Introduced to the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival in 2008, the Salomon Featherbed Trail Run has attracted a sell out crowd right from its very beginnings.

Such was the demand in its first year that the venue hosts – The Featherbed Company, and organisers – Magnetic South, realised this was an event that had an extremely exciting future. In 2009 the event doubled in the numbers of participants it could accommodate by introducing a separate Morning and Afternoon Trail Run.

“ The response was terrific and we had another sell out ” commented Amanda Dixon, of Magnetic South “ It was back to the drawing board for the organising and venue teams to see how we could again increase our capacity for 2010 without loosing the unique vibe it had created !”

Having been classified as the best new cult event of the festival in its first year by Go Multi Magazine, every effort is being made to maintain its prestigious status. This years event will see further enhancements to what has become without doubt, the best value event package, of the entire festival.

The 2010 Salomon Featherbed Trail Run will now offer the trail running fraternity the choice of 3 separate runs. Back by popular demand will be the option of the Morning and Afternoon Runs and this year the first ever Night Run will take place on this popular route. So no matter when you prefer to get out there – you have a choice like no other.

Part of the ongoing improvements also include exciting changes to the existing route, that will keep competitors on the trails along the ridgeline of the spectacular Western Head all the way to Lake Brenton. For those who have run the route before be prepared for some great surprises especially the minimal utilisation of tar/brick road sections that linked the course in the past.

What makes the event so totally unique is the fact that every athlete needs to register at the finish line “venue” and then catch a ferry to their remote start on the breathtaking Featherbed Nature Reserve, occupying Knysna’s famous Western Head. Those taking on the longer 15 Km  Coelacanth Route, start their challenge at the Featherbed Jetty before following the stunning coastal trail that has the competitors running along everything from a grassed firebreak, wooden boardwalks, rocky beaches and  a climb from sea level to 120m of heart pumping steps. Once on top of the Western Head the route snakes its way in and out of the fynbos on a trail that has been specially cut and maintained for this race. Participants will have 360 degrees views of the entire Knysna region which includes the majestic Outeniqua Mountains,  Buffalo Bay the Indian Ocean and beyond. Not forgetting the Knysna Lagoon, Harkerville Forests and through to the Tsitsikama Mountains in the East.

The shorter 11 km Seahorse route skips the need to get your heart racing and climb the gruelling Western Head, instead athletes are taken to their remote start by the Featherbed 4 x 4 Truck and Trailer infrastructure used to transport daily visitors around the reserve. Both the Coelacanth and Seahorse routes follow the same trails  back to the finish line in the Knysna Waterfront.

“The route improvements are going to take the overall experience onto another plain. Add into the mix, a top class meal waiting for you courtesy of one of Knysna’s finest establishments – The Cruise Café, when you cross the finish line, this is definitely something you don’t want to miss. Where else do you get a Ferry, Trail Run, and Meal all a part of your entry.” said Amanda.

“Spectators and supporters have not been forgotten and this year you have the opportunity to have your own exclusive vessel – The John Benn, at your disposal to watch the action from the comfort of your boat out on the lagoon. A meal also forms part of the newly introduced Spectator Package”.

Limited entries have been set aside for those athletes keen on taking on “ The Big 5 at the Knysna Oyster Festival” which is being punted by the Festival organisers. Otherwise 2009 participants get first option when entries open for them on 17 March with entries to the public opening on 1 April 2010.

Remember don’t miss the boat !