Family

South Africa is globally renowned for its accessible, wide open spaces. For those who were not raised clambering over rocks, skipping along cattle tracks or drinking from mountain streams, the idea of raising children to embrace the elements and celebrate mountain summits may seem far-fetched, or even questionable in terms of safety. But in a world lived digitally, many families have countered or collapsed screen time in favour of bringing up little wildlings, and the benefits are endless.

When, where, and how to get there!

Road running in South Africa remains one of our favourite sports, for many reasons. It is relatively affordable, accessible and the legacy of races such as the Comrades marathon creates a road running culture that is built on history, pride and some iconic running names. If you are a runner in this country, you will be asked if you have a Comrades medal – this cliché is quite unavoidable!

Next up in our “families that play together” series, some insight in to the trail tussles of the Herring twins, and how they roped mom in to their much-loved trail scene. This is sibling rivalry in its most robust form. We’ve no doubt that Dale will comment on this piece and give us the other side of the story, but here is Kyle’s side, for now!

Names: Kyle and Dale Herring (23) and Elmare Herring (48)

Teens on the Trails

Next up in our series of stories featuring families who take to the trails together, a mom and teens combo.

Allison Lamb is a single mom who encourages her teen daughters in to the great outdoors as often as possible. She introduced her youngest, Kara (then 13 now 15) to trail running during the Merrel Night Runs. Kara was hooked, and progressed to the St. Lukes Superheroes race, and the Wildrunner Trail Series® events where she has achieved frequent podium positions.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll feature families that get out on to the trails together. We’ve got stories on twins who tussle at the sharp end, father daughter combos, mothers who let their little ones run before they walked, and this wonderful father son trail team, Eugene and his father, Herman Van Der Merwe.

“You’ve decided to pursue the ultimate challenge, harder than any ultra or any FKT: you’re bringing a tiny trail runner into the world.” - Megan Janssen.

Work, Eat, Sleep repeat. This is a normal routine for people across the world. A select few try to add a fourth item to the list. Work, eat, train, sleep (sometimes), repeat. This is a tough routine to stick to but is very rewarding. Suddenly you find you have an extra bundle of joy in the house and training goes out the window. Thus you decide to take on the ultimate challenge.

Think they’re too young to understand the importance of lessons learned while trail running? Bring the kids to your next trail event and see what happens to all of you!