Kwa Zulu Natal based duathlete Iain Don Wauchope can proudly claim to be the fastest person to have ever traversed South Africa’s most popular and challenging 42 km 5 day hike – The Otter Trail.

Don Wauchope participated in the inaugural Hi – Tec Otter African Trail Run in September 2009 to achieve the distinction of the first person ever to have completed the 5 day trail in under 5 hours.

For the countless number of hikers who have put their names on the waiting list over the many years the Otter Trail has been in existence, the vast majority will testify to what a gruelling challenge this can be. The route follows the rugged coastline from Storms River to Natures Valley in the Tsitsikama Section of the Garden Route National Park. Much of the Otter includes very technical ground which varies from root strewn single track trails, jagged rocks, boulder hopping, beach pebbles and a never ending series of natural staircases that takes the participant up and down an overall elevation of over two kilometres.

Dramatic scenery and panoramic vistas are the definitive of this legendary trail. It holds iconic status for hikers both locally and internationally. The Hi-Tec Otter African Trail Run with its very limited numbers has become the ultimate “Holy Grail” for trail running marathons and to mark this historic occasion, the 2009 sponsors, Hi-Tec, have framed a pair of the very shoes that achieved the feat of running the entire route in under 5 hours – 4 hours 59mins and 7 seconds to be precise.

Such has become the tradition of the Otter Trail that for some, the challenge has just been too much, or their equipment has perished en route – the “Boot Tree”, found in the grounds of the popular restaurant, The Nature’s Valley Trading Store, bears testimony to these many ‘war’ stories. Owners Tish and Beefy Mance started the tradition of collecting discarded hiking boots over 8 years ago. Up to 60 % of hikers who have completed the Otter celebrate their conquest at this special spot marking their journey’s end.

Now the beautifully framed Hi-Tec Trail Eruption Running shoes that effortlessly conquered the distance in the blitzkrieg time of under 5 hours will now join their more broken counterparts in Natures Valley. The gauntlet is laid down – who will rise and who will fall to the challenge of the 2010 Hi-Tec Otter African Trail Run ?

In keeping with the extremely high standard set in 2009 with regards to safety and attention to environmental issues, Magnetic South in conjunction with the GRNP team will adhere to the very comprehensive Environmental Management Plan drawn up by a totally independent body, The Nature Conservation Corporation. “With particular emphasis being placed on the hydro footprint, this event has introduced a GREEN component not seen to date on any other event in this country. We aim to lead the industry and set the standards other event organisers will want to aspire to as the world becomes more aware of the need to conserve our wilderness areas.” Said Collins.

Please note that running the Otter Trail, other than on the event days allowed, is strictly forbidden by the GRNP and anyone found trespassing on the trail will be prosecuted.

For more information on this unique event please refer to www.magneticsouth.net. Entries open on the 28 February for the 2010 event.
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