Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 162 October 2023 | Page 62

ADVERTORIAL

WILDSERIES Mont-Aux-Sources Challenge A Legendary Run for Conservation and Heritage

The WILDSERIES Mont-Aux-Sources Challenge ( commonly known as Monties ) is one of the oldest trail events in South Africa – it was first run 31 years ago in 1992 – and it has become one of the most sought-after events , with a long waiting list , while raising thousands of rands for the conservation efforts of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife at the Royal Natal National Park , in collaboration with WILDTRUST .

The iconic Monties Challenge has its base at the Mahai Campsite ( voted one of the top 10 Campsites in South Africa ) in the Royal Natal National Park . The 50km ultra distance offers some of the most breathtaking views in the world , and boasts the world-renowned chain ladders – every participant ’ s dream or fear – that allows them to summit to the top of the highest waterfall in the world . This is 3100 metres above sea level – more than a third of the way up Everest – and is the Tugela River source , a vital and strategic water resource for KZN and Gauteng .

As the runners make their way back down the Gully , they experience a sharp descent that leaves them in awe of the expansive views that are second to none experienced in South Africa . Introduced in 2021 , the 21km route is a breath-taking circular route with no overlapping trails within the Royal Natal National Park , using existing wild hiking trails , and the descent to the finish is fast and flowing .
Legends of the Trails
The theme this year was celebrating legends , as well as the influence and legacy they have left for the new generation of trail runners . For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic , Monties boasted a full field of 300 runners , including a huge contingent from the Pirates Running Club in Johannesburg . Inspired by John and Theresia Stark , this formidable group descended on the park in their numbers to celebrate the life and times of this unforgettable couple . The Stark ’ s daughters , Catherine , Lexi and Victoria joined Pirates clubmates , saying their father left them a legacy of ensuring that they must always make the world a better place , and key to that is the element of conservation , which was always the link to the Mont-Aux- Sources Challenge .
The celebrations did not end there , as Mlungisi Mazibuko ( 32 ) defended his king status in the 50km Challenge with a winning time of 5:00:44 , followed by Mxolisi Ndlovu ( 28 ) in 5:05:09 . These two have taken on numerous trail events within KwaZulu-Natal , and after dominating the Mont-Aux-Sources Challenge 2023 , the trailblazers won entries into the Sanlam Cape Town Trail by Ryan Sandes as part of their prize .
Due to both coming from disadvantaged backgrounds , there was a need to raise funds to help them get to the starting line in Cape Town . This was achieved through a crowdfunding platform set up by the WILDSERIES team , which exceeded its target within days , and huge credit must go to our trail running community for their generosity and kindness . It is with pride that we can announce that they both achieved exceptional results in Cape Town , as Mlungisi took fourth in the 46km race , while Mxolisi finished fifth in the 22km event . ( Our women ’ s 50km winner , Ruth Cozien , took third in the Otter Marathon and fifth in the Cape Town trail , showing that Monties continues to be the ultimate training ground for top trail stars across SA !)
In His Father ’ s Footsteps
Mlungisi works as a general worker at Sungubala Eco-camp , which is a secluded mountain farm in the heart of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site .
The next Mont-Aux-Sources Challenge will take place on 7 September 2024 , with entries due to open soon . We encourage every proud South African trail runner to take part in this event at least once in their lifetime , as
this is a run for good , for conservation , to protect our heritage , and for us to leave a lasting legacy for future
62 ISSUE 162 | www . modernathlete . co . za generations . For more information on WILDSERIES events , visit https :// wildtrust . co . za / wildseries