TRAIL
The 2023 Otter African Trail Challenge gets underway
A T-shirt ’ s Tale
I recently participated in the Otter African Trail Challenge for the fourth time , once again alongside my son , but our race plans unfortunately had to be set aside due to circumstances … which left us with a dilemma about our race T-shirts . These shirts are not just about the race itself , but are a chronicle of life ’ s marathon , so the question about them is not a simple one . – BY SULETTE FERREIRA
In the world of trail running , certain rituals hold a sacred significance known only to those who lace up and hit the dirt roads . Among these , I ’ ve always cherished one in particular : Wearing the official race T-shirt is reserved for after the race . It ’ s more than just wearing something new or adhering to superstition . Wearing the shirt to the starting line shows that you believe you already have the race wrapped up , but as all runners eventually learn , sometimes race day just isn ’ t your day .
Runners can choose between the Otter Race , with an extreme cut-off time of nine hours , or the Otter Challenge , at a slightly longer eleven hours , but of course , still hardly a walk in the park ! Being enthusiasts rather than pro athletes , we opted for the Otter Challenge . Our first Otter was unlike anything I have ever done . It felt as if I were running on top of the world , looking down at the sea far beneath us . The environment was breathtaking . Although the race was both mentally and physically challenging , we finished in time , and we were hooked .
As my son , Johan and I approached our fourth Otter African Trail Run , I felt that we needed a tangible reminder of the race ’ s importance in our lives . I therefore decided to design a T-shirt to capture our experience of Otter and other running challenges , and the valuable lessons we had learnt .
Philosopher Søren Kierkegaard aptly observed , “ Life can only be understood backwards ; but it must be lived forwards .” As I contemplated this , designing a T-shirt for our upcoming Otter run became more than just a creative endeavour . This T-shirt wouldn ’ t simply be apparel , it would be a silent testament to running events we have experienced , portraying the grit , memories and camaraderie we ’ d built together throughout our runs , signifying that we have successfully participated and completed .
From Inspiration to Perspiration
Seven years ago , my son and I were having a glass of red wine and musing about a challenge that would test our physical limits . The answer was not difficult : We could attempt a marathon , and we decided to take on the Otter African Trail Marathon . Of course , I was overjoyed that my son had chosen me as his running partner . More than companionship , his decision was a testament to our shared commitment . But while the answer might have been simple , the journey was anything but . Little did I know what lessons we would share along the way .
The T-shirt had to mirror our commitment : Black with yellow writing , the official colours of the Otter Trail race . No ordinary marathon , the Otter trail is renowned as one of Africa ’ s most gruelling trail challenges , drawing runners from across the world . A distance of 42 kilometres with four river crossings , including the treacherous swim across the Bloukrans River , an ascent of over 2400 metres , and 11 significant climbs have earned the Otter the title the “ Grail of Trail .”
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