Bundu Bash series? Starts this Sunday

St Johns DSG will host the opening leg of the popular Bundu Bash adventure racing series on Sunday 12 August at the Baynesfield Estate.

It's an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a fun day out with some trail running and mountain biking and everyone from the serious athlete to the casual participant catered for.

The Bundu Bash Series is now into its fifth year. It began with St John's DSG, but has now been extended to include a leg hosted by Treverton at Mooi River on 8 September, followed by another leg on 20 October at Newcastle's St Dominic's.

There are a number of options open to competitors, including the addition of trail run only and cycling only events. The Chainsaw, made up of a 5 km run and 19km mountain bike ride, is open to individuals and teams. For those not quite up to that sort of challenge, the half-distance event, known as the Dustbuster, will be contested on less demanding terrain and cover 2.5 km for the run and 10km on the mountain bike. It is also open to teams.

The younger members of the family are looked after in the Bundu Buddies supervised events for under-6s, under-8s and under-10s. For those who would rather take part in just one of the disciplines, there is a 5km trail run or a 19km mountain bike option. Then, for those who would prefer to take more time to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings, there is a 5km amble, which ably sums up the athletic requirement of the event.

Last year's St John's Bundu Bash drew 500 entrants. This year, the organisers say they are expecting from 600 to 650 participants.

Early entries are available through the ROAG website and the first 400 entrants will receive T-shirts. The first 500 people to register will also receive goodie bags.Registration starts at 06:00 and runs through until 09:00, with the first event off at 08:00. More information can be found at https://www.bundubashseries.co.za