In a short space of time, the Oxpecker Trail Run has become a must-do multi-day trail run in the Central Drakensberg. Entries are scarce, and devotees enthusiastic.
The event's success is a team effort; but the driving force comes from the sparkling personality of race organiser and farmer Spoen Green.
Runner's World: Where did the inspiration for the Oxpecker Trail Run come from?
Spoen Green: I was home on a varsity holiday, and hit the Berg & Bush trails on a run with my dad. And through the enjoyment of the run, I think, the question just popped up: Hey dad, why don't we start a two-day trail run?
This was around 2015, and two-day trail runs weren't a big thing; one-day runs and a few three-dayers existed, but I hadn't heard of a two-day run. I remember going back to university in Stellenbosch, and starting to plan this new event.
It quickly overtook any interest I had in my marketing degree! And before I knew what was happening, the entries for Oxpecker were open.
RW: What were your hopes for the race back then? What did you think it would become?
SG: We never thought the event would take off like it did, with 400 runners in our first event. I'm glad that from the very first Oxpecker, we went all in. We ensured we ticked all the boxes, and the basics were well managed, and everything that was planned ran smoothly. I never thought about future events. We were just too focused on the first one, making sure people would want to come back!
RW: What's the key to hosting a successful, fun event?
Bu hikaye Runner's World SA dergisinin May/June 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Runner's World SA dergisinin May/June 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET
In the last decade, the running singlet once reserved for amateur competitors and professional athletes - has gone mainstream, not only on race day but also on everyday runs.
RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES
Banned shoes emerged at a basketball court long before they found their way onto a marathon course.
CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE
Are you an early bird or a night owl? Perhaps you've assigned yourself another animal after completing an internet quiz. Research is shedding light on the link between well-being and circadian predisposition, but there's no need to rewire yourself. Learn to lean into your biology with our guide.
THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD
Some of the world's best runners credit this unorthodox Norwegian training method for their success. Is it right for you?
THE MIND OF MASSYN
IN 2024, LOUIS MASSYN WILL ATTEMPT HIS 49TH COMRADES MARATHON AND HE'S LEARNT PLENTY OF LESSONS ALONG THE WAY. HERE'S THE STORY OF HIS AMAZING JOURNEY.
TAKING CHARGE
OUTSPOKEN AND AMBITIOUS, NEW COMRADES RACE MANAGER (AND FORMER WINNER) ANN ASHWORTH IS LOOKING TO TAKE THE RACE INTO THE FUTURE.
A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES
THIS YEAR, BARRY HOLLAND WILL BE AIMING TO FINISH HIS 50TH CONSECUTIVE COMRADES MARATHON. THIS IS WHAT HAS INSPIRED HIM.
MY RUNNING LIFE
ORDINARY RUNNERS doing EXTRAORDINARY THINGS
Ageing In The Age Of Strava
RECENTLY MY BUDDY Sean sent a text message that said, “Been running a lot of 5:30–6:00 kays early. It feels pretty nice at that pace.”
How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It
I'VE ALWAYS FELT validation when reading a story about writers and their love of procrastination.
