So if you hadn't already heard, we designed our own unique way of still being able to enjoy competing on a set race course whilst under the quash of the COVID-19 lockdown and associated gatherings act rules and regulations.
It's called the Trail Series® Phantom Rally and it consists of 12 Special Stages - one per month. Each stage has a short (6-7km), long (8-11km) and XL (13-22km) distance race course, and you have a month to run as many times as you like/can to set your best time. The first stage was held on the urban trails of Constantia Greenbelts and Cecilia Forest during the month of July, with many repeat attempts and some fierce competition!
In August for Special Stage 2, we return to the location of the very first Trail Series® race held back in Jan 2008 - in the beautiful Silvermine East. Feast your eyes and trail running feet on some of the most spectacular, runable mountain trails on the peninsula. Choose between the 6.1km, 10.5km or 16km routes - or like some, run all three!
So how does it work and how do I know where to go?
For a detailed rendition, click here, but in a nutshell: Upon entry you receive a detailed Rally Book which you can either print or reference on your phone (click here to see a sample of what this looks like). This Rally Book is all the information you need, including - and most importantly - a precise junction by junction breakdown of the route, complete with a photograph of every junction overlaid with a tulip arrow diagram telling you where to go. This is all you need to find your way, BUT should you know your way around loading and following a GPS, there is a GPX file of the route sent to you as well. The final component is tracking each attempt using a very easy to use (free) app OR your own GPS device (providing you are able to send a GPX file). Importantly, you don't need a fancy GPS watch, just a smartphone. Upon finishing each attempt, you simply email or Whatsapp the GPX file to Wildrunner for verification and ultimately loading your result onto the FinishTime leaderboard.
Some of the Trail Series® long-standing sponsors and partners have joined forces to offer exciting monthly lucky draw prizes. Please support these brands who have gone out of their way to support all of us during this uncertain time.
Steenberg Vineyards - THE best sparkling wine on the market!
Boldgear - proudly South African apparel!
North Ridge - proudly South African backpacks that last forever, guaranteed.
Black Diamond - Internationally acclaimed mountain gear.
Jaybird - the best wireless headphones for running out there.
Bos Sport - Rooibos rehydration!
FinishTime - Our leaderboard partner, FinishTime are the best in the business and we owe them a huge thank you for their support in presenting the leadboard for the Phantom Rally.
As Special Stage Two gets underway, we thank you all for the support and wish you and your loved ones well during this period of uncertainty.