TRAIL RUNNING
Author Stef Migliore tackling a section of forest running
Watching the Boks in the race village after day one
The profile of day two looked a lot gentler , but still challenging , as the first half of the stage sloped downwards , with the return half being all uphill . That meant a fast start down the tar road for a few kays before turning into the game reserve . As I entered the reserve , a gunshot nearby turned my mind to the hunters in the area , not realising that the shot came from inside the reserve , marking a ranger ’ s attempt to distract the lioness who had had popped up just a few metres from one of the leading lady runners . By the time I got to that spot there must have been half a dozen rangers spread out over a hundred metres or so , encouraging runners in loud whispers to move along , as there was a pride nearby . Nothing like a little shot of adrenaline to keep the pace going !
Running in the reserve was indeed special , as the twists and turns of the road meant that you were often out of sight of other runners , and that heightened the experience significantly , especially when running past very fresh elephant and rhino droppings . I did a few 360-degree jiggles along the way just to make sure that I wasn ’ t on anyone ’ s lunch menu . Fortunately ( or not ), I cannot claim to have seen any wildlife at all , but evidence of their presence was all over the place .
A Tale of Two Trails
Most of day two takes place on the reserve track , which varies from softish to hardpacked sand while winding its way through the lowveld bush . It is not fair to compare the two days , in terms of magnitude of effort , scenery , or challenge , as the two trails offer distinctly different experiences , and I think that is what makes this event special . The second day is not just more of same of the day before , it is another kettle of fish altogether . It is like running two different events back-to-back , and the diversity between the two is remarkable , and a testimony to the ecological importance of this Biosphere .
By the time I crossed the finish line on day two , there was no hiding that the cumulative 70km of trail and 2700m of climbing had taken a toll on my legs , but my spirit felt incredibly light from the experience .
The privilege of running through such immense nature is a gift to be treasured , and one of the many reasons why I cherish this magnificent country and its diversity . Inasmuch as I observe a self-imposed rule of not doing the same event twice , I have pencilled Kruger2Canyon on my exceptions list , because such beauty will not be dulled by a repeat .
About the Author
Stefano ‘ Stef ’ Migliore is a Johannesburg-based family man , an enthusiastic multi-sport athlete , and a passionate outdoorsman and traveller . His running career has seen him tackle the big road ultras , including Comrades and Two Oceans , as well as a number of trail ultras and multi-day stage races . A long-time mountain biker , he has completed many multi-day events , including the notorious Ruta de Los Conquistadores in Costa Rica and ultra-endurance events like 36One and the Munga .
Running in the reserve , keeping a lookout for lions !
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