A good tough run in and around the farmlands of Brakfontein is on offer at the weekend.
The original Tomato Trot 15km race was started by a group of runners who had found their way to living on the East Coast of East London, not far from where the renowned Surfers Challenge began, with a handful of male runners.
The Surfers has evolved appreciably over its 43 events and is today sponsored by Discovery, while the Tomato Trot although a good deal younger, this being the 23rd running, has grown and developed into a multi-sport event incorporating various mountain bike options. This year they too proudly announced a new sponsorship agreement with Buco.
Both races are in February, which offers hot and humid conditions, but provide a good preparation for the more daunting tasks going forward.
Three races have taken centre stage thus far in 2018 with two over 10km, both on tough courses and a half-marathon second to none in respect of difficulty.
The Tomato Trot has some “special” hills of its own and it is likely that success in the 15km foot race will fall to the same athletes who did well in the January events.
There is some off-road, a short section of tar and much by way of gravel roads to negotiate and off- road specialists might feel more at home on Saturday afternoon.
Lilyfontein Schools are the organisers of the running and cycling events and they have built a major family outing across the events.
The setting at the school lends itself to spectator support and involvement and that is what participants can expect from a very lively community, both at the school and on the surrounding farms.
Other than the 15km run there is also a 5km option, while the cycle events vary over 55, 35, 15 and 8km.
Late entries will still be available at the point of registration, Lilyfontein School, between 12 and 3pm tomorrow and from 12pm until 30 minutes before any of the races on Saturday.
Meanwhile many of the traditional roadrunning folk who qualify to run in the various masters divisions are gearing up for the Masters half- marathon on Sunday February 11. This race has traditionally provided fast times but the new route in 2017 did not result in any faster times.
This time runners will have a better understanding of what to expect, particularly in relation to the dead flat running in the harbour, coming off the long fast downhill section from the East London airport.
Entries are open and while 30-34-year-olds are allowed to run, they do not qualify for prizes, and may be better off saving themselves for the Buffs Half-marathon the following weekend. Age-group running is popular and competitive and 2018 will be no different.
Time to savour some Tomato fare
The original Tomato Trot 15km race was started by a group of runners who had found their way to living on the East Coast of East London, not far from where the renowned Surfers Challenge began, with a handful of male runners.
The Surfers has evolved appreciably over its 43 events and is today sponsored by Discovery, while the Tomato Trot although a good deal younger, this being the 23rd running, has grown and developed into a multi-sport event incorporating various mountain bike options. This year they too proudly announced a new sponsorship agreement with Buco.
Both races are in February, which offers hot and humid conditions, but provide a good preparation for the more daunting tasks going forward.
Three races have taken centre stage thus far in 2018 with two over 10km, both on tough courses and a half-marathon second to none in respect of difficulty.
The Tomato Trot has some “special” hills of its own and it is likely that success in the 15km foot race will fall to the same athletes who did well in the January events.
There is some off-road, a short section of tar and much by way of gravel roads to negotiate and off- road specialists might feel more at home on Saturday afternoon.
Lilyfontein Schools are the organisers of the running and cycling events and they have built a major family outing across the events.
The setting at the school lends itself to spectator support and involvement and that is what participants can expect from a very lively community, both at the school and on the surrounding farms.
Other than the 15km run there is also a 5km option, while the cycle events vary over 55, 35, 15 and 8km.
Late entries will still be available at the point of registration, Lilyfontein School, between 12 and 3pm tomorrow and from 12pm until 30 minutes before any of the races on Saturday.
Meanwhile many of the traditional roadrunning folk who qualify to run in the various masters divisions are gearing up for the Masters half- marathon on Sunday February 11. This race has traditionally provided fast times but the new route in 2017 did not result in any faster times.
This time runners will have a better understanding of what to expect, particularly in relation to the dead flat running in the harbour, coming off the long fast downhill section from the East London airport.
Entries are open and while 30-34-year-olds are allowed to run, they do not qualify for prizes, and may be better off saving themselves for the Buffs Half-marathon the following weekend. Age-group running is popular and competitive and 2018 will be no different.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos