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Wednesday, 06 February 2013
The Soaring Eagle flies high
This weekend the Soaring Eagle will fly
high above the Maluti Mountains in Lesotho. The 1st running of the
Soaring Eagle 2 Day Trail Run, will be hosted from the only operating Ski
Resort in Southern Africa, AfriSki on
the 9th and 10th February. The race promises to be an
Epic Trail run with breathtaking views over the escarpment with athletes running
at an altitude of more than 3000m on certain sections. Top Trail runners with
the likes of Bruce Arnett (multiple winner of the Sky Run), Dirk Cloete (3 times
winner of Augrabies Extreme Marathon) and Ryno Griesel (winner of the Cape
Odyssey) will compete against each other for the podium at this first running
of the Soaring Eagle Trail Run. Distances will vary from about 29km on Day 1
(depending on route choice) to a hilly 17km on Day 2. Both days will be
circular routes while Runners will be accommodated in the Race Village at
Afriski Mountain Resort. After a tough day out in the mountains of Lesotho,
athletes will be treated to a delicious meal by the friendly staff of the Sky
Restaurant, officially the highest restaurant in Africa. Family members and
friends will be able to support Runners on certain sections of the Route. The
route for Day 1 promises to be a highlight of the Race one of the check
points is located at the edge of the escarpment with breathtaking views.
The Soaring Eagle 2 Day Trail run will be
unlike most other traditional trail running events. Athletes will run with
pre programmed navigational systems to ensure that they stay on the planned
route. Various manned check points are located on route to keep track of their
progress. A number of locals with intimate knowledge of the mountains and
valleys are employed as Marshals.
The athletes will experience a sense of
total freedom in the mountains. Whilst running on the cattle tracks, they will
come across local herdsman, sheep, goats, donkeys, cattle and the occasional
groups of wild horses. The predominant sounds are those of bells hanging
around the necks of some sheep. Every now and then, runners will see the
majestic Eagles, soaring high above them.
Trisport organisers, Hano and Sonja Otto
are very excited about the future of this event and plan to host it annually. They
are also planning on hosting a 2 day Mountain bike event at Afriski next year. The
Soaring Eagle Run will be featured on YouTube during the 2 days of the Event and
will be managed by Soul Media. The YouTube link will be posted on Facebook by
Friday. Updates and video clips of the race will be added during Saturday and
Sunday. For more information and the YouTube link during the race go to www.trisport.co.za or www.facebook.com/sonja.terblancheotto
Sponsored by Gone Skiing and AfriSki
Fueled by Pure Nutrition
Clothed by Trisport and Vivobarefoot
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