Organiser
BoutTime
EVENT OVERVIEW
This one day Trail Running Festival is without a doubt the most exciting addition to the Trail Running calendar. The Bezhoek Extreme Trail Running Festival offers runners an experience second to none. It takes place on the Bezuidenhoutshoek Private Nature reserve on the banks of the Olifants river just outside of Middelburg.
The Bezuidenhoutshoek Nature Reserve, or Bezhoek as it’s more affectionately known, has it all. Situated in the Mpumalangan transition zone between the Lowveld and Highveld, it boasts over 120 indigenous grass species, which is more than the significantly larger Kruger National Park. Cycad populations of the critically endangered Encephalartos Middeburgensis and vulnerable Lanatus dot the landscape as testaments to our planet’s evolutionary past. Then there’s the permanent wetlands and streams, many of which are so pristine you can drink from them.
VENUE
The Bezuidenhoutshoek Nature Reserve, or Bezhoek as it’s more affectionately known, has it all. Situated in the Mpumalangan transition zone between the Lowveld and Highveld, it boasts over 120 indigenous grass species, which is more than the significantly larger Kruger National Park. Cycad populations of the critically endangered Encephalartos Middeburgensis and vulnerable Lanatus dot the landscape as testaments to our planet’s evolutionary past. Then there’s the permanent wetlands and streams, many of which are so pristine you can drink from them.
The Olifants and Klein Olifants rivers play their part too. Converging in the reserve’s North Western corner, then leaving the property to flow down to Loskop Dam and, ultimately, into the Kruger National Park. Both rivers meander through the reserve, cutting awe-inspiring gorges into the predominately sandstone and quartzite geology on their way to their confluence point. This provides Bezhoek with extensive river frontage, which attracts a wide variety of plant and animal life to the area. It also creates the ideal habitat for the pockets of riverine forest that transforms the twisting riverbanks into long ribbons of lush green in an otherwise uniform-brown African landscape.
Away from the river, savannah plains, rocky outcrops and Bushveld dominate the rest of the 3 000 hectare reserve. Roaming freely are over fourteen different species of antelope, including Eland, the vulnerable Oribi and Klipspringer. Predators include Leopard and Brown Hyena. Other game includes Giraffe, Ostrich, Bushpigs and the elusive Honey Badger. Over 278 confirmed bird sightings have been ticked off the list, including the African Finfoot, Verreaux Eagle and Denham’s Bustard. And, as if that isn’t enough, surviving late stone age rock art pays homage to the reserve’s older, more ancestral human residents.
No wonder the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Authority has designated Bezhoek as irreplaceable and highly significant in terms of their bio diversity assessment criteria – which qualifies it to be registered as a Protected area. Simply put, this place is a real gem, and everyone who’s ever visited knows it.
For more information, visit www.bezhoek.co.za.
THE RACE
The start and finish of all three distances will be on the Bezuidenhoutshoek Nature Estate.
The Race Village will cater for both runner and supporter with a variety of refreshments, live entertainment as well as outrides to a number of spectator point.
THE CHALLENGE
Distance: 15KM
Difficulty: Easy
This distance of 15km might not seem like much of a challenge but the terrain combined with a total of 450m of vertical ascent will ensure an experience second to none. Distance is basically the only difference between the Challenge and the other two events. You will be treated to amazing views and the experience of a lifetime.
THE WARRIOR
Distance: 30KM
Difficulty: Intermediate
This route was put together for the true Trail Warrior. To earn your colours you’ll have to finish the 30km distance with 750m of vertical ascent. Your effort won’t go unrewarded. Bezhoek Warrior bragging rights come standard and access to this privately owned and irreplaceable piece of biodiversity makes the victory just so much sweeter.
THE EXTREME
Distance: 55KM
Difficulty: Tough
Before you enter make sure you’ve got the “as-tough-as-nails”-box ticked. The 55km extreme enduro is for the seasoned athlete that has experienced their fair share of blood, sweat and tears. Race planning is critical and will include nutrition. Unlike the CHALLENGE and the WARRIOR there will be a section of the route where water points are unmanned with access to water only.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE EXTREME?
THE EXTREME BOASTS 1600M OF VERTICAL ASCENT AND SOME PRETTY SERIOUS TERRAIN. FINISHERS WILL BE PART OF AN ELITE FEW AND EVERYBODY WILL KNOW WHO THEY ARE.
Your entry includes:
- Race T-Shirt for all entrants
- Craft Beer
- Prego Roll
- Race medal
- A professionally planned and managed route
- Goodie Bag
The hospitality station will be accessible to all runners ahead of the start. You will be able to fill bottles and bladders as well as stock up on some much needed nutrition.
More information: www.bezhoekextreme.co.za/trail-run-2017/
Event location
Bezuidenhoutshoek Private Nature Reserve, Near Middelburg
Route information | |
Coordinates | -25.757841890594, 29.359948070728 |
Address | Bezuidenhoutshoek Private Nature Reserve |
City | Near Middelburg |
Province | Mpumalanga |
Registration Number: 2015/141112/07