Did you ever dream that you may, one day, be able to run this extraordinary hiking trail as a one day trail run? Your dream has now become reality!!

Magnetic South, in association with SANParks, are extremely proud to now be offering this incredibly unique opportunity. The inaugural Otter will take place on Saturday 25th September 2010.

What is the Otter-African Trail Run?

The Otter Run presented by Hi-Tec has been dubbed “the Holy Grail of Trail Running.” At 42km it is a full trail marathon that traverses South Africa’s most iconic hiking trail; the Otter Trail, arguably one of the most beautiful trails on the planet. The Otter Run is the only time when trail running is permitted on the Otter Trail.

The Otter Run is a two day, two night, trail running event. The first day includes a 4km prologue race and the 2^nd day features the 42km trail marathon. Participants are accommodated in a tented race camp in the de Vasselot Campsite at Natures Valley on the western fringe of the Tsitsikamma National Park and transported to the race start at Storms River, predawn on the morning of the 42km trail run.

What is the History of The Otter Run?

The inaugural Otter Run was staged in September 2009 running in conjunction with the Southern Storm. The first Otter Run, which attracted some of the best endurance athletes in Africa, was described by hardened trail runners as “the pinnacle of a life time spent pursuing outdoor endurance events.” In 2009 80 participants completed the Otter Run as day two of the six day staged duathlon- The Southern Storm.

• The inaugural Otter Men’s race was won by Iain don Wauchope in a time of 4:59:02
• The Woman’s race was won by Sue don Wauchope in a time of 5:58:07
• The Male’s Vet race was won by Nick Bester in a time of 5:33:04
• The Ladies Vet race was won by Rhona Zonnenstein in a time of 6:36:09

The Format of the Event

The prologue Trail Run will be held on Friday afternoon immediately after registration. Athletes will be seeded for The Otter based on the results of the prologue with race start times on The OTTER (Saturday) being staggered accordingly and the higher seeded participants starting first. Due to the technical terrain and remoteness of this
iconic trail, we will be required to enforce very strict cut-off times.

What are the cut off times for the 2010 Otter?

Various safety cut-offs are effected at strategic points along the route and participants have to make sure they pass these points ahead of the cut-off times to remain on the course. The major cut-off on the Otter is the infamous Bloukrans River crossing which closes 8 hours after race start after which participants will no longer be allowed to continue on the race course. Anyone who passes the Bloukrans before that time will be allowed to complete the course.

The Otter Race medals will only be awarded to those trail runners who complete The Otter in under the official race cut off time.

The official race cut-off time will be announced in competitor newsletters.

What is the nature and difficulty of the Otter Run?

The Otter run is a severely technical trail run yet almost entirely run-able by a proficient trail runner. The trail is mostly single track and the surface of the track varies between jagged sections with sharp and slippery rocks, boulder fields, pebble beach’s, open forest trails with projecting roots and overhanging branches, steep stepped assents and descents, sandy beaches and open cliff top trails. The route is relentless and climbs over 2200 meters of accumulated assent. Running pace and safety on the trail can be greatly affected by inclement weather.

Timing of the Race

• Athletes enter as individuals and will be timed individually (Male & Female Athletes will be ranked separately).

• Split times and accumulative time will be posted after the race that evening in the race village.

What is the Otter Grail?

The Otter Grail is a trophy cup upon which anyone who completes The Otter in less than 5 hours has their name inscribed. Iain don Wauchope is the only person who currently has his name on the Otter Grail.

Race Categories

• OPEN Men 40-
• OPEN Female 40-
• VET Men 40+
• VET Female 40+

What is included in the Otter Run basic package?

The Entry Fee Includes’

1. Accommodation in the Otter race village (2 nights starting on Friday night after the Prologue.)
2. Dinner in the race village on Friday and Saturday and breakfast on Saturday and Sunday
3. Nutrition at designated “munchie points”
4. Race medical services (free on-site basic treatment)
5. Race Finisher’s Prize Giving Dinner in the Race Village
6. Technical Athlete Shirt
7. Transfer between the nominated parking point to the Race village, . before and after the event.
8. Transport to the start of the Otter at Storms River on Saturday morning.
9. Transfer back to race village from the race route should you withdraw due to injury or equipment failure.

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