richtersveld wildrun™ 2015 event guide

2 ©Wildrunner 2015

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©Wildrunner 2015 3

Welcome to the Richtersveld Wildrun™ 2015!

The Richtersveld Wildrun™ 2015 promises four days and 150km of spectacular

running through the desert of the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. While

there, you will experience completely unique terrain and some of the most

magnificent mountain desert scenery in the world.

Words cannot describe the physical and emotional high of this journey ahead of

you. It’s not just the magnificence of this untouched mountain desert that will

blow your mind, but the combination of sharing this life-changing experience with

the people you meet and the friends you make along the way.

This is a short guide with a little about everything for your convenience. If there is

anything you are not sure about, or anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask

one of the Wildrun™ crew, who will be only too happy to assist.

We look forward to getting to know you in the next few days, and from all of us,

we wish you an injury-free and unforgettable journey through the desert.

Owen, Tam & the Wildrunner team

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Contents

Who’s who 5

Richtersveld Wildrun™ runners 2015 8

Pre-event checklist 9

General pre-event information 11

Richtersveld Wildrun™ Schedule of Events 13

Route information

Tuesday 02 June 16

Wednesday 03 June 18

Thursday 04 June 20

Friday 05 June 22

Crew Contact details 24

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So who’s who on the crew for 2015?

Owen Middleton – Race Director Owen has wanted to put on an event in the Richtersveld ever

since he visited the area for the first time (as an adult) in 2006

and, with more than 10 years of event organising experience

behind him, he realised this dream for the first time in 2014. If

you don’t already know Owen, you’ll normally find him

somewhere in the mountains with his loyal companion Shadow,

dreaming up new events in more amazing places. Trail running is his passion and

lifestyle and bringing it to everyone else is his mission.

Tamaryn Middleton (Tam) – Event Manager

The Real Boss. If you don’t know Tam by now, you haven’t

entered the event! She is the backbone of the Wildrun™ and will

put a smile on your face any time of the day. Although born in

SA, Tam spent her formative years in the UK and then Belgium

for most of her schooling years. Her passion is people, with a

healthy dose of scuba diving, trail running and general

adventure-seeking thrown in! Anything you need during the run, Tam will sort it

out.

Dave & Glenda Jupp – Communications

Tam’s folks - Dave and Glenda have spent a lifetime together,

travelling the world and taking it as it comes. Having lived in

Texas, Greece, France, England and Belgium, they came back

to settle at home in the Cape, where they now try to take as

much time off as possible. When they aren’t working or

holidaying, they spend their time running their unofficial mini-

crèche for the new generation of mini-me’s!

Dr Mark Middleton – Course & Checkpoint Manager

Owen’s big brother. Mark divides his time between his numerous

mini-Middletons and his work with (mostly) four-legged patients.

But really, he’s just a surfer-boy from Kommetjie and annoyingly

good at most sports. Mark loves to talk about his surgery on

animals – especially over dinner...

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Catharina Robbertze – Media

After travelling the world working on cycling tours, Catharina

was lured back to SA and running by Wildrunner and her

memories of the Lesotho Wildrun™ 2011. With a background in

media, she’ll be tweeting, Facebooking, blogging and PR-ing

about every step you take in the Richtersveld.

Genevieve & Chris – The massage therapy team The ‘No-Pain, No-Gain’ team… Yup, chances are you will end up

on one of their tables at some stage! These guys will work out

all those niggles and make you feel ready for the next day.

Genevieve and Chris are formidable and have worked on

numerous other multi-day events such as the Lesotho Wildrun™

and the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon.

Richard Dellbridge - Race Sweep Richard loves wine, running, the outdoors, making a difference

and getting out there. He’s volunteered as a medic at many

Wildrunner races and has lots of experience carrying injured

runners out of precarious places. He loves the solitude of being

in the middle of nowhere and while he is sure to be in the

middle of nowhere plenty of times in the Richtersveld he will

always be accompanying the last runner as he takes on the all-important duty of

race sweep.

Isla Middleton – In charge of entertainment This year, you’ll find that Isla certainly has a lot to say, you just

won’t understand much of it! She is now even more

entertaining, giggles like little girls should and still knows

exactly what she wants (and still gets it). Her usefulness as crew

hasn’t much improved from last year, except now that she can

walk, she will be required to present medals and perform other,

equally important tasks during the event.

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Johan & Magda de Waal – Richtersveld Tours

Johan and Magda started a tour operator business,

Richtersveld Tours, in the early part of 2007. After

opening a tourism forum with the Open Africa

Organisation, interest and involvement in the area

grew rapidly and now includes a number of

community projects such as festivals, talent

competitions and markets. Johan will be looking after the camp setup for this

event and Magda is the power behind all the delicious meals! Attention to detail

and yummy food are what these two are all about! You’ll also see their kids,

Johané, Bula and the cute Klara all over the place, helping at the finish and around

camp.

Nick de Goede – /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park Manager

Nick has been in conservation for 22 years, working in KwaZulu-

Natal parks for 16 years, before moving to the Richtersveld six

years ago. In KZN he worked in uMkuze, Garden Castle, Giant's

Castle, Ithala Game Reserve and Tembe Elephant Park. As a

family, the de Goedes love exploring the park on weekends.

Nick will mostly be one day ahead of the Richtersveld runners, setting up the next

day’s camp but you’ll see him at the start and finish of race – always working and

always smiling.

Marion Siebrits – CP Crew Everyone's mother - warm, loving, always feeding and

affectionate. Farm-raised in the Eastern Cape, now Cape Town

based, happily married, a doting mother of two and would

adopt the whole world if she could. Marion's passions and skills

are horticulture (she will rattle Latin plant names and garden

designs like a professor), catering in pioneering environments

(did someone say fresh herbs in the desert?) and travel (her bakkie comes with

permanent, personalised tool box and tea basket). A hug accompanied by coffee

and biscuits is never far away!

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Richtersveld Wildrun™ 2015 Participants

RWR # Name Surname

RWR # Name Surname

1 Amanda Atwood

22 James Robertson

2 Georgina Ayre

23 Carl Sandrock

3 Anne-Marie Botha

24 Ruanne Sandrock

4 Heleen Botha

25 Paul Stephens

5 Bev Clark

26 Michael Taylor

6 James Cracknell

27 Elsabe Van Schalkwyk

7 Harriet Cullinan

28 Bernard Rukadza

8 Steve Diederich

29 Alfeus Haushona

9 Annie Dower

30 Dawid Kaswant

10 Anthony Erasmus

31 Koos Jossob

11 Filippo Faralla

32 Mark Mattson

12 Matthew Fitzsimons

33 Bryony McCormick

13 Thea-Mari Franken

34 Fiona McIntosh

14 CF Haasbroek

35 Shaen Adey

15 Karoline Hanks

36 Roland Vorwerk

16 Michael Hathorn

37 Thabang Madiba

17 Peter Hathorn

38 Katya Soggot

18 Nikki Kimball

39 Dayle Wheeler

19 Lionel Links

40 Carien Du Plessis

20 Andre Lourens

41 Andries Erasmus

21 Andrew Macduff 42 David Buchanan

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Pre-event Checklist

Make sure you have …

Packed a sleeping bag. A stretcher, pillow & blanket are provided.

Packed your passport – even if you aren’t travelling via Namibia, Rosh

Pinah (Namibia) is the closest and best medical facility for this event. It

will be your emergency facility if anything happens to you.

Arranged travel insurance/insurance in case of emergency medical

evacuation.

Packed your GPS with batteries, and spare batteries.

Packed a dry bag or zip lock bags to keep your belongings dry in case of a

freak storm! We have had thunderstorms every time we’ve been in the

Richtersveld, winter and summer, so it’s worth doing.

Packed any personal medication – including your own strapping if you are

currently carrying an injury/niggle.

Packed your personal nutrition adequate for each day’s run – one

checkpoint a day will have an aid station, with water and some snacks

provided.

Cash for the bar. You will only be able to use cash while on the event as

there is no signal for a card machine. Drinks and sandwiches on Monday

will be cash only.

Camera, charger (spare batteries) and an empty card.

Packed a headlamp for the evenings & morning, plus spare batteries.

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In your goodie bag

A Wildrun™ numbered kit bag that you will use for the four running days

(the bag you arrive with will be stored at the start/finish and will not be

accessible during the event, until the final night)

A Wildrun™ jacket, Buff & running beanie

1.5l aQuelle still water (3l will be supplied each day)

Your Wildrun™ number (to go on the front of your top) & maps

Extra notes

The temperature can be very cold in the evenings and nights at this

time of year and very warm during the day. Short sleeves for your days’

running will be adequate but ensure you have warm clothes for the

evenings. A down-jacket might be a little overkill (i.e. not essential), but

at least you won’t get cold! A rain coat will also be useful in case of a

storm.

Scorpions are fairly common in the Richtersveld and for the most part

come out at night. They like to move in the open but seek refuge in dark

places like under tents, in firewood and in shoes. Please wear closed

shoes after sundown and check your running shoes in the morning before

putting them on. Placing them upside down on rocks or off the ground

helps, but is not fail-safe. Keep your tent zipped up when you are not

inside and when you are sleeping.

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General info on Sendelingsdrif

Sendelingsdrif is on the very edge of the Orange River, on the border

of South Africa and Namibia.

Registration on 01 June will be at the Sendelingsdrif hall.

GPS briefing, race briefing and dinner on 01 June will be at the

Sendelingsdrif hall.

You will be staying in the campsite at Sendelingsdrif, where your

numbered tents will be erected for you.

There is one shop with some food available but this only stocks the

basics. DO NOT RELY on this shop for race food or otherwise. It is

open between 08h00-13h00 and 16h00–18h00.

There is a petrol ‘station’ at Sendelingsdrif but we suggest that you

fill up in Rosh Pinah, Namibia (if travelling that way) or Port Nolloth,

to ensure you have enough to get out of the Richtersveld again.

There will be a limited menu of toasted sandwiches available for sale

throughout the day on Monday. We suggest you bring lots of snacks

with you on your road trip to keep you going until dinner on 01 June.


You’re in Sendelingsdrif – what now?

Event Registration

Wildrun™ registration takes place from 16h00 to 18h30 at the hall. At

registration you will need to sign the event indemnity and collect your:

Official numbered Richtersveld Wildrun™ 2015 race bag with kit

Richtersveld Wildrun™ 2015 race number & maps

Event welcome & briefing

The event welcome and briefing will take place from 19h00 at the hall.

After a local presentation and introduction to the people that have made

this event happen, we will take you through important event logistical &

safety information and instructions, as well as lead you through day one of

the Richtersveld Wildrun™.

This is for your safety & information, so please be present at this briefing.

Dinner at Sendelingsdrif

Dinner will be at the restaurant right after briefing, at 20h00.

Sendelingsdrif Restaurant and hall


Richtersveld Wildrun™ – Schedule of events

Monday, 01 June

Pre-Wildrun™ in Sendelingsdrif

10h00 Runners arrive throughout the day. On arrival at

Sendelingsdrif, Wildrunner crew will meet you and show

you to your tented accommodation.

16h00-18h30 Wildrun™ registration at the Sendelingsdrif hall.

18h30 GPS training – not required to attend but recommended

if you’re a little unsure or just need a refresher on GPS

use. To be held in the Sendelingsdrif hall.

19h00 Wildrun™ briefing, local presentation and route

information – overall and for day 1, in the hall.

20h00 Dinner at the Sendelingsdrif restaurant (next to the

hall).

*Please note that the ferry into Namibia officially opens at 08h00 and closes at 16h00,

South African time.

Tuesday, 02 June

06h00 Breakfast in the Sendelingsdrif hall.

06h30 – 07h30 Bag check-in: You need to drop your bag at the

Wildrunner trailer, located outside in the Sendelingsdrif

parking lot. ONLY your numbered Wildrun™ race bag

will be available during the event – the bag you arrive

with will stay in Sendelingsdrif, either in your own

vehicle, or you can check it into storage, when you drop

your runner bag.

08h00 The RICHTERSVELD WILDRUN™ 2015 STARTS!


12h00 – 16h00 Lunch in camp #1 – find the food zone

18h30 Briefing for day 2

19h00 Dinner

Wednesday 03 June *Please note that runners will be split into different start times from day 2 onwards.

You must check the notice board for your start time every evening.

07h00 Breakfast opens

07h00 Bag-drop opens. Please check your bag in at the trailer

07h00 – 09h00 START for the first batch of runners *See notice board

12h00 – 16h00 Lunch in camp #2 – find the food tent


19h00 Dinner

Thursday 04 June




12h00 – 16h00 Lunch in camp #3 – find the food tent


19h00 Dinner


Friday 05 June




12h00 – 16h00 Lunch in Sendelingsdrif hall

19h00 Final presentation & prize giving

20h00 Your last dinner on the Richtersveld Wildrun™ … the bar

will be open for as long as you would like. If you feel the

urge to shake out those leg muscles and let loose, you

will be encouraged and supported!

Saturday, 06 June

Post-Wildrun™ in Sendelingsdrif

07h30-09h30* Full breakfast available

*Please note that the ferry into Namibia officially opens at 08h00 and closes at 16h00,

South African time.


A little extra info, in case you need us …

Crew Contact details:

Race Director Owen Middleton 084 221 8422

Race Manager Tamaryn Middleton 072 373 5081

Course Manager Mark Middleton 082 924 5605

Safety & Communications Dave Jupp 083 247 9749

Media Liaison Catharina Robbertze 072 212 2318

Massage Therapy Genevieve Stroombergen 083 565 6108

WILDRUNNER EMERGENCY Safety Officer 072 438 3242

Haven’t had enough of the Wildrun™?


Boundless Southern Africa

Bringing together stakeholders across

nine southern African countries

(Angola, Botswana, Lesotho,

Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa,

Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe),

Boundless Southern Africa is a major

regional tourism initiative that jointly markets seven Transfrontier conservation

areas (TFCAs) throughout the sub-region. This joint marketing initiative

encourages greater collaboration in the conservation and preservation of the

region’s rich natural and cultural heritage throughout the region.

The /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park (Namibia and South Africa) is one of

these seven areas. This park encompasses the oldest desert in the world and is

home to an abundance of unique desert flora. It includes the Fish River Canyon –

the world’s second largest canyon – that boasts 194 species of birds, a number of

nomadic tribes, sulphur springs and several archaeological sites dating as far back

as 2200 BC.

Roland Vorwerk – Boundless Southern Africa

The man who makes it happen from Boundless … Born and

educated in Natal, Roland now lives in Pretoria and finds great

joy in his work with Boundless Southern Africa, the marketing

wing of the Department on Environmental Affairs aimed

specifically at promoting the Transfrontier Peace Parks. When not cycling, this

energizer-bunny is either running in the mountains or hiking with friends. He has

an extremely big heart – nothing is too much trouble for him, and it is always

done with a laugh, good food and even better wine. Hook up with Roland on the

run for a good day out!

richtersveld wildrun™ 2015 event guide

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