THE NUM-NUM TRAIL CHALLENGE - RACE REPORT

In its second year the Num-Num Trail Challenge was hailed as a pure trail running experience with spectacular scenery to test the physical and mental skills of the most hardened trail runner. Whether they took part in the ‘36.5km challenge’ or the ‘15km Rough It’ this was not a race for sissies. Some of South Africa’s leading runners including Landie Visser, Jock Green, Mazu Ndandani, Graeme McCallum, Christiaan Greyling and Dom Wills, lined up to be challenged by the Bankspruit Gorge, Hells Kloof and Skurwerberg to get ultimate bragging rights.

In the men’s 36.5km race Christiaan Greyling powered through to be the winner with a quad breaking 04:53. Landie Visser was crowned the ‘Trail Klipspringer’ covering 36.5km of sandstone and forest twisters in 05:08. The last runner’s pulled on phenomenal mental resources to get in just after dark in 11 hours. Graeme McCallum took a wrong turn and did the Bermanzi Loop twice. This is only the toughest part of the trail. Think rock climbing for 1.5km uphill and 2kms downhill on lose stone and then doing it again! 40kms in 05:31 guarantees a good night’s sleep.

Sijila Msitini is going to be one to watch. He is a Num-Num staff member who in his very first race ever came in third. Thank you to Sportsmans Warehouse for a massive discount on his shoes and the runner’s who contributed towards buying them. He said he would have done better if he ran in his overalls and not trail running pants but he loved the trail running shoes. A shot of ‘Blast’ from Pure Technology Nutrition put an extra spring in his step on route.

The 15km runners took on some of the technically trickiest parts of the Num-Num Trail - limbering over old boulder falls, in and out of forested areas and through sandstone rock formations. The race in 2012 was a bit tougher than the previous year. Jonathan Beattie managed to snatch first place in 2:52, despite some past injuries. Roelof Nel (02:53) and Deborah Leat (02:55) were breathing hot and heavy down his heels. Unfortunately Riaan van der Vyver took an emergency exit and had to be DNF but he set a blistering speed. The last runner’s did the 15kms of rough terrain in over 5 hours.

A couple of comments from Trail Runners...

• “Cape Town Trail runners supporting Mpumalanga jewel! Definitely worth the travel. Lung burning technical trail with unforgettable scenery!” Christiaan Greyling, Num-Num Challenge 2012 Winner
• “The variety of terrain is probably the most enjoyable part of the race – easy escarpment running, great views, steep climbs, quad-busting technical descents, twisty forest sections, ladders, bridges, waterfalls, rock pools – Num-Num has got everything. “ Neill Leith, 8th place
• “Congratulations on an awesome race!!!! A Real Trail race!!! (and you can quote me!) This is the way it should be, thank you very much!! I had a wonderful time out there!” Bani Erasmu, 6th place.