Jacques Marais - Trail Runners Guide

Thank you for purchasing this eBook.

To download the maps in this book, please visit: http://www.myroute.co.za/trgdownloads.html.

First edition published in 2012 by MapStudio South Africa

ISBN 978-1-77026-369-7 (print)
ISBN 978-1-77026-386-4 (ePub)
ISBN 978-1-77026-387-1 (PDF)

Production Manager John Loubser

Editor Thea Grobbelaar

Designer Nicole Bannister

Cartographers Genen Hart, Elaine Fick

Digital Compiler Anthony Davids

Researcher Abbygail Greybe

Proofreader Claudia dos Santos

Marketing marketing@mapstudio.co.za

Feedback research@mapstudio.co.za

Photo credits 2012 All images as credited on page

MapStudio
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PO Box 1144, Cape Town, 8000
Tel: 0860 10 50 50
www.mapstudio.co.za

Maps 2012 MapStudio
MapStudio 2012

The information contained herein is derived from a variety of sources. While every effort has been made to verify the information contained in such sources, the publisher assumes no responsibility for inconsistencies or inaccuracies in the data nor liability for any damages of any type arising from errors or omissions. Map bases are created using the MapStudio database of South African roads, and, in some cases, data has been sourced from Department: Land Affairs, and these bases are reproduced under Government Printers copyright. Please be aware that trails can be changed by event organisers from year to year, in which case the maps and profiles in this publication will be affected. The publisher cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies as a result of such changes. Some routes shown are on private land. This does not infer right of way or areas open to runners. Reproduction or recording of any maps, text, photographs, illustrations, or other material contained in this publication in any manner including, without limitation, by photocopying and electronic storage and retrieval, is prohibited.

I love trail running because it keeps me grounded and my soul free ...

Looking back at the past five years I can without a doubt say that trail running has had a lifechanging effect on me. I started trail running towards the end of 2006 as a newly qualified quantity surveyor working for a large property development company; a few short years later, I can now call myself a professional trail runner.

I have been lucky enough to run on all seven continents and yes, I get to call Table Mountain my office. Trail running has become a way of life for me, it keeps me energised and inspired. Theres no better feeling than running along the top of a mountain, breathing in the early morning fresh air and watching the sunrise.

Trail running is my form of meditation and my escape from reality. There are days when I feel as if I were invincible and could keep running forever; other days my legs burn and my lungs scream for air. Most importantly, every run leaves me feeling good about myself and craving my next fix of endorphins.

My experiences on the trails have taught me a lot about myself as a person and there have been times when I have really had to explore my physical and mental boundaries. I feel privileged to call South Africa my home, as our endless trails are world-class. You cant beat the range and variety of our terrain, the surrounding landscapes, our abundance of fauna and flora, or the fabulous weather.

I am sure after running the likes of Sky Run, the African Otter Trail Run and the Hout Bay Trail Challenge, every one of you will agree wholeheartedly.

See you on the trails!

Whether you think of Ryan Sandes as an ultra runner, an adventure athlete or an endurance racer, in the end it all boils down to him being one of the most outstanding ultra trail runners the world has ever seen.

In less than a decade of competitive running, he has racked up victories in races spanning the globe, dominating the Racing the Planet series. To name a few, Sandes has won the Gobi Desert Challenge, Sahara Desert Challenge, Jungle Marathon, the Last Desert Challenge in Antarctica, the Nepal Challenge and the gruelling Leadville 100-miler in the USA.

More information on Ryan Sandes at www.ryansandes.com

Ive run amazing races in every corner of the planet, but if I had to choose one event on each continent, this would be my selection! Ryan Sandes

• Africa Otter Trail Run
• Europe Trans Alps Run
• Asia Racing the Planet Nepal
• Australia TNF Australia 100
• North America Leadville 100
• South America Atacama Desert Race
• Antarctica The Last Desert Race

Trail running is my religion. It is my head space, my therapy, my escape into a parallel world fuelled by fresh air and endless horizons, and uncluttered by rules or red tape. The rhythmic thump of my feet on a remote trail reverberates into my very soul, not only exercising my body, but also freeing my mind to deal with the daily grind of life. I may start the day feeling as if a swarm of bees were buzzing in my skull, and return an hour or two later with proverbial flowers blooming inside my head. Your reasons to run may be different to mine ... the search for an elusive personal best along a specific route; the reward of a medal at the end of a race; or earning the respect of your peers. And this is fine, too.

For most of the runners I know, the main driving force is way more basic and instinctive, though. It is about sucking down huge gulps of fresh air. Feeling your blood thump deep within your veins. Maybe the glimpse of a genet dashing amid the restios as you round a bend on a windswept trail. Or watching your breath plume into the sub-zero atmosphere on a freezing winter run. Being alone, but never lonely. Running is about reconnecting with Mother Earth, and free-ranging far and wide beyond the crowds. It is about free expression, and I would hate this genre to be swamped by the bureaucracy and conformity surrounding road running and other, overly regulated sports.

Bottom line: you do not need a reason to run. Or an excuse not to. Trail running ultimately remains one of the most uncomplicated sports you can practise in the great outdoors, and hopefully this book will act as a guide to some of the countrys most gorgeous trails.