Magnetic South offices are currently inundated by a surge of enquires relating to the Southern Storm. These “Storm Chasers” are desperate to be part of the few that get to experience this atmospheric and historic event first hand, and are enquiring about being assured of a place in the event. It appears that the twin appeal of being able to combine trail running and mountain biking (duathlon) in the same multi-day event on trails still ‘virgin’ to Trail Events, has been underestimated. The true trump card… day 1 of the Southern Storm entails running the world famous hiking trail- the Otter Trail.

Many sports men and women have only ever dreamed of trail running the Otter Trail. This has now become reality!! Magnetic South, in association with SANParks, are extremely proud to now be offering this incredibly unique opportunity. The inaugural Southern Storm will take place from Saturday 19th- Thursday 24th September 2009, with “The Otter” taking place as a stand alone trail run on Sunday 20th. The event traverses the entire length of the recently declared Garden Route National Park, starting at Storms River in the Tsitsikamma Section and ending at the Touw River in the Wilderness Section.

The adventurous nature of the route, plus the very strict environmental ethos and protocol dictates the restrictions required in terms of the numbers of participants. Competitors for both events share this limited opportunity. As a result those athletes participating in the 5 day Southern Storm event will be given first priority. As much as we would like to delight all our kindred spirits, the best Magnetic South can do is to offer a fair and equal opportunity to everyone who wants to enter. This will be done on a first come, first serve basis when entries open on the 1st of April 2009 at 12h00 mid day.
The Southern Storm course design is entrenched by a philosophy which places environmental impact and participant safety above all other considerations. The challenge weaves together a balanced route that traverses one of the most spectacular coastal regions on earth, incorporating mountains, beaches, indigenous forest, and fynbos. The route combines spectacular scenery with classic challenge, physical endurance with technical ability, stamina with adventure, and produces a balanced contest between Trail Running and Mountain Biking.
“The cut off time for the marathon distance trail run is set at 9 hours but with technical rock and forest sections, river crossings and more than 2000 meters of elevation gain, we expect athletes to take between 70 to 100% longer to complete the distance than they would achieve in a road running event. Participants need to be totally self sufficient as there are no water tables provided with the plastic sachets that are common place in most road running or cycling events. Very tight controls have been planned with event staff strategically placed across the entire length of the route to keep a watch on athletes’ safety and progress, plus sweep the back of the field ensuring absolutely no litter has been left behind” said John Collins, route designer of Magnetic South.

National Geographic’s 2007 Adventurer of the Year, Andrew Skurka, who had been invited to hike The Otter Trail by SA Tourism in May 2008, achieved the full distance in 12 hours – so the next frontier of the sub 5 hour Otter is a very special and privileged quest to aspire to.

Please note that trail running along the Otter Trail is completely forbidden and you have only ONE chance to enjoy this offer; on 20 September 2009. Anyone found illegally on the route will receive a life ban plus the current fine imposed by SANParks. Please respect this opportunity.
A once in a life time opportunity…. The best 6 days of your multi sport life awaits, with over 100 kms of trails to run and 250 kms to ride.

Entries open 1 April 2009 at 12h00 www.magneticsouth.net (and it is no April Fools Joke)!

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