This is a story about adventure, brother-hood, endurance, pushing the limits and immersing oneself in nature. It’s a story about our home-playgrounds, the remoteness and vastness of our local trails and the profound sense of humility that comes with running along a 42km strip of pristine-coastline trail. It’s a story about The Otter African Trail Race, an event simply like no other.
The Faces Media team, alongside renowned trail-racing videographer Damien Schumann, ran the Otter Trail with founding brothers John and Mark Collins, to document and narrate the transformation of this unspoiled hiking trail into the now renowned one-day race.
At the very heart of the Otter African Trail Race is the safeguarding of our incredible, untamed trails. The race’s message remains, “to ensure the environment is better for you having participated in the event;” a truth which both brothers, John and Mark, have carried with them since the inception of the race. They share their Otter-journey, emphasising “that trail running is more than just a sport, it’s a movement,” which actively paves the way forward in protecting the spaces we cherish.
SANParks’ Environmental Commit to Conservation
Victor Mokoena, Park Manager at Tsitsikamma National Park, and Grant Grootboom, Head of Tourism and Hospitality Services Manager, shed light on SANParks’ unwavering commitment to conservation.
Victor and Grant discuss the symbiotic relationship between nature enthusiasts and the environment, exemplified by the Otter African Trail Race. This dynamic partnership goes beyond a mere event – it’s a powerful endeavor to enhance the trails that wind through our cherished South African landscapes. Through this collaboration, footsteps become a testament to preservation.
SANParks reveals how, alongside the Otter African Trail Race, they are protecting the Garden Route and Tsitsikamma National Park’s trails. Discover how this shared dedication has not only transformed the race into a remarkable experience but has also set the stage for protection of this natural beauty which captivates us all.
