Sponsors
We are also very proud to again be able to welcome our presenting sponsors Hi Tec back for 2011. Hi Tec have been with the Otter Run since its inception and are integrally involved with SANParks rangers in the Tsitsikamma National Park. Hi Tec has also been running their Infinity Challenge in Cape Union Mart stores country wide where participants run 2000 meters of the “virtual” Otter Run on a specially programmed treadmill. The winners of the Infinity Challenge get a free entry into the 2011 Otter.

We are sure you will also be delighted to learn that GU,  will again overcome all the logistical challenges of providing a refreshment station (GU Munchie Point) on the inaccessible trail.  Participants can again look forward to enjoying fruit, muffins and GU’s magical energy replenishment products in the most unexpected of places. This was an absolute lifesaver to the majority of last year’s athletes.

Changes in 2011
If you have run one of the previous two Otter Runs before then you will have a pretty good idea of what to expect.  The Otter Ramble will be run this year in exactly the same format as the first two Otter Runs were conducted with the established 11 hour cut-off. The Otter Run, which terminates the day before the Otter Ramble, differs from the Ramble in that it has a very ambitious 8 hour cut-off. The two events were separated to cater for the differing priorities and proficiencies of participants.

Despite the more generous cut-off time allocation, the Otter Ramble remains an exceptional endurance challenge and is regarded as one of the most gruelling marathon distance Trail Runs on the planet. It is technical, sustained and includes over 2500 meters of ascent.  Certain sections require you to use your hands and there is even an infamous section that involves a 50 meter swim. Most participants complete the course in a time comparable to double their best road marathon time. Attempting the Otter Ramble requires a similar event specific preparation as would any of the world’s iconic endurance events.

Medals
Otter Run and Otter Ramble Meddles will differ this year. The Otter Ramble will medals will be presented with ribbons in two colours; Red for the sub 8 hour finishers and White for those who finish the trail in Sub 11 hours.

Camping
The De Vasselot Campsite, tucked into the splendored indigenous forests fringing the Natures Valley Lagoon, is one of South Africa’s most beautiful camping facilities in South Africa and the central hub of the Otter Ramble Event. As part of our agreement with SANParks, The Otter Ramble organisers reserve the entire campsite exclusively for this event. We invite our participants and their supporters, family and friends to make a weekend of it and experience the wonderful fireside atmosphere at the De Vasselot Camp. Campsites can be booked at SANParks rates using this link. ; http://www.entrytickets.net/ms/otter-accommodation/

Please note that the accommodation at the Tsitsikamma Hotel is fully booked.

Training.
As you are by now no doubt aware, trail running on the Otter Trail outside of this organised event is illegal and viewed in a very serious light by SANParks and the organisers of the Otter Events. As training on the course is equally off limits to all participants, it remains a fair contest with part of the challenge of this event being in not having seen the course for at least a year. Whilst the Otter Trail is out of bounds our country abounds with beautiful and technical trails and very well organised events which we advise you to make full use of in your preparations.

In your preparations you will want to get yourself accustomed to a series of steep, stepped inclines and slippery rocky trails. For those of you for which this will be the first trail event it should be emphasised again that the Otter Ramble is on the upper end of the scale when it comes to technical rating and we urge you to train on similarly demanding terrain. Our Otter Run specific training program from Personal Best is on the Website.

Registration & Prologue
The Otter Ramble registration at the De Vasselot Camp is open between 10h00 and 16h30 on the 1^st of October. The Salt River Prologue Run, which may be attempted at any time between 10h30 and 16h30, starts and finishes on the beach in front of the Restaurant on the west end of Natures Valley. We strongly encourage participants to make their travel arrangements so that they may attempt this beautiful 4.5km loop as close to the 12h01 low-tide as possible. Big swells on the day could delay the traversing of the rock section and interfere with your time around the high tide.

New Website
Magnetic South is launching a new Otter Run/Ramble Event Specific website going online at beginning of June. These newsletters, event updates, accommodation options, training programs, facebook and twitter links and the pace chart will be available on that new website.

SANParks promotes Dr Nomvuselelo “Mvusy” Songwela
For those of you who were able to enjoy “Mvusy’s” wrap up of the 2010 Otter African Trail Run while she was still the Regional Manager for the Garden Route National Park will be chuffed to hear she is now Snr General Manager: Operations, Parks Division and has joined the team at SANParks H/O in Pretoria. Her move is a huge loss to us in the Southern Cape however her expertise will now serve the entire nation and we wish her all of the very best in her new and challenging role. Mvusy was instrumental in making the Otter African Trail Run and Ramble a reality.

With best regards,
Your Magnetic South Team