Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 124, November 2019 | Page 38

Success Stories This project not only wishes to change the narrative for many of the Cape Flats residents who are interested in the outdoors, but wants to rectify some of the historical indignity suffered by a large majority of Cape Town’s populace. As part of this, 2019 is the second year that Flats2Mountains is in partnership with the Ultra-Trail Cape Town (UTCT) event to give runners from the Cape Flats a race experience that ranks as one of the best not only in SA, but on the Ultra-Trail world tour. Last year, Flats2Mountains secured entries for a group of 15 runners in the new UTCT 21km race, with UTCT covering 50% of the entry fee and Flats2Mountains raising the rest. Mike says: “We raised the funds to cover the balance of the entry fees and with the help of sponsors like Totalsports we were able to provide kit to the runners. We have since last year formalised our structures and will soon be identifying the runners for the 21km UTCT 2019. In time we hope to partner with other events so that we have a programme running throughout the year.” Nic Bornman, Race Director of UTCT, says, “We have a Trail Fund which has an environmental and a development component, with the development aspect being to assist talented trail runners who come from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. Working with Flats2Mountains has complemented some of the work we do here and it is gratifying to see an athlete like Siviwe win the 21km, where he probably would not have entered the race without the support.” Another runner who has benefited from the structures that Flats2Mountains has put in place is Rudy Oliver of Ruytervacht. He is a Love Your Nuts ambassador and you will often see him running races in his Speedo to create awareness for the testicular cancer campaign. Rudy also made his UTCT debut last year in the 21km, and just like Siviwe, has decided to turn it up a notch at this year’s event, thanks to securing a 35km entry through Flats2Mountains. “This is a tough sport, but it’s so good for the soul. The 21km UTCT was amazing, the vibe and the atmosphere. I learnt a lot, as I ran out too fast and really suffered in the second half. I have learnt to pace myself now and I run regularly on Table Mountain,” he says. Building Partnerships The Cape Town running community has been very supportive of the Flats2Mountains initiative, and Clint says they have been thrilled by the positive response. “The Cape running fraternity has been amazing in the way they have embraced us, and I hope that this trend will grow in the years to come. There are many runners who have excess gear that they have no use for and would like to donate to a runner who needs it, but they often don’t know how to donate it. We want to create a space where we can put the two sides together and plant seeds of a friendship that stretches beyond just running.” Furthermore, with the help of partners like Totalsports, UTCT and the selflessness of runners from Strong2Run, the Totalsports Runcrew and the Must Love Hills crew, Flats2Mountains has opened up a new avenue of physical activity and spiritual connection with the mountains for not only the youth from the Cape Flats, but also for runners of all ages. According to Ashraf, it is not only for one gender or one age group. “We are not just taking men and boys out on to the trails, but more and more women and girls have shown a keen interest in exploring the single-track of the mountain for themselves. These are exciting times ahead of us, and the potential growth is huge.” Unfortunately, trail running is regarded by many as the more expensive cousin of road running, and it is hard for some talented runners to even contemplate a career in this discipline, especially in South Africa, where even road runners struggle to make a living off prize money and sponsorships. As Ashraf explains, “There is very little money in running. Unless you can win one of the really big road races, there is no way to make a sustainable living as a runner, and on the trail scene there is even less money to be made. We don’t want that to be an obstacle to the many talented runners that are out there. The key is to open doors for others and not just walk through those doors by ourselves. Many individuals and clubs have come on board with our project, but we would love to see more corporates come to the party and be part of shaping South Africa’s trail future.” To find out more about Flats2Mountains, or to offer assistance, send a mail to [email protected] Rudy Oliver Mike and Rudy Oliver plan another trail outing 38 ISSUE 124 NOVEMBER 2019 / www.modernathlete.co.za and opening doors for underprivileged runners that deserve an opportunity to experience the trails,” he says. Clint also serves as a liaison with Totalsports regarding its gear sponsorship agreement for the initiative. “We still have a very small and localised imprint, but I would love for Flats2Mountains to become a nationally sponsored project that grows through its athletes, allowing the ones that we help to give back when it is their turn,” says Clint. Staying with the UTCT 2018 race, one of the biggest success stories to come out of Flats2Mountains is that of Siviwe Nkombi of Mfuleni. Already an accomplished road runner, Siviwe got his first taste of UTCT last year with the help of Flats2Mountains, and he didn’t disappoint, storming home to take the 21km title on his UTCT debut. He says that the support he received from Flats2Mountains was a dream come true, as he was given running gear as well as the entry, and he absolutely loved the race: “UTCT is majestic, a spectacular race. To do UTCT is a bucket list for the year.” This year he has decided to make the step up to the 35km at UTCT, and in preparation for this bigger challenge, he has won several Cape Town trail races along the way and had a very successful year on the trails.