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AMATOLA 35K TRAIL RUN or little bafer

PRE ENTRIES ARE CLOSED, PLEASE ENTER AT START OR AT "AWAY WITH THE FAIRIES" IN HOGSBACK ON SAT NIGHT - SEE PATRICK.

(BORDER AMATEUR FUN ECO RUN)

After the Big Bafer 2002 event Patrick Elson had the idea to start a shorter trail run for runners who preferred a shorter route over the mountains.  The Zingcuka Loop of the Amatola Trail was a perfect choice, it is (about) 38k long, starting and finishing at Hobbiton it would fit in perfectly with the 100k.  The little bafer also offered an opportunity for seconds (drivers of runners vehicles) to enjoy a trail run and not feel excluded.

Date:  17^th October 2010.

Start:  07:00

Registration and kit check: 17^th from 06:00 - 06:45.

Race briefing:  06:55.

Place:  Hobbiton on Hogsback.

Entries:  Entries accepted at the start, T shirts for pre entries only.

Cost: R200.00

Route:

The Zingcuka Loop starts at Hobbiton and after a short downhill to the Tyumie River climbs steeply up the mountain and behind The Hog.  From here there is a steep descent and rock scramble down to the Wolf River where the trail joins up with the 100k trail, negotiating two river valleys and then contouring along the top of the cliffs of the Zingcuka Valley forests.  A very steep descent and a cool forest path leads to the hiking huts and the forest road.  A little further at Peter's check point the long arduous climb up the Hog begins from where it is "all down hill" to the end of the trail with a short 2k climb back to the finish at Hobbiton.

Route Info:

This is an undulating trail which means that it is challenging and goes up and down quite a bit.  It is a circuit, passing through some very pretty areas. There is adequate water on the trail but water will have to be carried between streams and rivers.

Runner’s info:

Runners must be self sufficient for the day, no seconding, and no feeding stations.

There will be a cut off along the way, after which the emergency route must be followed.

Times per day range between 8:30 and 12 hours.

Runners must be fit and have run a marathon or at least a 35k trail run recently.

Runners must follow the marked trail.  No short cuts allowed.

There will be a sweeper.

There will be check points.  Missing a check point will move you to the end of the results.

Runners will receive a light meal and refreshments at the finish.

No refunds, substitutions will be allowed.

 Compulsory running equip:

1.       Shoes in good condition.

2.       Backpack or large hip pouch.

3.       Water container min 2l.

4.       Waterproof Rain jacket / windbreaker.

5.       Torch and spare battery and globe (tested to last at least 5 hours).

6.       Whistle.

7.       Space blanket.

8.       Gloves

9.       Warm clothing (long sleeve top).

10.     High-energy food/drink.

11.      Small first aid kit with plasters, headache tablets etc.

Advisable equipment:

1.        Cell phone - emergency numbers will be supplied.

2.        Sunglasses.

3.        Sun block.

4.        Camera.

5.        Rain trousers.

6.        Warm pants.

7.        Tick repellent.

 The little BAFER will begin and end at Hobbiton on Hogsback.  The distance is about 38 kilometers and the same rules apply as for the BIG BAFER.  The trail will meet up with the BIG BAFER trail and return to Hogsback via the cut off mentioned above, the same cut off applies to those doing the little BAFER. Seconds will be expected to pay entry to Hobbiton (R20). 

Contacts:

Please contact Dave Gassner on Cell - 0768179058, home - 021 7855911, fax - 086 615 3145 or email address cd.gassner@yahoo.com  if you have any queries.

 You can contact Josh or Tanya at Hobbiton (Hogsback) for accommodation on 045 962 1193 or email hobbiton@execunet.co.za and Pat Speir in King William’s Town on 043 642 1747 or email amatola@frontiertours.co.za