Trail runners, road racers, families and four-legged friends have good reason to plan their next outing. Two exciting events are coming up in the Overberg: the Brew Run heads into the mountains around Greyton, while the Voet van Afrika crosses the open roads and farmlands between Napier and Bredasdorp.
Both promise a proper test, memorable scenery and a finish-line reward worth the training.
Brew Run in Greyton
Greyton’s Brew Run offers three ways to experience the area’s fynbos, mountain views and rewarding trails. Whether a serious challenge or a sociable morning outdoors, there is a distance to suit.
* 21 km Trail Half Marathon – the ultimate Brew Run challenge: This is the route for runners who want to go deep into the mountains surrounding Greyton. Breathtaking views, varied terrain and scenery that makes every climb worth it combine to create a serious run for those who want to earn their beer.
* 13 km Trail Run – the perfect middle ground: Winding through some of the most beautiful landscapes the Greyton area has to offer, the 13 km delivers big views and memorable trails. It is a rewarding option for those ready to push themselves without committing to the full half-marathon challenge.
* 6 km Fun Run/Walk – short on distance, big on beauty: This dog-friendly introductory route gives everyone a taste of the stunning fynbos and mountain scenery that makes Greyton special. It is fun, accessible and a great reason to lace up your shoes, or bring along a keen canine companion.
At the finish a free pint of craft beer will be waiting: runners simply need to show their race number to claim it.
Registration is on Friday afternoon, 14 August, from 16:00 to 19:00, and again at 07:15 on Saturday morning before the start.
Fo more information contact Ros at Greyton Tourism Bureau on 028 254 9414 or visit https://www.greytontourism.com/More information: Email greytontrail@greytonhouse.co.za
Voet van Afrika
For runners who prefer the rhythm of road and gravel, Voet van Afrika lays out a demanding journey through the southern Overberg. The programme includes a full marathon, half marathon and 10 km race, each with its own challenge. The event will take place on 18 and 19 September.
○ Full Marathon – 42 km: The full marathon starts at 06:00 on the Elim Road, approximately 8,5 km from Bredasdorp. After about 1,5 km on tar, runners turn onto a farm road and follow it for 12 km. Along the way they pass the original marathon start as it was run in 1978. The gravel road is fairly narrow but leaves enough room to pass slower runners, and although there is a hill or two, the first 13 km are not too difficult. Then the climbing begins, including a 470 m ascent over 2 km that may feel never-ending.
A cash prize is on offer for the King of the Mountain: the first man to reach the water station at the FM Tower on top of the mountain, provided he also completes the race.
From the FM Tower, a wonderful downhill cruise on gravel leads to the main road in Napier.
* Half-Marathon: The half-marathon starts at 07:30 in Napier at the Agulhas School of Skills in Plein Street. Runners turn right into Cecil and right into Reservoir Street, then follow the road to join the 42 km runners at the Napier BelangeGroep water station.
The 16 km stretch between Napier and Bredasdorp is on tar and includes several long, taxing hills, but there is plenty to enjoy in the green-and-gold farmland along the R316. The first lady at the Spar water station at the 11 km-to-go mark who completes the race can claim the cash prize for Queen of The Voet van Afrika.
For the final 3 km, half-marathon runners join the 10 km field into Bredasdorp, where friendly spectators cheer them all the way to the finish.
* 10 km – a short race with a serious sting: The 10 km has a similar profile to its half-marathon big brother. The first few kilometres are a steady upward climb on tar roads through Bredasdorp, before the route heads onto gravel roads through fynbos and farmlands on the outskirts of town. The middle half is mainly downhill, giving runners an opportunity to enjoy the scenery, but save something for the steep hill on the way back into Bredasdorp. Normal road-running shoes are advised.
For more info call 061 921 1005, visit https://voetvanafrika.co.za/ or send an email to voet@raceoffice.co.za
