Explore the lush forests of the Mpumalanga Highlands near the town of Belfast as the trails and forestry roads meet grassy plains. With routes aimed at every level of trail runner, spring time is the best time to run the forest trails. This event, like all WildTrail events is Hiker Friendly!!!

Date:

25 November 2023

Venue:

Lakenvlei Forest Lodge, Belfast, Mpumalanga 

www.lakenvlei.co.za

Race options and Costs:

8km – R 150 (R170 for on the day entries)

16km – R 200 (R220 for on the day entries)

23km – R280 (R300 for on the day entries)

Start Times:

8km – 08:00

16km – 07:45

23km – 07:30

This event is hiker friendly and therefore generous cut-off times will be applied. All participants will need to be off the route by 14:00

Route Description:

Lakenvlei Lake Loop (8K): This introductory trail route is perfect for beginners and families. It takes you around the pristine Lakenvlei Lake, offering serene views of the water and the surrounding forest. The gentle terrain and well-marked paths make it an enjoyable option for runners of all levels.

Forest Explorer (16K): For those looking for a more challenging experience, the Forest Explorer route is a fantastic choice. This course takes you deeper into the heart of the forest, winding through towering trees and over rolling hills. It's a true nature lover's paradise with various wildlife sightings and vibrant birdwatching opportunities along the way.

Forest Challenge (23K): If you're a seasoned trail runner seeking a test of your endurance and skills, the Mountain Challenge is a must-try. This route introduces you to the rugged beauty of the surrounding plantations,. You'll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Mpumalanga landscape and the chance to truly immerse yourself in the highland forests of Mpumalanga.

Water Points:

8km – 1 Waterpoints

16km – 1 Waterpoint

23km – 3 Waterpoints

Prizes and Medals.

All finishers on all routes will receive a medal in the form of a cloth badge.

Prize Money will be equal in Men’s and Ladies categories only, and only in the 21km and 12km events. Men and Ladies will receive equal prize money.

23km  1^st        R1000

            2^nd      R500

            3^rd       R300

16km  1^st        R300

            2^nd      R200

            3^rd       R100

Race Village:

The Race Village will be set up at the start and finish venue at Lakenvlei Forest Lodge. A full food and snack menu will be available from the Lodge as well as bar services. Runners and their families are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets. Limited Braai fires will be available at the race village.

Directions:

From Pretoria: Take the N4 East to Nelspruit. Exit at Belfast and follow the main road to Dullstroom. Approximately 10km outside Belfast, turn left at the big sign to Lakenvlei. From there it is another 10km to the lodge and the start.

From Johannesburg: Follow the N12 through Witbank towards Nelspruit. Exit at Belfast and follow the main road to Dullstroom. Approximately 10km outside Belfast, turn left at the big sign to Lakenvlei. From there it is another 10km to the lodge and the start.

Accommodation:

There is limited log cabin accommodation at Lakenvlei. Additional accommodation is available in Dullstroom (Contact Dullstroom Accommodation on  

Elandskloof Trout Farm is within 25km of Lakenvlei and has ample accommodation. Contact Celeste on 071 698 7845 or https://www.elandskloof.co.za/

Camping:

There are camping spots available at Elandskloof Trout Farm. Contact Celeste on 071 698 7845 or https://www.elandskloof.co.za/