The fifth edition of the Renishaw Hills Trail Running and MTB Festival is just a few weeks away and the good news for outdoor sports enthusiasts is that there are still some entries available. Trail running is swiftly gaining momentum in South Africa and the KZN South Coast event has become one of the most popular on the sport’s calendar. This year organizers could not pass off the opportunity to add mountain biking to the festival with the single track through Renishaw Farm providing the perfect setting.   It is the pristine coastline, rugged terrain and spectacular valley views that provide an unspoiled distraction for athletes who enjoy the great outdoors. The festivities get underway on Saturday, 3 December with two moderately challenging MTB rides. The 28km and 12km races start and finish at the Scottburgh Main Beach, and run through the popular Renishaw MTB Trails.  “It made perfect sense to add mountain biking to our programme. The MTB community along the South Coast and the province has grown tremendously and this is a great place to test ones skills,” event organizer, Myles Usher said. “The 28km race has some technical sections and it will suit intermediate riders. The 12km race is great for the family. Kids will have to be accompanied by a parent,” Usher explained. The foot races take place on 4 December with three different events providing runners of varying abilities a chance to challenge themselves. The 12km and 18km races pass through the TC Roberson Nature Reserve before entering the Renishaw Farm, whilst the 6km is a short loop through the reserve. The four-kilometer long single track on the southern bank of the Mpambanyoni River in particular presents some breathtaking views, with a number of buck and bird species likely to be spotted along the way. “We have a good amount of entries coming in for the trail events. We know that runners enjoy it and we are looking forward to seeing a number of popular athletes on the trail running scene back again,” Usher said. Phil Barker, Managing Director of Renishaw Property Developments, the developers of the Renishaw Hills lifestyle village, says they are delighted to sponsor the event again. “We are passionate about conservation and all our developments reflect this passion. We are in the process of rehabilitating wetlands and indigenous forests and we know that people who do trail running and mountain biking appreciate this. ” Barker said. “Renishaw Hills is a major development in the area and we are always happy to get behind an event of this nature. The organisers are professional and we have enjoyed working with them in the past,” he added. Entry to the event includes a complimentary breakfast roll and entry voucher to the Crocworld Conservation Centre, who are sponsoring all the prizes once again this year. The popular Durban based band, The Kickstands will perform after the trail run on Sunday.  To enter online, visit www.roag.co.za. Entry fees: MTB Ride: 28km – R130 on ROAG, R160 on the day 12km – R100 on ROAG, R130 on the day Kids U12 R50 on ROAG and on the day Trail Run: 18km – R130 on ROAG, R160 on the day 12km – R100 on ROAG, R130 on the day 6km – R70 on ROAG, R90 on the day Kids U12 – R50 on ROAG and on the day Contact Myles Usher on 083 642 5086 for more details or like the ‘Frothing Beats Events’ Facebook page for further event details.