Runners are in for a special treat this weekend, when they have the opportunity to enjoy spectacular trails and sweeping views at the KZN Trail Running WESSA uMngeni Valley Trail Run. Taking place on Sunday, 9 April, this WESSA fundraising event caters for all fitness levels with 5km, 12km and 24km routes and promises to be a fun day out for the whole family.
Lying on the edge of the Howick Falls, the uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve is rarely explored but breathtakingly scenic, with recently upgraded trails comprising of single track that explores cliff tops and valley bottoms, hugging the edge of the valley with thick bushveld, aloes and game. Participants of the event will get to explore every nook and cranny and enjoy the diversity on offer at the venue.
Speaking about the event, WESSA centre manager of the uMngeni Valley, Mathew Cocks, explained that the nature reserve was a hidden gem. Although it was established in 1976, the venue has been undergoing a transition to appeal to families as well as adventure seekers and youths.
“We really have an awesome set up here,” said Cocks. “Many people are not aware of us but we have fixed up our roads and been sorting out our trails. We have upgraded our accommodation to a three star bed and breakfast rating, we run a dynamic school programme and also offer various other activities such as fly fishing in the valley, trail running and hiking, bird watching, tree identification trails… there are so many aspects to this reserve.”
For trail runners, the views are definitely a draw card and the WESSA uMngeni Valley Trail Run will feature spectacular scenery.
“We have some of the best views of the Natal Midlands,” said Cocks. “We look over the whole uMngeni Valley towards Albert Falls Dam.”
Lauren Booth of KZN Trail Running echoed Cocks sentiments.
“We live about two km away from uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve and have a yearly family pass,” she said. “We run there and take our kids there weekly. There are very few places of this nature that I would feel safe running on my own as a lady and it is really so scenic.”
Commenting on the upcoming trial run, Booth said that, although the trails were largely well maintained, the terrain was steep and quite challenging.
“The 12km and 24km routes will take in my favourite Black Eagle Trail,” she said.
The long course will then continue on to the picnic site overlooking the valley and Albert Falls in the distance before dropping into the valley on some trails that are straight out of JR Tolkein’s The Hobbit. It will be a challenging climb out of the valley for the mountain goats.”
Booth added that the 5km would be less technical but still had its challenges, dropping into a riverine valley with a beautiful waterfall.
A portion of proceeds generated from entries will go to the nature reserve. WESSA will also be selling delicious egg and bacon rolls as well as cold drinks to raise additional funds. So runners, make sure you lace up for this event and get your entries in soon. For more information, visit www.kzntrailrunning.co.za
