Put on your running shoes and let’s go!
Firstly, I’m not a runner. When COVID-19 hit South Africa’s shores in 2020 and restrictions were placed on contact sport, my hockey league and club couldn’t take place. So, I started running more in the Estate I live in, and soon after, I was invited to join a group of ladies, the BABs (Bad Ass Babes), who also run in the Estate.
They convinced me to run my first trail with them within a few months. It was a 10km trail at Seaton towards the end of 2020. It was then that the trail-running bug bit, especially since I enjoyed the atmosphere and experience while doing the run. After hearing so many positive things about the Oxpecker Trail Run, I decided to take the plunge and enter the 2021 race. So, last year was my first time running the Oxpecker, and I absolutely LOVED it, even having never run more than 10km in one outing, and I decided to rerun it this year!
At the event, you’re meeting and mingling with passionate locals who are only too eager to show you the best of their countryside. The event’s inaugural run was hosted in 2015 with 490 runners, but they introduced two more weekends over the years due to demand. This is how the names of the Yellow-Billed, Red-Billed and African Oxpeckers came about! It is the perfect balance between enjoyable and challenging, with mostly a single jeep track with bushveld views. The distance for the first day is 20km.
You start along the banks of the Tugela river, and the route follows cattle tracks, slowly meandering to the base of Spioenkop Mountain. The climbing begins on a well-worn purpose-made single path which makes running easier, and everyone makes their way to the summit of Twin Peaks, passing under beautiful acacia trees. The runners traverse along the top before arriving at the first water point. It’s manned by a group of incredible ladies who climb up a day before with food and drinks. They then head down a single track passing herds of antelope and giraffes before arriving at the Garden of Eden. And the last 5km section takes you home on a handmade path along the riverbank before arriving at the finish line in Emseni.
Day two comprises a 16km distance. It begins with a fun ride in a taxi to the top of a hill to reach the secret starting point. It is a traditional cattle and irrigation farm, so we got to run through maize fields and pass cattle grazing in the pastures. After a small climb, we head through bushveld on single tracks and pass large aloe fields back to the river crossing before finishing at the race village.
When I first did the Oxpecker, my running team and our ‘coach’ Carol were instrumental in physically and mentally preparing me. I did some 10-15km road runs, and some training runs at Holla Trails in the build-up to Oxpecker. Doing more strengthening exercises helped me improve my time and overall experience this year. If you don’t have a team to guide you, the Oxpecker team sends all participating runners an eight-week training programme to prepare you for the event. From a supplies perspective, two pieces of equipment which I feel are essential are proper trail running shoes and a good camel pack with water or energy sachets. Even though there are water stations along the route, having your pack helps you along the way. What helps me with recovery afterwards is the onsite physios who offer massages to help deal with any pain or discomfort.
One thing I love about this event is that it inspires people to dress up and have fun, even if it’s in silly outfits. It’s the fun aspect of the event, with some people entering even just walking the trail. On day one, the iconic Oxpecker cut-out steel frame at the top of the mountain is a fun picture opportunity to celebrate the milestone in the race. I loved running this event with my BABs, and my naturally fit boyfriend, who does minimal training every year but still manages to outrun me!
Next, I am looking forward to running in the Imfolozi Outrun and the Glencairn Trail Run. They both have something different to offer, even the diverse terrain and wildlife, providing a unique experience. The Imfolozi Outrun probably has the most party-like atmosphere in the evenings. A portion of the proceeds goes towards KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife and the rangers who protect that area.
Although I’m not a runner, I think I might be on the path to becoming one…
Words: Janna Strang