We’re super excited to be joining you on the trails around the iconic Spioenkop Mountain as the proud apparel sponsor of the 2020 Oxpecker Trail Run.
The event, which takes place in three installments in the Central Drakensberg over three consecutive weekends in May, has become a firm favourite on the SA trail calendar. The two-day event is known for its innovative format, spectacular trails and, perhaps most importantly great vibes.
THE RISE AND RISE
First launched in 2015 with 490 runners the event grew exponentially due to its vibe and spectacular trails. In 2016 the crew, headed by the Green family hosted 950 runners and a waiting list was needed. The Greens felt that this was the right amount of runners that the venue, trails, catering could comfortably cater for.
By 2017, due to the huge demand they hosted two events on consecutive weekends , both capped at 950 runners each. The response was unbelievable with both races filling as well as both races having a waiting list. In 2018 they added a third weekend, and in 2019 some of our ASICS FrontRunners were there to experience the vibe.
WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT
"I’ve always been this person who has been looking at the next international race and where I could go and do a beautiful, exotic run outside of this country," explains Alesia Ruthven, for who it was her first trail stage-race experience. "I know a lot of runners like that. This really opened my eyes to how beautiful it is right here on our doorstep. The route was amazingly diverse, from the mountains to the cotton fields and the forests, it was all just so breathtakingly beautiful that it really makes you appreciate your country," Alesia says.
For Tracy-Lee Dalton the evening vibes were a particular highlight. "I loved the race briefings and prize givings each night," she says. "It was amazing to be a part of that hall and feel the energy of all the runners and the pulse of the setup as a whole. Also, seeing the highlights of the day and hearing what we were in for on the next day in such a vibey, engaged manner was really cool."
PARTNERSHIPS
"Like ASICS, we’re a brand which encourages people to reach their goals and do something extraordinary," says race organiser Spoen Green. "As organisers of The Oxpecker we share a passion for running and getting people outdoors and into nature; in an innovative, challenging and ultimately fun running experience!"
According to Green they are very excited to have ASICS on board. "ASICS will be supplying our runners with a top quality running garment for our goodie bag – which will help us to focus on doing the things we love like conservation, route building and community upliftment. This includes looking after the local Oxpecker flocks in order to keep them breeding!
