Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 126, January 2020 | Page 35

ADVERTORIAL
A Natural
Runner’s High
Stage 1: 21km / 620m ascent
You’ll get to run everything on day one, from ancient Voortrekker oxwagon tracks
to superb footpaths, after you start at the gorgeous Zuurberg Mountain Inn. Hit
the trails to Ann’s Villa before bombing down Seven Dwarfs into the verdant world
of Otters’ Valley, where you will lose yourself within dense indigenous montane
forest. A tough ascent awaits along ZigZag to the last waterpoint of the day, but
now you’re back on top of the mountains. A stunning final stretch takes you past
some of the ancient cycads, and chances are you may also see the free-ranging
horse herds grazing here at high altitude. A delectable spread and endless supply
of Bridge Street Brewery beer awaits at Zuurberg Mountain Village.
Born to Roam
Running wild upon the Zuurberg ranges on the final stretch of day one of the #GZTR
The Hills are Alive...
Another day in trail running paradise, with
breathtaking natural landscapes and exhilarating
vistas as far as the eye can see.
Laying Fresh Tracks
Any given day on the Zuurberg and Hayterdale single-tracks will be enough to
convince you to immediately sign up for #GZTR20
Stage 2: 26km / 830m ascent
Misty valleys, dew-laden grass seeds, dove-egg blue skies and the cry of verraux eagles
echoing against faraway cliffs will greet you as you descend back into Otters’ Valley on your
second day in this natural paradise. Spekboom, aloe ferox, ancient podocarpus yellow-
wood trees, bearded moss, mountain heather, cycadifoilia... you will be moving through
one of the richest ecosystems on the planet! What goes down must come back up, though,
so get ready for two massive climbs out of the emerald forests as you battle with gravity
towards the exclusive Fig Tree Lodge. Orange orchards, jade single-track trails and forever
views across the distant Addo Elephant National Park will buoy you every step of the way.
Stage 3: 20km / 580m ascent
Welcome to single-track heaven! The fun kicks off right away as you leave
Zuurberg Mountain Village and drop along the Fast & Furious Roller Coaster
contouring all the way down to Hayterdale. Enjoy a helter-skelter descent onto
a 2km stretch of prime bermed track switch-backing amidst a profusion of
indigenous forest, The Gorge, Corkscrew, Rabbit Hole & Trevor’s Surprise –
there’s no way you’ll run through the Hayterdale section without a huge smile
on your face. All that remains between you and finishing #GZTR is to power up
Zuurberg Pass, but you’ve got this!
Smiles for Miles
Equal parts of pain and pleasure make The Great Zuurberg Trail
Run one of the most enjoyable trail races anywhere on the planet!
3 Days... 67km... 2430m of ascent... #GZTR
www.gztrun.co.za
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