VWS Trail Challenge 2018 - Deer Park

Sun May 13, 07:00 - Sun May 13, 12:00

Deer Park

ABOUT

VWS Trail Challenge 2018 is designed to test the mettle of avid trail runners and causal runners (and walkers) alike, with last years new routes posing a great running experience. 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.

Run and organised entirely by Volunteer Wildfire Services volunteer wildland firefighters, all proceeds go towards the VWS, 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.

The challenge offers runners a chance to do two routes: 20km or 10km, with the race start and finish located in Deer Park, Vredehoek. Any donations are welcome and would be greatly appreciated. You can also purchase an awesome VWS Supporter buff to wear on the day, as a reminder of hopefully a great day out.

Distance: 20km ROUTE
Price: Early Bird Special - R260 (Regular Price – R280)
Start: 07h30 (Mandatory Briefing at 07h15)
Cut off at 8km mark after 02:00 hours (09:30 am)
Final Cut off: 12h00
Runners should be self-sufficient.

Compulsory Kit
  • Cell phone (emergencies only: 082 441 7817) stored in a Ziplock bag
  • Limited water on route. Hydration Pack essential.
  • Race Number
  • Weather dependent, windbreaker/waterproof jacket
  • Space blanket
Recommended kit
  • Food / Snacks
  • Sun protection
  • VWS Supporters buff :)

Distance: 10km ROUTE
Price: Early Bird Special – R180 (Regular Price – R195)
Start: 08h15 (Briefing at 08h00)
Cut off: 11h30

Compulsory Kit
  • Cell phone (emergencies only: 082 441 7817) stored in a Ziplock bag
  • Race Number
Recommended kit
  • Limited water on route. Hydration Pack recommended.
  • Weather dependent, windbreaker/waterproof jacket
  • Food / Snacks
  • Sun protection
  • VWS Supporters buff :)

Race Number Collections
Newlands Fire Base, Newlands Forest
Tuesday 8th May, 17:30 - 19:00
Thursday 10th May, 17:30 - 19:00
Saturday 12th May, 10:00 - 13:00

There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each race, for both male and female runners and a King and Queen of the Mountain for the 20km Race. There will also be spot prizes for all participants especially all the mothers running on the day.

INDEMNITY & RACE RULES

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 any injuries and / or 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 (or should there be a large wildfire at the time of the event).
  • 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. Any runner caught littering will be disqualified.
  • 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 a 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 ROUTES & PROFILES

20km ROUTE

The route starts in Deer Park. The runners head up the hill along the undulating jeep track and towards the S-bends on Tafelberg Road below the cable station. the S-bends runner will head along the tar road for a very short sections, and re-join a single track above the Mocke Reservoir. The runners will continue up Kloof Corner 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 head over the saddle and descend via Newlands Ravine. Upon descending this ravine, the route heads back east and travels around Devils peak on the contour path. This Route is a combination of single track and boardwalk. Runners will ascend past the Kings Blockhouse and re-join the Contour path travelling 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 before descending down the jeep track and making their way back to the start / finish line. 



10km ROUTE

The route starts in Deer Park. The runners head up the hill along the undulating jeep track and towards the S-bends on Tafelberg Road below the cable station. the S-bends runner will head along the tar road for a very short sections, and re-join a single track above the Mocke Reservoir. The runners will continue up Kloof Corner until they reach the contour path above Tafelberg Road. 

At this point, runners turn to the east and run in the direction of Devils Peak. Just before the Platteklip Gorge path they descend to Tafelberg Road again. On the road, the runners will travel approximately 350m before descending down the jeep track and making their way back to the  start / finish line.

DIRECTIONS

VWS Trail Challenge 2018 - Deer Park
Deer Park
Simon's 7995, Plateau Rd, Vredehoek, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Get Directions