A quick, rough guide to the Regular Weekly Trail groups on the peninsula (acsis VOB / MATES / CRAG / Celtics / Orca) (compiled by Sir Tim Bellairs) There seem to be lots of new faces arriving at the weekly runs and from feedback received it seems it would be useful to clarify some basics and also advise which groups are suitable for which runners: Ø The 5 groups referred to here are by no means the only clubs organisations that offer trail runs but these groups above are open to all runners, not just club members. There may well be other clubs that do this but we are not aware of them. If you are looking for a club to join though then we would love to have you as a member. It is not compulsory though. Ø For these 5 groups, there are no fees payable for attending the runs. They are free. The only costs you have to pay is where we have to pay entry fees to a reserve. These are for your account. Ø There is no insurance involved. You run entirely at your own risk. Ø You don’t need to RSVP unless specifically requested. You just rock up and run. You may be required to fill in an attendance register at the run though. Ø You are expected to know the general rules of trail running and which kit to wear and carry for the different weather conditions. If you don’t know then you must ask. Which groups for which runners? Ø acsis VOB Longer Faster Group: This group is for more experienced, fit trail runners who can do 20 – 25km of technical, tough, trail at a medium to medium fast pace. See blog link below. Ø acsis VOB Table Mountain Trailers: There are three pace groups – 1. Main Group is a similar pace to the Longer Faster Group but for 10 – 15km and with more regroups than the Longer, Faster Group which makes it do-able for some of the slower runners. 2. Recovery Group is a gentler pace for 7 – 10km suitable for recovering athletes and novice trail runners. 3. A walking group – not a stroll, but a brisk walk which has been known to bring walkers to near heart failure. See blog link below. Ø MATES: Similar to acsis VOB Longer Faster Group and often a little more hard core (extreme terrain) but definitely do-able for most experienced trail runners. Helps to be a beer drinker. J Ø CRAG / CWAG: A pack run that caters for most trail runners. Not what I would call a beginner runner group as you need to be able to do 10 -15km of technical trail with confidence but once you have some base fitness then this is one of the first groups you need to join. Lots of experienced trail runners to advise you. CWAG is the walking group for a brisk walk on the mountains. Ø Celtics: 4 – 5 Pace groups which cater for just about all speeds from slow to super-fast. If in any doubt, start with the slowest group and work your way up over time. A great place to kick off your trail running although you do need some base fitness (must be able to run 10km) even for the slowest group. Ø Orca: Friday night Pub-Pub shorter trail runs specifically designed for beginner trail runners. Each club / group has its own emailing list which you can join. But this email attempts to bring all of the info together. •USEFUL TRAIL RUNNING EVENTS LINKS Very useful links for just about all trail events and news: wildrunner.co.za / wildrunner.ning trailrunning.co.za ndorfin.co.za quantumadventures.co.za mountainrunner.co.za southerncrossadventure.co.za iqela-events.co.za · Want to get a Green Card for free access to SANParks areas (Including Cape Point for the Puffer Helpers on Saturday)? Allison Lamb reports the following: “You can pop along to Kirstenbosch Tourism office with R90, 2 photos, copy of your rates bill or some other proof of residence and your ID and they will hand over a Green Card just like that: sanparks.co.za/parks/table_mountain/tourism/access-cards-permits.php” . You can do the same at the SANParks office in Tokai Forest (just before the Manor House.
Posted on: Tue, 20 Aug 2013 18:05:43 +0000
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