Dust off your running shoes …

Since spring has sprung it is time to dust off those running shoes or cycling shorts and start to shed a few of those extra kilo’s that have crept up over the winter months. Here are a few idea to get your motivated to do some exercise!

The Crazy Store Table Mountain Challenge takes place on Saturday 12 September and is a 35km trail run around Cape Town’s world famous Table Mountain. Both professionals and novices can enjoy this off-road run on the slopes of this mountain, which is a finalist in the New 7 Wonders of Nature. If you are feeling up to the challenge

Start running

you can take part individually in the 35km race or if you are struggling to get back into things why not enter as a team. Teams can consist of up to 3 people with each leg of the challenge between 8 to 17km, now doesn’t that sound manageable? The challenge starts in the car park at Kloof Neck and you can expect some hills as well as a steep scramble, but it will be well worth it for the fantastic views and the run through indigenous forest and across mountain streams. For more information you can telephone +27 (0)21 424 4760.

On Sunday 20 September 2009 you can take part in the Talisman Herald Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Challenge which is a 100km challenge and was voted as one of the top ten mountain bike races in South Africa by Bicycling Magazine in 2007. The race starts at 07h30 at the Uniondale showgrounds and finishes at the Knysna High School fields via the Prince Alfred’s pass.

This is a tough yet competitive race and those competitors who have not reached the entrance to Kom se pad by 12h00 or the exit from Kom se pad by 13h00 will have their numbers removed. There will however be transport to collect those cyclists and their bikes who are not able to complete the challenge. Your entry fee costs R220.00 per person and includes a pasta meal in Uniondale on Saturday 19 September. Registration takes place on Saturday 19th from 16h00 to 21h00 with late registration on Sunday 20th from 06h00 to 06h30. For more information you can contact +27 (0)44 382 6880.

Get cycling

The Liberty Health Baviaanskloof Trail Run is a 50km single day trail run held in the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve on Saturday 12 September 2009. This is a rugged and rough race as it will take you through some of Southern Africa’s most inhospitable terrain and if you need something to assist you with your pace keep in the back of your mind that you will be running in the territory of two of Africa’s most feared dangerous game – the Cape Buffalo and the Black Rhino.

Why not give this a go, you will become a legend amongst your friends. The event begins and ends at Geelhoutbos which is on the western side of Baviaanskloof. This is a pre-entry only event and you can contact Evie on +27 (0)41 581-6307 for more information.

The Drakensberg hosts the annual Mont-Aux-Sources Challenge on Saturday 12 September 2009. This is another 50km solo trail run and has been taking place for over 15 years. You will run from the Royal Natal Park entrance to the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg World Heritage site to the top of the Sentinel and back again. This race was voted the best running race of the year for 2006 and 2007 and has a limited field of 250 runners so you need to get your entries in early as you are then put onto a waiting list and once invited to take part in the event you are able to enter the challenge for 3 consecutive years. For more information you can telephone +27 (0)33 343-1917.

Even though this is short notice to take part in most of these events, if like me you need a bit of inspiration, motivation and planning with exercise, why not set yourself a goal to complete one of these events next year? They are annual, they are tough and they should motivate you to get fit, stay fit and keep those winter kilos at bay!

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