Spur KZN Trail Series

We arrived early to the sounds of a myriad of forest insects, birds and the distant waves splashing on the shores of the Blythedale Coastal Resort, a new location for the Spur KZN Trail Running Series and a first of many for the Blythedale development.

It was a cool crisp morning where enthusiastic runners started to arrive in droves and began preparing themselves for an epic 6km/12km Spur KZN trail run. Families from all over the country gathered to enjoy the outdoor adventure, the mood was vibrant, joyful and full of life and energy!

First to leave were the participants for the 12 km race at 7am followed shortly thereafter by the 6 Km runners. On the Blythedale trails, participants found themselves cutting through 320 hectors of raw indigenous forests, sugarcane plantations and untouched pristine beach. Heartbreak hill saw even the most seasoned runner take strain as front runner’s battled for position in the heat of the morning sun.

It was not too long before the first Spur KZN Runners of the short 6 km race came bursting out of the forest, sprinting to the final line to secure the first, second and third positions. Congratulations to our top 3 winners of the Men’s 6km: 1^st place: Brian Cele, 2^nd place: Swenky Gillingham and 3^rd place: Derek Wasserfall and to our top 3 winners of the Women’s 6km: 1st place: Taryn Lopez, 2^nd place: Danica Dyer and 3rd place: Lindi Meyer.

Next we waited in anticipation for the 12km runners. Reports where flowing in from our marshals in the field. This was turning out to be a nail-biting event. After receiving our last checkpoint update within minutes, the leaders came hurtling down the last stretch of the trail under the forest canopy to cross the line.

Congratulations to our top 3 winners of the Men’s 12km race, 1st place: Grant Cummings, 2^nd place: Donovan Van Gelder and 3^rd place: Andrew Erasmus. Our top 3 winners of the Women’s 12km were, 1st place: Zoe Papadakis, 2nd place: Helen Buley and 3rd place: Kirsty Allen.

The day was enjoyed by all and we look forward to next year. We will be partnering as hosts for the Spur KZN Trail Series. The Directors would like to thank the sponsors Spur Steak Ranches and BOS Sport, Andrew, Cameron, Andrew Thompson, Blythedale Sales Team, trail marshals and above all, the participants in this year’s Spur KZN Trail Series.