VWS Trail Challenge - DEER PARK

By Volunteer Wildfire Services http://vws.org.za/

Sun May 14, 07:15 - Sun May 14, 12:00

Deer Park

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Cash entries and number collection will be accepted at Deer Park on Sunday. Please arrive early to avoid any chaos.
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The race starts and finishes are located in Deer Park, Vredehoek, with new routes of the VWS Trail Challenge 2017 is designed to test the mettle of avid trail runners and causal runners (and walkers) alike. Take in the beautiful Deer Park, the lower slopes of Devils Peak and Table Mountain, the single track contour above Tafelberg road and experience the majesty of early morning Cape Town. The challenge offers runners a chance to do two routes: 20km or 10km.
 
Run and organised entirely by volunteer wildfire firefighters under the VWS banner, all proceeds go towards the Volunteer Wildfire Services, an entirely volunteer-run, non-profit organisation dedicated to the protection of biodiversity and the preservation of our natural heritage. We receive no official or municipal funding and all funds are used for operational and logistical expenses to fight the devastating wildfires. These finds are raised by our volunteers, via donations or events like this. Any donations are welcome and would be greatly appreciated.

Distance: 20km - start time 07H30 - entry fee R260
Race briefing – 07:15
Cut off 4 hours
Cut off at 8km mark after 02:00 hours (09:30 am)
Runners should be self sufficient.
The route starts at Deer Park just above the Parking area in the open space beyond the boom. The racers head up the hill along the jeep track and move to the west toward the S bends at the cable station. The route undulates along the jeep track until the runners reach Tafelberg road at the 2nd last S bend turn before the cable station. Traffic marshals will assist the runners move along the road and re-join a single track above the Mocke Reservoir. The runners will continue vertically until they reach the contour path above Tafelberg Road. At this point, they turn to the east and run in the direction of Devils Peak. Runners will cross over the Platteklip Gorge path and continue on the upper contour ascending the route up onto the saddle between Devils Peak and Macclears Beacon. Runners will move over the saddle with the assistance of marshals and signage and descend via Newlands Ravine. Upon descending this ravine, the runners will turn back east and travel around Devils peak on the contour path. This Route is a combination of single track, wooden path, rocky out crop. Runners will ascend past the Kings Block house and re-join the Contour path traveling back in the direction of Deer Park. Runners will continue along this route until reaching the Devils Peak Path, at which point they descend to Tafelberg Road again. From the road the runner will travel approximately 500m with the assistance of traffic marshals before descending down the jeep track and making their way back to the start finish following signage and marshal direction.


Compulsory kit
  • Cell phone (emergencies only 0828157528) stored in a Ziplock bag
  • Limited water on route. Hydration Pack essential.
  • Race Number
  • Weather dependant, windbreaker/waterproof jacket
  • Space blanket
Recommended kit
  • Food
  • Sun protection

Distance: 10km - start time 08H00 - entry fee R180
Race briefing – 07h45
Cut off 3 hours
The racers head up the hill along the jeep track and move to the west toward the S bends at the cable station. The route undulates along the jeep track until the runners reach Tafelberg road at the 2nd last S bend turn before the cable station. Traffic marshals will assist the runners move along the road and re-join a single track above the Mocke Reservoir. The runners will continue vertically until they reach the contour path above Tafelberg Road. At this point, they turn to the east and run in the direction of Devils Peak. Runners will cross over the Platteklip Gorge path and continue down the contour until reaching the Devils Peak Path, at which point they descend to Tafelberg Road again. From the road the runner will travel approximately 500m with the assistance of traffic marshals before descending down the jeep track and making their way back to the start finish following signage and marshal direction.


Compulsory kit
  • Cell phone (emergencies only 0828157528) stored in a Ziplock bag
  • Race Number
Recommended kit
  • Limited water on route. Hydration Pack recommended. 
  • Food
  • Sun protection
  • Weather dependant, windbreaker/waterproof jacket.

Indemnity:
Please note that by submitting your entry form you declare that you are physically and medically fit to participate in this event and assume all risks of such participation. You participate in the race at your own risk and hereby Indemnify the organiser, officials, all helpers, all sponsors, the national and provincial bodies, local authorities, SANParks, Table Mountain National Park and the Volunteer Wildfire Services against injuries and any claim whatsoever which may arise as a result of your participation.

Race rules
  • The Volunteer Wildfire Services reserves the right to cancel the race (without refund) if the conditions on the day do not allow for the race to be run safely.
  • All Entrants must be in possession of a race number issued by the organisers, which must be worn on the front.
  • Participants must keep to the designated routes, as indicated.
  • Marshals and traffic officials must be obeyed at all times. Failure to comply with these instructions may lead to immediate disqualification.
  • No seconding shall be allowed on the route. Some refreshment stations will be provided however each runner is required to have sufficient for their own needs.
  • No littering permitted at any stage.
  • Damage to Flora/Fauna or any historical site will lead to automatic disqualification.
  • No unauthorised cyclists, vehicles, rollerblades or scooters will be permitted on the route.
  • It is the responsibility of each participant that he/she is medically fit and healthy to participate in the event.
  • The Volunteer Wildfire Services reserves the right to accept or reject any entry.
  • Minimum age of 16 for the 20 km race. Minimum age of 14 for the 10 km race. Between 12 and 14 y/o allowed if accompanied by guardian.
  • Pets are not permitted.
  • While the Volunteer Wildfire Services places participant and member safely above any other priority or obligation, Volunteer Wildfire Services will not be held liable for any injuries.

Race Number Collection
Newlands Fire Base, Newlands Forest
Tuesday 9th May, 17:30 - 19:00
Thursday 11th May, 17:30 - 19:00
Saturday 13th May, 10:00 - 13:00

Sister event
We are the sister event of the VWS Race for Water held in Stellenbosch. Please see the VWS Facebook page for more details of that race.

There will be prices for 1st, 2nd and 3rd for each race and for guys and girls. There will also be lucky draw prizes for participants and special give-a-ways for runners taking part in both the Race for Water AND the Trail challenge.

DIRECTIONS

VWS Trail Challenge - DEER PARK
Deer Park
Simon's 7995, Plateau Rd, Vredehoek, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Get Directions