Dirtopia is celebrating the month of love on the singletrack the day before Valentine’s Day on Sunday 13 February with a fun trail run in the morning and a short hike with picnic and wine the same evening.
The Love Trail Run is the second in the 2022 Sportsmans Warehouse series of monthly trail runs in the Stellenbosch wine region. From early morning, trail runners will be welcomed at the gorgeous, French inspired L’Avenir Wine Estate on the R44 near Stellenbosch with the February event offering two routes: a 6 km and 11 km.
Not only are there beautiful gardens at the start finish, but participants will be treated to views of the mountains while running through orchards, vineyards and of course Dirtopia’s signature singletrack trails. This is a faster course with the long routes also using the terrain of neighbouring farm of Nooitgedacht in a forest.
Registration starts from 06:30 next to the wine cellar; with the long route starting at 07:30 and the short route at 07:45. Pre-entries can be done online at www.dirtpass.co.za until Thursday midnight, 10 February with a R140 entry fee for the 6 km and 11 km R170, while kids under 18 cost R60 online. Please note late entries, if available on the event day, will be at an additional fee.
The refreshment station on both routes will have Powerade, fruit and cold water with a cup of Coke at the finish for all. A new 2022 medal will be handed over to each one crossing the finish line arch. Stay for the prize giving and lucky draw around 09:30 and stand a chance to win some great product prizes from the sponsor Falke and vouchers from Sportsmans Warehouse and L’Avenir Wine!
Relax on the lawns at the dam after the event and perhaps sip some of the estate’s Cap Classique. How about a romantic cheese platter shared with someone special? Ultimate Performance Therapy will be at the finish for a relaxing massage, and bookings are also taken in advance. Coffee, croissants and muffins will be available from early morning before the start as well. Whether you are single or in a relationship – everybody is welcome, and participants are encouraged to wear red for this trail run. You could win a prize for best dressed, in the name of love.
Runners can choose if they want to be timed. Rent or buy an Amarider Trail Tag or rent one for R20 for the day. For further info mail info@dirtopia.co.za or call 078 3433572 or visit the website at www.dirtopia.co.za
On Valentine’s Eve that Sunday night, the trail hours from Dirtopia Trail Centre on Muratie wine estate will be extended for a romantic Sunset to Full Moon Hike. This trail is a circular 3.5 km in total and only about 2 km to the look-out point where you’ll be poured a glass of Muratie’s Lady Alice MCC. The wine station will also have white and red wine for sale per bottle or per glass. Book a picnic in advance if you do not feel like packing and carrying your own snacks to the top. At Gilloolys junction, hikers can relax with views of the sun setting over Table Mountain and the full moon rising over Simonsberg.
A coffee station at the trail centre when hikers return between 20:00 and 20:30. Book online for the hike and picnic, as tickets are also limited: www.dirtpass.co.za
More information is on the Dirtopia’s website for the events and trail network.
The several marked routes from Muratie are open 7 days a week to the public for mountain biking, trail running and hiking at R60 per person for day permits. Opening early on summer weekends – see the updates on social media by following DIRTOPIA on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook for the latest.
Have a special time with loved ones and hopefully you too can spend time in the outdoors together.
