Woody Cape MTB and Trail Challenge

ONE of the more diverse and exciting mountain bike and trail runs in the Eastern Cape will be taking place on Saturday May 5 within the Alexandria Forest region.

The Woody Cape MTB and Trail Challenge is an exciting event for off-road athletes with four events running simultaneously. A tough 55km mountain bike event will be paired with an equally exciting but somewhat less strenuous 18km version, while for the trail running enthusiasts organisers Zports have mapped out a spectacular 18km trail run and 5km fun run version.

All events will start and finish at the breathtaking Elephants of Eden, an elephant sanctuary situated in the heart of the Alexandria forest belt. The farm, owned by Ian and Lisette Withers of the Knysna Elephant Park, is home to over half a dozen African elephants and other game.

"We are very excited about this event which we believe is one of the most diverse off-road events in the province," said event organiser Mike Zoetmulder of Zports.

"Participants will be challenged with a variety of terrains and gradients which will be offset by breathtaking views of the largest dune fields south of the equator, indigenous forest, farm landsand a variety of game."

Other than Elephants of Eden, participants will also pass through neighbouring Kaba Game Farm which is home to the International Quest Africa leadership school and a variety of game including giraffe and buffalo. From Kaba participants will tackle a 23km section of the Addo Elephant National Park, the third largest national park in the country, where the Woody Cape region consists of pristine indigenous forest.

"Due to the nature of the events on offer, we will not be taking any late entries for the mountain bike and 18km trail run events after our online entries close on Thursday May 3," added Zoetmulder. "This is definitely not an experience which off-roaders will want to miss as it's not something which they're able to do on their own."

The event is held in association with the local Alexandria NG Kerk fete which takes place in Alexandria on the Saturday morning with proceeds of the event going towards the church's local community projects.

Enter online for the Woody Cape MTB and Trail Challenge at