The Greylings met on an adventure race in Magaliesberg in 2008. While Christiaan was already a seasoned adventurer, the event was a first for Landie. After a brief encounter around the campfire, the two fell in love and encouraged each other’s determination and interest in wellbeing and trail running.
Today, they spend their time traveling from country to country to race all over the world, really living the dream. “When you finish a race that has stretched and really pushed you, it is truly euphoric,” says Christiaan. After a brief stint in America, Landie believes it was their return to South Africa and moving to the southern Cape with its abundance of mountains and trails that helped develop her trail running career.
These are their top trail running destinations to keep you invigorated and coming back for more.
Afriski, Lesotho
This is free running at its best, with a combination of high altitude training and beautiful scenery added to the equation.
Recommendation: Run to the escarpment and to the amphitheatre.
Distance: 36km out and back.
To see: The Tugela Falls, incredible views of the gullies and valleys toward the South African side of the Drakensberg on the escarpment.
Cathedral Peak, Drakensberg
This is a single track all the way to the summit, with smooth trails. What makes this a great location is the hotel is built so close to the mountain that runners have access to trails in every direction. There are 18 trails to choose from.
Recommendation: Cathedral Peak summit.
Distance: The Cathedral Peak summit route is 18.5km
To see: Fantastic views of the Drakensberg and valleys from the summit. Don’t forget to look out for the endangered bearded vultures in the area.
Muratie, Western Cape
The trails are easy, smooth single track with beautiful winelands and mountain surroundings. Ideal for beginner trail runners. There is a R25 fee to use the trails.
Recommendation: Run Syd’s Slope, Uitkyk and the Simonsberg Loop.
Distance: Anything from 5km to 30km.
To see/do: Wine tasting at Muratie, the trail dogs Syd and Jackson, and views of Table Mountain and the winelands.
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, Franschhoek
The Greylings believe this reserve is home to some of the best single track and well-maintained trails. R50 entry fee is applicable.
Recommendation: Perdekop Summit
Distance: 15km
To see: Incredible views of the mountains and valleys surrounding the Franschhoek area. Do not miss the Uitkyk Viewpoint.
Augrabies Falls National Park, Northern Cape
The three-day Klipspringer Trail is ideal for rock hopping among unique rock formations in the remoteness of sheer mountain desert wilderness. You do not have to run the entire trail, but can run out and return.
Distance: 7km, or any distance you prefer.
To do: Visit the Augrabies National Park and see the majestic Augrabies falls, Moon Rock and the Twin Falls.
Written by René de Klerk
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