There is no doubt that trail running forces one to look around. No matter the weather, how extreme or sublime the elements may seem, the mere adventure of it all being out in raw nature from under foot to what is above invites awe. It is one of the many reasons why we run trails...being in awe of a Creator who made it all.

Yet, without environmental stewardship these natural habitats are being throttled by alien plants. The RMB Run4Rivers trail run just outside Cape Town supports efforts to protect the rivers of the Simonsberg area by removing the invasive plant species and restoring natural river flow.

Being in awe of these surroundings together, amongst our favourite plant species of the protea while running the trails that takes us to the wonder is always, dare we say, awesome. Add in a natural impetus in supporting efforts to enabling Creation to thrive, this race became an intentional joy...besides the Creator motivation.

Taking place within the Plaisir Wine Estate, the trail traversed its way mainly along moutain bike trails up to and from a saddle of Simonsberg.

Franschhoek, centre.

A great race for Joseph to put his minimalistic Woodstock Venture Sandals to the test!

Following the Waboom route, above, the 22 kilometre Challenge race takes one high enough to run beneath the Waboom or Protea nitida, below.

Results