate (Grabouw) |
| Entry Format: | Individual Entry |
| Format: | 1 Day Trail Run |
| Distance & Entry Fees: | 6km / R100.00
12km / R350.00 24km / R600.00 42km / R950.00 |
| Route Description: | 6km
· Terrain: Jeep Track & Single Track · Description: A little more elevation gain than your average parkrun and enough single track to give you a taste of what trail running is all about · What is iconic about this route? Reflections on the dam wall with panoramic views of the valley. · Who can enter this distance? Must you be fit and/or experienced? Anyone and everyone can enter this event but save your energy for the climb at 4km. 12km · Terrain: Jeep Track & Single Track · Description: This route shows off the best of Paul Cluver. Expect a good mix of single track and jeep track. You’ll be running with the 24km and 42km runners on the second half of the trail, so watch out for those goats flying down the single track. · What is iconic about this route? Joining up with the other two distances will bring a great vibe to the party and will motivate you to give that little extra on the way back to the finish. · Who can enter this distance? Must you be fit and/or experienced? It’s the trail running starter pack. Step out of that 5km comfort zone and step up to the challenge. 24km · Terrain: Jeep Track & Single Track · Description: It’s the best of both worlds. You get to enjoy a lot of single track with the 42km runners, but without that extra couple of hours on your legs. · What is iconic about this route? Running through the orchards and hitting single track at the top of the climb (halfway), with the mountain vistas leaving you breathless. · Who can enter this distance? Must you be fit and/or experienced? To enjoy this route to its fullest, you need to be fit, have had the proper training and have the correct gear. 42km · Terrain: Jeep Track & Single Track · Description: This route features all the cool spots on Paul Cluver. Look forward to experiencing fresh single track and hugging the mountain all the way back before joining the other distances on your way down to the finish. · What is iconic about this route? A big part of the climb from 19km-26km is on single track. · Who can enter this distance? Must you be fit and/or experienced? You need to show some grit. There’s no easy way out when the going gets tough. Trail experience is highly recommended |
| Entries Close: | Monday 12 September 2022 |
What to expect from the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN: For a sneak peek at what to expect from the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN series of events watch the following Teaser Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz1GVhQZ8ZA
Follow us on Facebook: @ThirstiWater / @runtheafricanx / @stillwatertrail
Follow us on Instagram: @thirstiwater / @runtheAFRICANX / @stillwater_trail_running
Hashtag: #MyAFRICANX #RunTheAFRICANX
For additional information on the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day, 2-Day and/or 1-Day events please visit www.stillwatersports.com, contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045 or email entries@stillwatersports.com.
