The Otter – African Trail 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 trail running event. The first day includes a 4km prologue race which start and finishes in Nature’s Valley and the 2^nd day features the 42km trail marathon, which starts in the Tsitsikamma Section and finishes in the de Vasselot Campsite at Natures Valley on the western fringe of the Tsitsikamma National Park. Participants are 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

2010 the OTTER was again run in conjunction with the Southern Storm.

• Winning Time of the OTTER Men’s race was 4:48:53 and won by Andre Gie
• The Woman’s race was won by Jeannie Bomford in a time of 5:17:12
• The Male’s VET race was won by Trevor Tourien in a time of 5:13:03
• The Woman’s VET race was won by Michelle Lombardi in a time of 05:22:39

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