Mountain bikers and trail runners will have the opportunity to enjoy the very best of the Zuurberg and Addo wilderness in the Eastern Cape at the BDO Hayterdale Classic MTB Race & Trail Run on August 27 and 28. 

Riders and runners are being urged by BDO’s Managing Partner, Mark Willimott, to take full advantage of the impeccable trails, which include several sections of the former South African XCO Championship course.

Competitors also use single track sections that are usually reserved for the Great Zuurberg Trek and Great Zuurberg Trek E-edition – both three-day boutique events.

“The trails are amazing and the Hayter family have invested a lot of time and effort in creating and maintaining it,” said Willimott. “They host a number of well-known events and it is really great to be associated with the family in this way.”

He said it was the perfect opportunity for first-timers to experience something new while enjoying exercise in the scenic vistas of the Zuurberg Mountains. “If you haven’t been, come have a look.”

He said the format made it easy to combine the races with a night away and to add excursions to a variety of activities – such as a drive through the Addo Elephant National Park – to an itinerary.

Willimott, who is a seasoned cyclist and adventure sport enthusiast, has cycled the trails on numerous occasions and said a longstanding friendship with race owner Trevor Hayter had led to the Gqeberha tax, auditing and advisory services firm’s investment.

“We were on board at their very first event and this is also a great opportunity for us to be involved with members of the community and to entrench lasting relationships.”

The trail run – which offers 18km, 12km and 6km route options – starts on the Saturday. The mountain bike event on the Sunday, has a choice of 40km, 40km e-bike and 25km options.

The event takes place at Hayterdale Trails just outside Addo and online entries close at midnight on August 24.