Runners and cyclists are invited to make it a Heritage long weekend this year by kicking it off with the exciting Sappi Scottburgh MTB & Trail Run taking place on Sunday 22 September 2024. This year, the event features a brand-new start and finish at the Crocworld Conservation Centre, offering participants a choice of 5km and 12km trail runs, as well as 12km, 20km, and 45km mountain bike races.
Sappi is proud to again be the title sponsor of this multi-sport event, which attracts riders and runners to the scenic South Coast and Scottburgh. Sports tourism is a vital niche segment of the South Coast tourism economy, and events like this have proven to be catalysts for spin-off services, creating revenue for local businesses and driving increased traffic to the area.
The routes that cyclists and runners will experience for the Sappi Scottburgh event are exciting and fun for the whole family, with the longer routes offering enough of a challenge for the more experienced riders. Unlike previous years, though, the start and finish will not be at Scottburgh beach, a change the organisers have made to overcome parking and logistical issues for participants.
“At Crocworld, participants will be able to safely access the facilities, and not have to deal with traffic bottlenecks and insufficient parking,” commented Dave Ward from Ward Events, organisers and hosts of the event. “There will also be excellent catering and entertainment facilities available for families to enjoy, with Crocworld offering a special on the day of only R60 per person, with free access for kids under the age of 3. For those coming from a distance and looking to make this a beach, bike or run weekend, the Premier Resorts Cutty Sark Hotel is offering a special rate for overnight guests,” he said.
“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. “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,” Thiel concluded. “The Sappi Scottburgh event is a wonderful family day for our employees.”
There are race garments and goodie bags for the first 200 pre-entries.
For more information, please contact: events@wardevents.co.za: : Dave Ward : 082 492 1995
www.wardevents.co.za or www.myactive.co.za for pre-entries
