Melville Koppies 10 km Trail Run

This is a self-navigation race that tests your ability to navigate and handle technical trail terrain at your top speed. There is no set start time either; it's you against the clock, and you can choose when to start. Read on for full details:

1. As soon as you've bought your tickets, you'll receive the route details and GPX via email.

2. Load this onto your watch and download it on the Outdooractive app on your phone.

3. On race day, arrive and park at Fingers Crossed Coffee Shop and collect a wristband from the café counter - you will need this band to enter Melville Koppies Nature Reserve (MKNR) en route.

4. There is no official start time as this is a self-navigation, virtual race. MKNR only opens at 07:30, and its gates are shut at 11:30, so we recommend arriving at Fingers Crossed between 07:00 and 08:00, or by 09:30 at the latest so that you make it out of MKNR in time.

5. For your attempt to be officially recognised, ensure you record your run with your phone or watch and upload it to Strava (your activity must be made public on Strava to be accounted for). NB: If you navigate the route incorrectly, your time will not be officially registered.

6. When you return from your epic run, have stopped recording it and uploaded it to Strava, go to the counter at Fingers Crossed and claim your free hot beverage and goodie bag.

7. On the evening of Sunday, 20 September, on Instagram, we will announce the fastest male, fastest female and lucky draw winner, as well as the amount of funds raised for Friends of Melville Koppies.
   

⚠️ READ THIS: Important note on race format

• There are no route markers or marshals on the route, so you absolutely need the route saved on your watch and/or phone to navigate it. We recommend using Outdooractive to follow the route on your phone.

• You must wear your wristband for the entire duration of your run, as you will need to present it to enter Melville Koppies Nature Reserve; otherwise, you will have to pay to enter the reserve. You will also need it to claim your free hot beverage.

• Ensure you are adequately prepared with the necessary gear, snacks and hydration. There is no official on-site support or dedicated emergency response provided by the organisers.

• Your ticket only covers one entry into the reserve on the day you choose to compete. If you wish to attempt the segment on multiple days, you will need to buy additional tickets.

• Regrettably, dogs are NOT allowed in Melville Koppies Nature Reserve.

• Emergency contact at Melville Koppies: Jenny 072 348 0578. For all other emergencies or queries, contact Alex: 072 014 4668.

• An adult must accompany participants under 18 years old.

View and download the interactive route on Outdooractive.

Interactive Route

3D Fly-over Video

Parking is available at Fingers Crossed.

Prizes

The following prizes are awarded:

• Fastest Lady and Fastest Man

👟 Asics Trabuco 14 Trail Running Shoes courtesy of The Sweat Shop

👕 Asics clothing hamper including a T-shirt, jacket and shorts courtesy of The Sweat Shop 🧢 nerd airhead cap courtesy of fkt. run store ☕️ 1 kg Fingers Crossed Coffee Beans

🎟️ Free ticket for future Trail Fund Project events

• Lucky Draw:

🏃‍♂️ 2x R500 in-store voucher for The Sweat Shop Dunkeld 💼 1x nerd run belt courtesy of fkt. run store

🧢 2x Killat caps 🧦 4x Killat cotton socks

💼 2x Killat moonbags

🥙 3x Mama Alles 50%-off online vouchers

🌄 3x trekpatch R500 online voucher

☕️ 1x 1 kg Fingers Crossed Coffee Beans

🎟️ 3x Free tickets for future Trail Fund Project events

Prize-giving

• To qualify for fastest-time prizes, you must:

  1. Hold a valid event ticket.

  2. Join the Forge Strava Club.

  3. Complete the official segment on your chosen race day.

  4. Ensure your Strava activity is public so your result can be verified.
     

  The overall fastest male and fastest female will be announced after the final race day on 20 September. Thanks to fkt. run store, the fastest male and fastest female from race day one will each also receive a nerd airhead cap.
  

• Numerous lucky draws will take place throughout both race days at Fingers Crossed. To qualify, you must hold a valid event ticket and be present at Fingers Crossed when the draw takes place. One winner will be drawn for each prize item.
  

Leaderboard

Final times are tallied after all race days are completed. You can track your ranking on our leaderboard page, which is updated after each race day. You can also view your ranking in the segment details on Strava. Prizes are awarded to the fastest lady and man after both race days are completed.