Melville Koppies 10 km Trail Run

This is a self-navigation race that tests your ability to navigate technical terrain while moving as quickly as you can. There is no mass start and no set start time. It’s you against the clock, and you can choose when to get going.

Before race day

1. Once you've bought your ticket, you'll receive the route details and GPX via email.

2. We strongly recommend downloading the route in the Outdooractive app on your phone. You can also load the route GPX onto a compatible watch.

3. If you're using Outdooractive, set up your free account before race day and make sure the app has permission to access your location.

4. Timekeeping is done via Strava. If you want your time to appear on the official leaderboard and qualify for fastest-time prizes, make sure you have a free Strava account set up before race day. You can record directly in Strava or use a compatible watch connected to the app.

   On race day
   

5. Arrive at Fingers Crossed Coffee Shop, park nearby and collect your wristband from the Trail Fund Project team. Have your digital ticket ready.

6. Registration opens at 07:00. There is no official start time, so you can begin whenever you're ready from 07:00 onwards.

7. Melville Koppies Nature Reserve is open from 07:30 to 11:30, so we recommend arriving at Fingers Crossed between 07:00 and 08:00, or by 09:30 at the latest, to give yourself enough time to complete the reserve section.

8. Load the route in Outdooractive and tap Navigate. When you're ready to begin, start your navigation and your Strava recording directly outside Fingers Crossed. Follow the route carefully.

   
   

   When you finish
   

9. Stop your recording outside Fingers Crossed and upload your activity to Strava.

10. Trade in your wristband at the counter for your complimentary hot beverage and goodie bag.

11. Check the Strava leaderboard to see how your time compares.

12. Stick around for the lucky draws.
    

⚠️ Important race information

• There are no route markers or marshals; navigation is entirely your responsibility.. You absolutely need the route available on your phone and/or watch. We recommend using Outdooractive on your phone to navigate.

• There are no water tables or on-course support. Please carry enough water, nutrition and anything else you may need to complete the route safely.

• You must wear your wristband for the duration of the event. You will need it to enter Melville Koppies Nature Reserve and to claim your complimentary hot beverage and goodie bag afterwards.

• You will need to cross Judith Road shortly before entering Melville Koppies. This can be a busy road, so please stop, check carefully and cross only when it is safe.

• Please remember that Melville Koppies is open to other visitors. Share the trails respectfully with hikers, families, birdwatchers and other reserve users.

• Regrettably, dogs are not allowed in Melville Koppies Nature Reserve, but they are welcome at Fingers Crossed.

• Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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

Prizes

Overall fastest male and fastest female

The overall fastest male and fastest female will each receive:

👟 ASICS Trabuco 14 Trail Running Shoes, courtesy of The Sweat Shop

💼 Nerd Run Belt, courtesy of fkt. run store

☕️ 1 kg Fingers Crossed Coffee Beans

🎟️ Free ticket to a future Trail Fund Project event

Race day one bonus prizes: Thanks to fkt. run store, the fastest male and fastest female on the first race day will each receive a 🧢 Nerd Airhead Cap.

Lucky draw prizes

Numerous lucky draws include:

🏃‍♂️ 2 x R500 in-store vouchers for The Sweat Shop Dunkeld 👟 2 x ASICS Trabuco 14 Trail Running Shoes, courtesy of The Sweat Shop 👕 2 x ASICS clothing hampers including a T-shirt, jacket and shorts, courtesy of The Sweat Shop

🧢 2 x Killat caps

🧦 4 x Killat cotton sock pairs

💼 2 x Killat moonbags

🥙 3 x Mama Alles 50%-off online vouchers

🌄 3 x trekpatch R500 online vouchers

☕️ 1 x 1 kg Fingers Crossed Coffee Beans

🎟️ 3 x free tickets to future Trail Fund Project events Prize-giving and eligibility

The overall fastest male and fastest female across both race days will be confirmed after the final race day on 20 September.

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 individual prize item.

Timekeeping and leaderboard qualification

Timekeeping is done using the official Strava segment. To have your time officially recognised and qualify for fastest-time prizes, you must:

1. Hold a valid event ticket.

2. Join the Forge Strava Club.

3. Record your activity directly in Strava or using a watch connected to Strava.

4. Start and stop your recording directly outside Fingers Crossed.

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

6. Set your Strava activity to Public and make sure your map's start and end points are not hidden.

   
   

   NB: If you navigate the route incorrectly or do not complete the official segment, your time cannot be registered on the leaderboard.
   

You can track your ranking on our leaderboard page, which is updated after each race day. You can also view your result on the live Strava segment leaderboard.

View and download the interactive route on Outdooractive.

Interactive Route

3D Fly-over Video

Parking is available at Fingers Crossed.