Addo Elephant Trail Run

The Addo Elephant Trail Run is a 50 and 100 Miler event that takes place in and around the Addo Elephant National Park which is situated 75 km north of the South African coastal city of Port Elizabeth.

The trail consists mainly of tracks within the National Park itself, with some stretches on gravel roads. Due to the remoteness and inaccessibility of the trail, the Addo Elephant Trail Runs differ substantially from other organized runs. Adequate mental and physical preparation is of utmost importance to each runner, because the mountains and valleys, although beautiful, are relentless in their challenge and unforgiving to the ill prepared.

There will be 16 checkpoints along the 100Miler route and 9 along the 50Miler route stocked with bottled water/energy drinks, sweets and fruits. It is essential to run with a small pack and to carry 2 drinking bottles or a bladder. For environmental reasons, no cups or sachets will be provided at the checkpoints – water bottles will be filled. Anyone wanting their own supplies at the specified drop bag checkpoints can hand in clearly marked drop off bags containing these at registration and they will be taken to the checkpoints.

100 Miler

The 100 Mile race starts at Darlington Lake, about 80 km south of Somerset East, and winds it’s way over the mountains into the Sundays River Valley and then over the Zuurberg Mountains, to finish at the Addo Elephant Park Main Rest Camp.

The finisher’s belt buckle concept was introduced for the 100 Miler, with a silver buckle for all finishers under 24hrs and a bronze buckle for all finishers under 30hrs. Cut-off time is 30hrs and there are cut-off times at various checkpoints along the route.

50 Miler

The 50 Mile race starts in the Main Street of Kirkwood, and winds it's way through valleys and over the Zuurberg Mountains to also finish at the Addo Elephant Park Main Rest Camp.

Participants of the 50 Miler who finish in under 9hrs receive a silver medal, with a bronze medal awarded to all other finishers.

For more information, history and photographs of the event, go to the website on www.extrememarathons.com

External links

* [http://www.extrememarathons.com/addo/, Official Site]