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.

Race Categories

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

Entry Fee

The entry fee for the Otter basic package is R 2250.00 (VAT included)

Payment Options, Cancellation Policy, Refunds and Substitutions

Entry Fees in Full have to be paid with Registration

• If an entry is cancelled in writing on or before the 1 May 2010, 15% cancellation fee (of the total entry fee) applies.
• If an entry is cancelled in writing between the 1st of May and the 1^st of July 2010, a 25% cancellation fee (of the total entry fee) applies.
• If an entry is cancelled after the 1st of July, a 35% cancellation fee is applicable, but 65% of the entry fees are only refunded if we can replace this entry by someone on our waiting list.

• Substitutions can be done before the 1st of August 2010 at a cost of R 400.00

• No carry over to 2011 is permitted
• The Organisers word is final here.

RULES GOVERNING ENTRY AND PARTICIPATION IN THE OTTER

1. 1. THE MAXIMUM PARTICIPATION RULE

A RULE HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED GOVERNING THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TIMES A PARTICIPANT MAY ENTER THE OTTER

Due to the high demand for places on The Otter and the limited number of places available, the need has arisen for the Event Organisers to cater fairly to all aspirant participants, giving every trail runner an equal opportunity to participate in this sought after event. Participants will thus only be guaranteed entry for a maximum of 3 consecutive events, after which they will be required to enter during Phase 4 of the entry process. (Thus, those who participated in the events in 2009 will be allowed to participate in 2010 and 2011 only, after which they will be made to enter as per Phase 4)