In only its 3rd year of existence the Salomon Featherbed Trail Run presented by Petzl is already drawing the cream of South Africa’s trail runners with some of the biggest names in the sport ready to challenge what is shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested trail runs of the year. International desert racing superstar Ryan Sandes, is joined in the starting line up by Salomon teammates Michelle Lombardi and Cas Van Aardenne. Lombardi and Van Aardenne each won their respective categories in the inaugural Two Oceans Trail Run earlier this year and in so doing collecting a number of huge trail running “scalps.” They will have their work cut out for them if they have ambitions to pluck any more feathers at the Oyster Festival’s Feature Trail Running Event.

Defending champion Rohan Kennedy has to be the favourite to win the men’s race but with the likes of Van Aardennne breathing down his neck he cannot afford to be even 1% off his game. Van Aardenne is not the only worry for the man who stunned everyone by wining both the morning and afternoon runs in 2009. Local hero Victor Gugeshe could be the dark horse package of the race and with Outeniqua Traverse winner John Collins also part of the line up, we have a confrontation of immense proportions ready to unfold. Collins who beat Kennedy to finish 2nd in the inaugural Otter Run last year may be at a disadvantage of being able to reign in  the younger Kennedy over 15km however Collins believes the upgraded, more technical  course could swing in his favour. Kennedy will also be weary of Sandes’s prowess over the more technical terrain. Whilst many believe that the 15km distance is too short for the man who is arguably regarded as the world’s best extreme runner, to assert his dominance, the “Sand Man” won’t be complaining about a more technical run.

Sandes himself surprised his rivals by registering for the new PETZL presented Night Run of the Salomon Featherbed Trail Run. The PETZL Night run which takes place after dark is the last of the three times the course gets raced during the event and expected to deliver the slowest times. “Perhaps Ryan knows something we don’t,” said John Collins who himself entered the afternoon slot. Sandes is not alone in his enthusiasm for running in the dark. Entries indicate that this new Night Run has drawn a lot of interest from the more adventurous trail runners but entries are still not quite as in demand as the morning or afternoon race which are 80% sold out. Times from all 3 of the races will be compared to give the overall final ranking of participants.

Entry to the Salomon Featherbed includes the race entry fees, the ferry trip, park entry fees and a meal at Cruise Café. Spectators are also encouraged to catch the finish line action at Cruse Café or book a place on the specially provided spectator boats. More information and entry can be done online at www.magneticsouth.net Don’t Miss the Boat!