Southern Storm | The Southern Storm is a full-service Duathlon set within the spectacular Garden Route National Park.

Race Info

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 is 9 hours.

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.