Much of the race is on beginnerfriendly jeep track
TRACK TRAIL & RUNNING FIELD
Sabrina and Stef during the Oyster Catcher Trail Run
Initially , only three of the cannons were ever found – two during the 1930s , and another in the 1960s . These three are preserved at the nearby village of Kanon , which obviously gets its name from these cannons . Fairly recently , however , a fourth cannon was discovered . During an exceptionally low spring tide in April 2011 , two locals noticed another cannon while walking on the beach . It was salvaged after lying in the sea for 250 years , and is now on display at the Punt Huisie at Fransmanshoek .
Blissful Boggomsbaai
The event takes place on routes and trails that overlap the world-renowned Oyster Catcher Hiking Trail , rated by Getaway magazine as one of the top-five hikes in South Africa , and by the BBC as one of “ 30 unforgettable walks to do before you die .” The event organisers , Sonja and Hano Otto of Trisport , are old hands at this , having a variety of yearly events across multiple disciplines in their portfolio . Accomplished athletes in their own right , and with a deep knowledge and love of the outdoors , they are well positioned to showcase the best of the sports and locations they have chosen .
Their preference is for smaller scale , boutique events , that allow for a more intimate experience of the environment and fellow participants . Some years ago , I participated in their Namaqua Quest event and can attest to that . Their choices of location are sublime , and the running of the trails is very much a medium through which one can savour these special destinations . They are backed up by Janine Botes , who does a sterling and very personal job as the event admin manager , and is always available and responsive to any questions or requests . It ’ s a firstclass outfit with an established , solid track record .
The epicentre of this event was the Sandpiper Sports Centre in Boggomsbaai , domain of Fred Orban , founder of the hiking trail . He is a respected and awarded local conservationist , and a larger-than-life personality – if Crocodile Dundee and Indiana Jones had to join in unholy union , surely Fred Orban would be the offspring ! The race village offered accommodation for 50 in comfortable tents , with stretchers , mattresses and blankets in a purpose-made clearing . Not the most idyllic campsite , but good enough for our purpose . Meals were prepared and served in the clubhouse , where the tennis court played host to open air dining , awards , race briefings and social interactions .
Accommodation and meals were packaged separately to the race entry , as there are several other options nearby for both . We chose to subscribe to all that the event offered in terms of accommodation and meals , and were more than happy with all that was on offer . Sabrina had chosen the vegetarian option , and she popped into the kitchen every night to be handed a delicious meal made with special care and attention by Maryna Jonck , who with husband Andre were charged with feeding the lot of us . No effort was spared to make everyone feel comfortable and at home .
Tented Adventures
Thankfully , the wind settled down during that first night in camp , whereas the snoring didn ’ t , but eventually it became part of the ambient noise . It was colder than anticipated , however , and sleeping cold is never a great way to see the night through . I
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