Organisers Magnetic South have been burning the midnight oil with all the preparations required for an event of this nature.

The logistics involved in moving competitors and their equipment from stage to stage is both intricate and challenging – SANParks and Cape Nature manage land that is environmentally sensitive and as the majority of the 6 day multi stage event traverses this terrain every minute detail has been brainstormed with all the interested parties to ensure the Environmental Management Plan being drawn up by The Nature Conservation Corporation elevates this event to being the role model for all other related events to follow.

Months and months of discussions have gone into the planning and examples of the detailed steps the organisers have gone to include – Natural Organics Biodegradable Body Wash & Shampoo, Squirt Biodegradable Bicycle Chain Lube, AC Environmental Bike & Clothing Detergent have been introduced as sponsored products that each and every participant will receive at registration and the use thereof will become mandatory for the duration of the event.Bio Bin will be supplying the event with 15 x 250 litre Recycling Bins for use in overnight camps and along the route.

Additional measures include the unusually large safety/marshalling crew of 25 people, that will manage the 45 km stretch on the Otter Trail alone – to ensure the athletes do not leave any trace of litter or feel at all vulnerable on the technical terrain.

The Mountain Club of South Africa – Mountain Rescue Team who are resident in the Bitou region will be co-ordinating all safety and rescue with the assistance of an additional crew of very fit and experienced volunteer rescue runners.  No stone is being left unturned in creating what will be the benchmark in sports event organising to highlight environmental awareness and detailed attention to competitor safety.

Add in the spectacular region the Garden Route National Park is known for and you have a combination of factors that is going to be hard to match anywhere else.