The Namaqualand Flower run takes one on a 20km loop for the long route and a 10km loop for the shorter route. The race starts with a 12km ascent to the summit of the Northern Cape's highest peak the Rooiberg. Afterwhich is an 8km sprint straight down to a valley finish, with songs and 'kos' provided by the local communities. The route will lead runners and hikers alike though some of South Africa's most unexplored terrain and beautiful settings.

With limited entries available (80) the flower run will be a unique and highly popular race in the years to come!

Race Rules:

The Namaqualand Flower run is set in a biodiversity hotspot with no less than 6 endemic species of plant life in the area. For this reason the following rules and etiquette must be adhered to by all competitors and marshals alike:

Absolutely NO Littering

Never be more than 10m from the trail or out of sight of the nearest cairn or marshal (unless you need water along the route, there is a waterfall and various rivers to fill your bottles up from) anyone found taking shortcuts will be disqualified and banned from the race for two (2) years.

No destruction or defacing of any Plant or animal life

Absolutely no polluting the river and water systems on route

The use of bad language is prohibited

Any form of violence towards oneself or another (including marshals, other competitors, animal and plant life) is penaliseable by disqualification. The Race Director reserves the right to report any violent behaviour to the police for prosecution.

Equipment

(long and short route)Each competitor must carry a hydration system of some type. The size of hydration system is up to you. Recommended: 2 litres, there will be streams on route with pure fresh water.

(Long route) Camel backs or small back packs are recommended. Make sure you have some snacks or a ?zaam? (sandwich) for the long route as you?ll be out there for between 4 and 8 hours.

Take sunscreen.

(Long route) We are going to the top of the highest mountain in the Northern Cape; in that light, every competitor is required to carry a light fleece or windbreaker. Random checks of kit will be performed before the start.

No SANDALS, every competitor must wear closed hiking/outdoor type shoes. Takkies and cross trainers are also acceptable.

Entries: An online entry form can be downloaded from this site. Click on 'NEWS' re the event and scroll down.

The completed forms along with a proof of payment must then be e-mailed to buff@sabizmail.co.za in order for your entry to be valid. You will be required to sign the indemnity on the entry form on race dat at registraion. We will organise for all entry forms to be brought to the race once they have been completed and e-mailed through.

Cost: Entries are R150 per runner for the long route and R70 for the short 8km route. As there are only a limited availability of entries please be sure to enter as soon as possible after the 1st of June.

Registration: Registration is on the day and will open from 6am on the morning of the 27th of September.

Prizes: Prizes will be awarded for the top three competitors in each category, of which there are only 2, Male and Female. Our sponsors, Linebreak compression garments are sponsoring the top prizes.

Start Time: The Long route starts at 7:30am sharp. All competitors are required to be at the start for race briefing at 7:20am. The short route starts at 7:50am sharp.

Accommodation: If you require a place to stay during your visit please e-mail buff@sabizmail.co.za for a comprehensive list of accommodation spots in the Namaqualand area.

Directions: 500km north from Cape Town along the N7 brings you to the sleepy town of Garies. Take a right at the only T-junction (follow race signs) in Garies and follow the road until it becomes a dirt road. After approx 17km turn right at the sign to Rodebergskloof farm (also see race signs). Folow this track till the start/finish. 4x4's aren't required but cars with a higher ground clearance are reccomended as the final track on the farm grounds can be bumpy!

Route map: A complete route map of both the 20km and 8km routes is attached to the entry form which can be found under the news column to the right of your screen.