The La Capra Goat Run, an annual favourite from Fairview, takes place this year on Saturday October 15.
This trail run begins and ends at Fairview Wine Farm in Paarl, and is held in aid of numerous charities, including Drakenstein Hospice, Boland Autism, Sunfield Home, Wellington Lions Club, Paarl Mountain Reserve, and The Sunflower Fund.
Trail runners can expect a real treat of a route, climbing out from vineyards onto the fynbos slopes and upper areas of the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve. For the more fun-minded, family-oriented groups, there’s also a short fun walk that’s free for children.
The event caters for all levels. There are the entry level 5km and 8km routes, and for the more adventurous “goat runners”, the challenging 15km and 28km “extreme” options, which include summiting Paarl Rock, the second largest granite outcrop in the world (after Uluru in Australia).
The panoramic view from the top is astounding, with Table Mountain and the sea in the West and the Boland Mountains in the East.
The trail diversity in the extreme course includes climbing to a plateau of tranquillity that invites some fast, open running on a packed jeep track that circles around dams.
There’s a single-track dip through a magical botanical garden, and once off Paarl Rock, you descend (hundreds of stairs) through thick indigenous forest. Back onto the lower fynbos slopes, it’s a meander back to Fairview to join in the festivities.
Food and drinks are on offer, which can be enjoyed on a large lawn area.
Prizegiving includes spot prizes, and the generous donation of proceeds from race entries to the event’s charitable beneficiaries.
All participantsreceive a goody bag with a T-shirt, cheese, yogurt and wine, a wine tasting voucher and discount vouchers valid on the day.
Enter online at www.entryninja.com/events/event/4081-la-capra-goat-run. Entry fees varies depending on the distance.
For more information on the line-up, contact Ellane van Wyk on 072 764 4015.