South Africa: Race the Wild Coast

Theride.co.za

In 2016 we launch Race the Wild Coast: a new breed of horse race. Riders, with a team of three horses, compete for victory over 350km of rugged paradise on the remote east coast of South Africa; navigating through this challenging wilderness, swimming rivers and keeping horses fit for vet checks in this complex multi stage race, will challenge the endurance of any horseback adventurer.

What:

• Total distance: 350 kilometres.

• A multi stage format including: dawn start and dusk cut-off, compulsory holds for tide affected river crossings and timed releases.

• Each rider has a team of 3 horses provided by a South African stud.

• There will be two horse changes at prescribed points: 123km and 209km into the race respectively.

• Each stage ends with a vet check for the horses (approximately every 40km). A rider may only continue without penalty if their horse passes the vet check.

• A recommended track with alternative routes or simply a stage destination, dependent on the terrain, will be provided on GPS to aid navigation. There will be no route markings on the ground.

• The race window is a total of 5 days with the organisers expecting the winner to finish early on the fourth day.

• This race will be a complex combination of endurance, horsemanship, navigation, strategy and what Mother Nature throws at you!


Where:

• The Wild Coast on the eastern seaboard of South Africa, from Port Edward to Kei Mouth.

• Competitors will be transferred from Durban’s King Shaka International Airport and fly out of East London Airport at the conclusion of the race.


When:

• 19th – 27th October 2016.

• Pre-Race training 19th – 21st October. Race 22nd – 26th October. Depart 27th October.

• Competitors transfer from Durban to the start camp on the 19th of October for a race briefing followed on the 20th and 21st with meeting their horses and back up team, kit and tack testing, horse orientation (including practice swimming rivers) and team strategy discussions.

• The race starts at dawn on the 22nd of October with a five-day window to complete the race.

• There will be a prize giving and spectacular celebration on the evening of the 26th, and on the 27th our brave adventurers begin their journey homeward.


Who:

• The adventure format of the race requires real horsemanship skills, experience riding long distances and competence in operating a GPS; the critical aid to navigating in this landscape.

• Riders will need to be physically fit, confident swimmers and be comfortable in the wilderness, alone and self sufficient.

• Riders must complete an application form, including details of their qualifications to compete in the race. Acceptance of applications will be at the discretion of the organisers.
Price:

• GBP4 250.00 or EUR5 950.00 or USD6 500.00 or ZAR79 000.00
• The price includes all food, accommodation, horses, support crew, tack and transfers (from pick up in Durban to drop off in East London).

For more information see
http://theride.co.za/the-race