The Stellenbosch Trail Fund (STF) is the proud beneficiary of two iconic Stellenbosch based off-road events, the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience and the Savanna Origin of Trails Trail Run Experience that will shake up the City of Oaks on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April 2021.
A registered non-profit organisation (NPO), STF is entirely funded by donations from local trail users and corporate sponsors. Since 2011 STF’s aim has been to create, improve and maintain – hiking, biking and running trails in and around the greater Stellenbosch.
“Stellenbosch truly is a mountain biker and trail runner’s dream destination,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “Stellenbosch boasts a myriad of world class trails. Whether mountain biking or trail running, we really are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a route to enjoy. This is largely thanks to the fantastic role fulfilled by STF. We have been proud supporters since the event’s inception in 2013, and we are even prouder to continue our support in 2021.”
“STF truly values the support that we receive from Stillwater Sports and the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB and Trail Run Experience,” says Richard de Villiers, STF Founding Director. “Our trails are permit-free, which enables all to enjoy our trails free of charge. We are therefore entirely dependent on donations from the public to fund our trail-building and trail-maintenance teams and program.”
“The past year has reminded us just how privileged we are to have such fantastic events and trails on our doorstep,” continues de Villiers. “Our STF team (of six members) makes daily trips to maintain and upgrade the STF trail network. Due to COVID, we have not been able to have our full team working. Funding is scarce as money is tight. The funds received from the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB and Trail Run Experience will really make a difference. We cannot wait to be part of the event in April.”
Richard de Villiers (STF Founding Director) has the following advice for trail users:
– As trail-users we are responsible to maintain and improve our local trails.
– Please keep our trails clean by not littering. Please collect litter that is seen and put it in one of the many bins on our trails. These are regularly cleaned.
– Please do not ride the trails when they are very wet, as this damages our trails.
– Please continue to ride our trails as much as possible, as presence is the best deterrent to crime.
– Do not ride alone, but rather with a friend or friends as there is safety in numbers!
Mountain bikers and trail runners taking part in the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB and Trail Run Experience in 2021 can show their support by making a donation towards STF during the online entry process. For further information on STF visit www.stellenboschtrailfund.co.za
EVENT INFORMATION: Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience
The Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience is an individual 2-day MTB Stage Race. The routes highlight the beauty and splendor of Stellenbosch, and mountain bikers can look forward to experiencing a vast network of world-class trails while celebrating the origin of SA mountain biking.
Date: Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April 2021
Venue (Start and Finish): Stellenbosch High School
Format: Two-Day Stage Race for individual entrants
Categories, Distances & Entry Fee:
Full Marathon
Age: 18+
Entry Fee: R1600.00
Distance Day 1: +-45km
Distance Day 2: +-40km
Half Marathon
Age: 18+
Entry Fee: R1400.00
Distance Day 1: +-27km
Distance Day 2: +-22km
Entries Close: Tuesday 20 April 2021 (or once full capacity has been reached)
EVENT INFORMATION: Savanna Origin of Trails Trail Run Experience
Launched in 2018, the Savanna Origin of Trails Trail Run Experience will treat runners to the best trails on offer in Stellenbosch. Entrants can look forward to challenging, yet fun and rewarding routes with spectacular views.
Date: Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April 2021
Festival Village: Stellenbosch High School
Start and Finish Venues: To be announced
Format: Two-Day Stage Race for individual entrants
Age Category: 18+
Distance:
Day 1: between 22 – 25km
Day 2: between 15 – 17 km
Entry Fee: R950.00 per entrant
Entries Close: Tuesday 20 April 2021 (or once full capacity has been reached)
CHARITY SUPPORT: The Savanna Origin of Trails proudly supports the Stellenbosch Trail Fund.
PLEASE NOTE: The event organisers will at all times adhere to Government Regulations regarding COVID-19.
Like our Facebook page: Stillwater MTB Events / @stillwatertrail
Follow us on Instagram: @stillwater_mtb_events / @stillwater_trail_running
Follow us on Twitter: @Stillwater_MTB / @StillwaterTrail
For more information or to enter the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience please email [email protected] or visit www.stillwatersports.com.