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PICKLE JUICE AFRICANX TRAILRUN routes lead to a PARTY ON FOOT!

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“Let Nature Give You A Run For Your Money”

Trail running teams can look forward to a ‘PARTY ON FOOT’ at the 13th annual PICKLE JUICE AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day Stage Race that will take place at the picturesque Houw Hoek Hotel (Western Cape) the weekend of 17 – 19 March 2023.

SA’s premier three-day stage trail run, the PICKLE JUICE AFRICANX TRAILRUN was launched in 2009, and is synonymous with magnificent trails, spectacular views, mouth-watering food, a relaxed atmosphere, great vibe and most importantly, teamwork! Teams of two trail running enthusiasts (male/female/mixed) will be seen battling it out on a route varying in distances each day.

“We can’t wait to welcome runners to an exhilarating trail running ‘PARTY ON FOOT’ the weekend of 17 – 19 March,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Founder of the PICKLE JUICE AFRICANX TRAILRUN. “Our Route Manager, Alfred Thorpe and his team have done a magnificent job with the 2023 routes and entrants are in for a trail running treat. Stage One will start at the Houw Hoek Hotel and finish at Paul Cluver Wines. We are thankful to Liesl Cluver, who’s hands on involvement with AFRICANX ensures that the route highlights all the hidden gems of Paul Cluver Wines. The Stage One route will include some beautiful fynbos jeep track and lots of runnable single track. The fun bridge crossing with wine tasting in the middle is guaranteed to be a stage highlight.”

“The longest of the three stages, Stage Two will start at the Elgin Grabouw Country Club, and finish at the Houw Hoek Hotel,” continues Meyer. “Entrants will be treated to the best routes on offer at the Elgin Grabouw Country Club, Oak Valley, and Paul Cluver Wines. The stage starts at a lower altitude than in 2022, as a result there will be more climbing. Look forward to enjoying some beautifully groomed Elgin Valley Trails along the Eikenhof Dam before the route starts to climb, hugging the mountain all the way back to the Houw Hoek Hotel. The terrain will consist of some technical single track, long climbs and fun, flowing trails. Enjoy the fresh autumn air, mist over the dam and great new trails.”

“Stage Three, the final stage that is also affectionately known as ‘Dress Up Day’ will start and finish at the Houw Hoek Hotel,” confirms Meyer. “This stage was such a hit in 2022, that we’ve literally just added more single track and a bit of climbing. The terrain will consist of technical trails through fynbos and some lovely trails along the river. Be sure to stop and enjoy a dip if it’s a hot day. Don’t forget there’s an iconic climb before the 10km mark, so save your energy. We hope that teams have their outfits ready for ‘Dress Up Day’. We’re looking for creativity and SPIRIT. There are awesome sponsor prizes up for grabs. For those runners who have not yet entered, entries close on Monday 06 March. You still have time. Enter today and #RunTheAfricanX in 2023.”

PICKLE JUICE AFRICANX TRAILRUN Route Manager, Alfred Thorpe shares a word of advice for each stage:
• Stage 1: Bring the vibe! We’ll start at the top of the hill next to Houw Hoek again, so dance your way up the single track to warm up.
• Stage 2: Pace yourself during the first 25% of the route. It might seem flattish, but before you know it, you’ll have to switch on those climbing legs.
• Stage 3: Start planning those outfits. You want to have fun, but this is still a proper run, so make sure you’re not overheating (wigs can do that to you).

EVENT INFORMATION: PICKLE JUICE AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day Stage Race

DATE: Friday 17 – Sunday 19 March 2023
VENUE: Houw Hoek Hotel (Western Cape)
EVENT FORMAT: 3-Day Stage Trail Run
ENTRY FORMAT: Teams of Two Runners (male / female / mixed)

DISTANCE:

Stage 1: +- 24 km
Start Venue: Houw Hoek Hotel
Finish Venue: Paul Cluver Wines

Stage 2: +- 32 km
Start Venue: Elgin Grabouw Country Club
Finish Venue: Houw Hoek Hotel

Stage 3: +- 18 km
Start Venue: Houw Hoek Hotel
Finish Venue: Houw Hoek Hotel

ENTRY FEE OPTIONS: OPTION 1: Standard / R3600.00 per runner
OPTION 2: Standard plus dinner / R4200.00 per runner
OPTION 3: Standard plus dinner & tent / R4600.00 per runner
ENTRIES CLOSE: Monday 06 March 2023

PICKLE JUICE AFRICANX Training Run 4: AFRICANX TRAILRUN entrants are invited to join the fun filled AFRICANX Training Run 4 that will take place at Paul Cluver Wines on Saturday 04 March 2023. Starting at 08:00, the +- 20km training run will be led by members of the Helderberg Trail Run Crew #HTRCrew. Runners can look forward to enjoying spectacular trails that are usually closed to the public. The training run is the perfect opportunity to run with your partner and refine your race weekend strategy. Runners are urged to bring all the compulsory equipment needed for AFRICANX, as well as the hydration you will be using on event weekend. Sign up for the PICKLE JUICE AFRICANX Training Run 4 via the following link: https://www.entryninja.com/events/78898-ax-training-run-4/enter
‘SANET WENTZEL SPIRIT’ AWARD: Event Organiser, Stillwater Sports, is calling on all entrants to submit their nominations for the event’s treasured ‘Sanet Wentzel Spirit’ Award. Introduced in the second year of the AFRICANX TRAILRUN (2010) in honour of Sanet Wentzel, an Oudtshoorn based athlete who passed away tragically at the end of 2009, the ‘Sanet Wentzel Spirit’ Award honours the AFRICANX’s most inspirational athletes, athletes who persevere irrespective of the adversity that they face. Nominations for the award can be sent to entries@stillwatersports.com Read more here: https://www.stillwatersports.com/news/africanx-searches-for-the-next-recipient-of-its-sanet-wentzel-spirit-award/

DRESS UP COMPETITION: The PICKLE JUICE AFRICANX TRAILRUN will once again close off on a high note with entrants vying for the coveted title of ‘Best Dressed Team’ on Sunday during the third and final stage of the event. The competition is fierce, with trail runners pulling out all the stops to secure the coveted ‘Best Dressed Team’ title. To be in the running to be crowned the ‘Best Dressed Team’ and win an entry into the 2024 PICKLE JUICE AFRICANX TRAILRUN both runners need to wear their outfits for the duration of the stage, from start to finish. Read more here: https://www.stillwatersports.com/news/dress-up-and-win-with-africanx/

Follow us on Facebook: @runtheafricanx / @stillwatertrail
Follow us on Instagram: @runtheAFRICANX / @stillwater_trail_running
Hashtag: #MyAFRICANX #RunTheAFRICANX

For additional information on the PICKLE JUICE AFRICANX TRAILRUN 3-Day Stage Race please visit www.stillwatersports.com, contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045 or email entries@stillwatersports.com.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.