Words & Photos: Bruce Viaene. Article from the November 2014 issue of DO IT NOW Online Magazine.
Multi Sports
With a vast variety of races available to athletes these days, it is nearly impossible to choose which event to take part in. If you are above average fitness, looking at a race calendar is like walking into a candy store; there are ‘so many options, but so little time’.
There are single-day, multi-day and expedition-style races. There are night runs, full-moon runs, mountain runs, forest runs and beach runs. Taking part in a race within Big 5 habitat is also on the list to choose from. The options are literally endless. In addition, there are new races popping up all over the place, but there are also the races that have stood the test of time and rooted themselves onto a racer’s calendar year after year. Such an event is the Merrell Eden Duo.
Each year, hundreds of athletes’ crusade towards the heart of the Garden Route and home of the Merrell Eden Duo; Wilderness. This event is an adventure-style race over a 150 km marked route on which multifaceted athletic teams prove themselves in each of the disciplines, namely running, mountainbiking, kloofing and paddling. The diversity of the event ensures that participants are spoilt with spectacular vistas.
But what is it that makes this race hold such a prestigious role on the calendar? Here are some key elements that make this race a great race.
The Route
The Merrell Eden Duo has arguably some of the most breathtaking views on offer. Starting in their boats on the beautiful Touws River, athletes paddle their way down to Wilderness Beach.
Commented top South African paddler and Merrell athlete Greg Louw, “The first leg is awesome coming out the valley towards the mouth in a scenic river meandering through the reeds down to the mouth. Both paddles are done in deep water, which makes it more enjoyable than slogging over sand banks. The paddling legs take you through some of the most scenic parts of the Garden Route.”
From the get go, the incredible views just don’t stop. Fish eagles guide competitors down the river until they hit the sand, where little ghost crabs scuttle away into their sandy homes. Teams then make their way on the now-decommissioned tracks of the Oteniqua Choo Tjoe before heading into the black waters of the Kaaimans River, the start of the kloofing leg. The beautiful views continue along Montagu Pass, a big, continuous climb into the clouds that must rate as one of the most stunning mountain bike rides around. From beach to bush and mountain, this race has the best of all worlds, and you can’t really beat that.
Race Village
Any race that extends one day of racing needs a decent race village. A place that provides good food, pumping tunes, warm and comfy seating and, of course, the ever-necessary bar. The organizers of the Merrell Eden Duo take it up a notch by also providing great coffee and a Merrell store where you can grab a pair of shoes or apparel at a great price. Just as important is the accommodation, which needs to be close, neat and clean. The San Park Ebb & Flow Rest Camp provides that and more.
The animated banter found at the race briefing and again at prize-giving proves that this race has a good recipe. It is fantastic when people are comfortable enough to be able to joke and banter, thus creating a family vibe within the race village.
The Partners
It is not an easy task putting together an event like this. The time, money, sweat and tears poured in by the orgainsers most times goes unnoticed. However, what makes it easier is having a solid brand backing you. This is what Merrell has done with this adventure race. It is a brand that is entrenched at the grass-roots level of adventure-based sport, as seen by their support for local events and athletes. When looking at their involvement and passion for our sport from the outside, we are truly thankful for the support they put in to make such races take place.
The Participants
Without a doubt, the most important element of any race is the athletes that take part. From world-class adventure racers, who compete at the highest level of their sport, to accomplished trail runners, paddlers and mountain bikers, who all compete at an elite level, they all create a truly unique mix at the Merrell Eden Duo.
The Organizers
There is something special about arriving at a race, after trekking halfway across the country to get there, and you are greeted by friendly, familiar faces. Strong handshakes and even stronger camaraderie is shared from the deepest kloof to the coldest beer at the finish.
But when all is said and done, you need to remember that this is adventure racing and anything can happen to you. That’s why compulsory gear is, well, compulsory! When it’s dark or cold and you’re lost, you need to remain strong and calm. This is where one of the most impressive aspects about the sport of adventure racing comes into play. Simply, these athletes will sacrifice their own position to help a fellow adventurer in need, and that is what this sport is all about!
For some it takes 9 hours to complete the course, while for others it is a very long 19 hours. In the end though, we are all completing the same course and overcoming the same mountains.
This, combined with the amazing organisers, supportive partners, fantastic race village and a stunning route all thrown into the mix, is what makes the Merrell Eden Duo an adventure race that proudly stands apart.
2014 race results
This year’s race saw top athletes taking to the 150 km route, with Hanno ‘Smelly’ Smit, from the Merrell Adventure Addicts, winning the Solo division in a time of 10:22:59. Smit is no stranger to the course, as he lives in the nearby forests and uses the mountains as his training ground. The 150 km Team Relay proved to be a hotly contested division with a mere 8 minutes between first and second place. It was won by Charl de Villiers, Francois de Villiers, Jade Muller and Louis de Villiers. The coveted Duo race was won by Bennie Steyn and Inus van Rooyen.
More information
For the full results visit http://www.24-7adventure.com/results.html
For race photos visit http://www.24-7adventure.com/event-gallery/merrell-eden-duo-2014.html
For more information about the race visit www.24-7adventure.com
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