The Salomon Featherbed Trail Run is a new cult event at the Knysna Oyster Festival.

Featherbed Nature Reserve is an iconic attraction for Knysna and the Garden Route – and although it’s been open to the public for twenty five years, this was the first time it’s opened its gates to an organised sporting event. Before the race, owner William Smith said that it was important to know that “we’re working with people who are sensitive to the ecology, who understand the problem and who aren’t out to grab.”

The runners themselves raved about the course and winner, Piet Jacobs (a 2:17 marathoner who took the Featherbed title in a blistering 49:14), said “my race went according to plan – I went really hard up the hills because my legs were still hurting a little bit from Sunday’s Night Run. I wanted to take it easy if I could on the down-hills and I knew that if I was in front in the last section the race would probably be mine because I come from a road running background.”

Deon Braun, publisher of Go Multi Magazine, personally took part in the race and said, “I found it varied, I found it very interesting, I think there was a lot of thought that went into it and I think it would suit a lot of runners.

Coelacanth Trail Run : 13 km.

The longer 13km Coelacanth Route will take you through incredible vistas including views across to the sheer cliffs of the Eastern Head, and out beyond the Indian Ocean to Buffalo Bay. Be prepared to be challenged by some hill work as you climb up from sea level to take in the splendour on the ridge line above the   Heads. Some well earned relief on the downhill into Lake Brenton and along the currently unused Outeniqua Choo Choo railway bridge to the Finish Line back at the Featherbed Paddle Steamer Jetty/Cruise Cafe.

Seahorse Trail Run : 8 km

The shorter 8km Seahorse Route takes a more direct line to the finish, but also enjoys breathtaking views across the Knysna Lagoon as you look over at Leisure Isle, Thesen Islands, the Knysna Waterfront and the historical Knysna Yacht Club. There is also a fair share of challenging hill work to make this a run to remember. The Seahorse route joins up with the Coelacanth Trail in Lake Brenton to share the same dash across the Outeniqua Choo Choo railway bridge to finish back at the Featherbed Paddle Steamer Jetty /Cruise Cafe.

For more info visit: magneticsouth