MTB | Sappi Scottburgh MTB & Trail Run

Written on 13 September 2024. Posted in SA MTB.

SCOTTBURGH (KZN) – The new start and finish venue for this year's Sappi Scottburgh MTB & Trail Run means competitors will be able to enjoy a new look to one of the province's traditional favourite trail festivals on Sunday September 22.

Matthew Holloway negotiates a drop off during he 2023 event. The 40km route is "the same but different" with some small but significant improvements.

New look for a traditional favourite

The event's new start and finish area at the Crocworld Conservation Centre removes the traditional beach start and allows for some exciting new routes for most of the five races that make up the day's action.

Mountain bikers have three options, with the long 45km event providing a route that is "the same but different", while the shorter 12km and 20km routes will give riders something brand new to enjoy. Both the 5km and 12km trail runs will also feature almost completely new trails for the runners.

The move to a new race village takes away the parking and logistical issues traditionally associated with the event, and trail builder Gavin Ryan said the early indications are that the routes are "a significant step forward" with access to the trails from the start area notably improved. The 45km is largely the same route, but the new race village means riders will start midway through the old course and has allowed for some changes to key sections of the course, which Ryan expects to make for "a much better ride" for all participants.

2023 runner-up Patricia Dammann will be able to enjoy a completely revamped trail run route.

The shorter routes will also allow entrants a chance to see completely new sections of trail in one of KZN's favourite riding and trail running areas.

"The Scottburgh event is a key component of the Sappi Trails Programme (STP), initiated in 2011 to ensure our investment benefits local economies and communities surrounding our forests, delivering shared value and social impact," said Alex Thiel, Chief Executive Officer of Sappi Southern Africa.

Philippus Collins enjoying the 2023 Sappi Scottburgh MTB & Trail Run

"This initiative aligns with Sappi's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By focusing on the SDGs, we aim to support trail sports and promote the responsible use of our land," he added. "With many of Sappi's employees being passionate runners, riders and conservationists, the events we support and the trails on our land offer excellent recreational opportunities for our people, and also promotes sport tourism in the area."

Entries are open on the MyActive entry platform at www.events.myactive.co.za.

Images: Instapix /Gameplan Media

MTB, Trail Running, Crocworld Conservation Centre, Sappi Scottburgh MTB & Trail Run