OSSEWA INFO
EVENT ITINERARY
Fri, 11 April 2025
15:00 – 20:00: Registration
18:00: Dinner
18:30: Day 1 Route Briefing
Sat, 12 April 2025
06:00: Breakfast
07:30: Begin Group Batching
08:00: Start
11:00 – 15:30: Sip ‘n Paint (Pre-book)
11:00 – 16:00: Game Drives (various times)
12:00: Lunch
16:00 – 17:00: History Talk + Sundowners
16:00 – 19:00: Live Entertainment
18:00: Dinner
18:30: Day 2 Route Briefing
Sun, 13 April 2025
06:00: Breakfast
07:30: Begin Group Batching
08:00: Start
11:00: Prizegiving + Early Lunch
TRAIL ROUTES
Saturday, 12 April 2025
DAY ONE
Start Time: 08:00
Cut-off Time: 13:00
Trail Distance in km: 21km / 12km
Starting from the race village on the polo field! You'll kick things off by running on the gravel road, giving everyone a chance to spread out before hitting the tough Kerkenberg climb. Then it's all about navigating around the escarpment, checking out those cool waterfalls, and being extra careful on those steep downhill stretches where you might spot some ancient Bushman paintings. It's all about the thrill of the downhill single tracks from the waterfall weaving through the lush Ouhout forests, you'll pop out at the Boat House. It's going to be filled with awesome views and memorable moments!
Sunday, 13 April 2025
DAY TWO
Start Time: 08:00
Cut-off Time: 12:00
Trail Distance in km: 15km
Day 2 of the trail running event kicks off as runners depart from the polo field along a district road, providing an opportunity for runners to establish their dominance before entering the Buffalo Camp. Participants will make way through diverse landscapes, ascending the mountains towards the plateau. The ascent promises breathtaking views and a test of endurance as runners push themselves to reach the summit. From the plateau, it's time to unleash speed and agility as runners run the single track, descending towards the finish line. Day 2 offers a perfect ending to what promises to be a wonderful weekend, leaving participants with unforgettable memories of their journey through the wilderness.
TRAINING + NUTRITION
Pierre Jordaan
QUALIFICATIONS
– UESCA Certified Triathlon Coach
– Qualified Mountain Development Trust (MDT) Guide
– AQN Certified Guide (NQF Level 4)
– First Aid Level 2
– Adventure Racer & Ultra Trail Athlete
– SACAA Airline Transport
– Licensed Pilot
– Grade II Flight Instructor
ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS
– Ultra Trail Drakensberg 100km (1st – 12:21)
– Otter African Trail Race 42km (8th – 04:48)
– Skyrun 100km (top 10 – 15:48)
– Ultra Trail Drakensberg 160km (2nd)
– Hobbit 90km (2nd)
– Dodo Trail 50km (top 10)
– The Beast 50km (3rd)
– Mnweni Mountain Marathon (2nd)
– Klipspringer Challenge 65km (1st)
– Soutpansberg Mountain Marathon (3rd)
– Magoeba Trek MTB – 2nd Team
– Amohela MTB – 1st Team
Ready to get training?
We have partnered with Pierre and Nicolette from Mountain Abandon to bring you some of the best trail running training and nutrition tips to help prepare you for the Ossewa Trail!
Nicolette is perhaps most well known for her achievements as a top long-distance and ultra trail runner in South Africa. Before focusing her attention primarily on running though, she was a podium age group triathlete and mountain biker. Nicolette has been competing for almost 10 years and still races competitively. She is currently taking a hiatus from her profession as a veterinarian to share her love of running and years of self-coaching experience with others.
Pierre is an avid ultra-runner, a complete Drakensberg fanatic and a knowledgeable adventure guide. A mountain-lover at heart, there's nothing Pierre enjoys more than moving at altitude for extended periods of time. The longer and tougher a mountain mission becomes, the more in his element he is! As an experienced pilot and flight instructor, Pierre naturally has an understanding of navigation and is passionate about sharing his map skills, mountain survival mentality and love of nature with others.
Nicolette Griffioen
QUALIFICATIONS
– Bachelor of Veterinary Science
– UESCA Certified Running Coach
– UESCA Certified Nutritionist
– AQN Certified Guide (NQF Level 4)
– Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor
– First Aid Level 2
– SA National Trail Champion
– Former XTERRA Winner
& Age-Group Triathlete
ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS
– Otter African Trail Run (7 x finisher)
– Sky Run 100km (1st)
– Ultra Trail Drakensberg 100km (1st)
– UTCT 100km (1st)
– Heaven & Hell 88km (1st)
– Dodo Trail 50km (Mauritius) (1st)
– Les Templiers 75km (France) (Top 10)
– Mountain Running Championship 40km (Slovenia) (5th)
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
Live Entertainment
APPEL
Appel will be performing live on the Saturday evening! Come and be part of an unforgettable evening filled with soul captivating music. His style is adult contemporary folk pop and he has performed at major festivals including Aardklop, Rittelfees and Innibos.
Date: Saturday, 12 April 2025
Time: TBC
Area: Marquee Tent
Sip 'n Paint
Join us for an afternoon filled with creativity, and fun as you sip on your favourite drink and let your imagination run wild on canvas! No prior painting experience necessary – our skilled Swigs of Colour instructor will provide all the tools and equipment and will guide you step-by-step through the creative process.
Date: Saturday, 12 April 2025
Duration: 2.5 hours
Booking Times: 11:00 to 13:30 or 13:30 to 16:00
Cost: R385/ per person
Only 15 spots available per session.
Secure your spot by selecting your time and purchasing your ticket.
Game Drives
Enjoy a scenic game drive with family and friends through our reserve and spot some of our magnificent wildlife such as African Buffalo, Sable, Roan, Eland, Reedbuck, Zebra, Lechwe, and Waterbuck.
Massages
Treat yourself to a massage after your run at one of our massage stations. Please remember to bring cash. Massages will be available on Saturday and Sunday on a first come, first serve basis.
History Talk
Our Saturday evening history talk offers an exciting journey through time, where stories come to life and the echoes of bygone eras resonate. Enjoy sundowners while listening to the tales of the past.
Chill Zone
The chill zones are strategically located around our beautiful dam, perfect for soaking in the nature and tranquil surroundings. Perfect for enjoying some down time between activities.
Cash Bar
Cash bar will be available for the duration of the event. Come purchase your favourite drinks and beverages and support the Tugela Round Table team.
Food Stalls
Dive into the delicious offerings at our food stalls. There will be several food stalls offering a range of different meals to choose from.
