It’s back!! After a 2-year hiatus due to Covid19, we’re extremely excited to be bringing back our VWS Trail Challenge –  to test the grit of avid trail runners and casual runners/walkers alike!  

The 16th edition of the VWS Trail Challenge 2022 is designed as a trail run with stunning views over the city of Cape Town, while enjoying the invigorating trails on one of the 7 Wonders of Nature, Table Mountain. 

The VWS Trail Challenge 2022 offers runners a chance to do two routes: 20km or 10km (runners and walkers). Take in the beauty of Deer Park, the lower slopes of Devil’s Peak and Table Mountain, the single-track contour above Tafelberg Road and experience the majesty of early morning Cape Town. And with a new start/finish venue, Gardens Tech Rugby Club, on the front-facing slopes of Table Mountain, we promise that there will be loads on offer for the whole family! 

Organised and run entirely by us, volunteer wildland firefighters, all proceeds go towards our organisation, an entirely volunteer-run, non-profit entity dedicated to the protection of biodiversity and the preservation of our natural heritage. We receive no official or municipal funding and all funds (raised by our volunteers, via donations or events like this) are used for operational and logistical costs when fighting devastating wildfires in the Western Cape.

Organised and run entirely by us, wildland firefighters of the Newlands Station of the VWS, all proceeds go towards our organisation, an entirely volunteer-run, non-profit entity dedicated to the protection of biodiversity and the preservation of our natural heritage. We receive no official or municipal funding and all funds (raised by our volunteers, via donations or events like this) are used for operational and logistical expenses when fighting devastating wildfires in the Western Cape.

Race Number (and merchandise) Collections

Race numbers can be collected in the days leading up to the race. These collections will take place at Newlands Fire Base, Newlands Forest (along the M3 / Union Avenue) at the following dates and times:

• Times to be advised closer to the event

Event Prizes

There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each race, for both male and female runners and a King and Queen of the Mountain for the 20km Race.

There will also be awesome random spot prizes for any runners and walkers (especially the amazing mothers running on the day) at the prize givings. Spot prizes will be awarded in two different time slots based on when runners / walkers are finishing. Everyone will stand a chance to win!

Indemnity
Please note that by submitting your entry form you declare that you are physically and medically fit and able to participate in this event and assume all risks of such participation upon yourself. 

You participate in the race at your own risk and hereby indemnify the organising committee, officials, all race helpers, all sponsors, the national and provincial race bodies, local authorities, City of Cape Town, SANParks, Table Mountain National Park and the Volunteer Wildfire Services (including its director and members) against any injuries or any other claim whatsoever which may arise as a result of your participation.

Volunteer Wildfire Services reserves the right to cancel the race (without refund) if the conditions on the day do not allow for the race to be run safely, should there be a large wildfire at the time of, or just before, the race or in the event that the permit is cancelled at the last minute.

Race Rules

• All entrants must be in possession of a race number, issued by the organisers, which must be worn on the front of the runner’s shirt.
• Participants must keep to the designated race routes (as indicated in the race maps) at all times. 
• Marshals and traffic officials must be obeyed at all times. Failure to comply with these instructions may lead to immediate disqualification.
• No seconding shall be allowed on the route. Some refreshment stations will be provided however each runner is required to have sufficient water for their own needs.
• No littering permitted at any stage. Failure to comply will lead to immediate disqualification.
• Damage to Flora/Fauna or any historical site will lead to automatic disqualification.
• No unauthorised cyclists, vehicles, rollerblades or scooters will be permitted on the route.
• It is the responsibility of each participant that he/she is medically fit and healthy to participate in the event.
• The Volunteer Wildfire Services reserves the right to accept or reject any entry.
• Minimum age of 16 for the 20km race. Minimum age of 12 for the 10km race. Between 12 and 14 year olds allowed if accompanied by guardian.
• Pets are not permitted.
• While the Volunteer Wildfire Services places participant and member safely above any other priority or obligation, Volunteer Wildfire Services will not be held liable for any injuries.