Dear LUT2016 Participants,
I am sure the nerves play up as you start to read this email. It’s a good thing if they do, as for many of you, Lesotho Ultra Trail 2016 will be one of the toughest challenges you will take on in your life. It’s likely to also be one of the most liberating things you’ll do. Lesotho is a special place and has the knack of exposing another side of your life, a purer side of life, that puts the world’s problems into perspective and enriches your soul- the combination of a tough challenge in beautiful surroundings . Although you will only be there for a weekend, it will feel more like a month when you leave. Lots will happen.
We have decided to change up The North Face Garments this year and instead of the fleece top, you will be receiving three items in your goodie bag. A mens/ladies cut North Face T-shirt, a North Face running capo and a buff sponsored by Metropolitan Lesotho. In keeping with tradition, all finishers will be rewarded with their locally handcrafted medal.
We have greater plans to send more supplies and people into the high mountain areas on course improving communications and supplies along the course. The course is fully marked, but should you require the GPS route we will release it on our Facebook page shortly.
With a videographer and 2 photographers on course the prize giving will be a visual feast of the “what happened out there!”
This year’s event promises some exciting racing ahead of those focused on completing the challenge. Although the two defending champions, Lucky Miya and Tracey Zunckel will not be present, entries from local and abroad will ensure honest champions.
Elite Fields:
Ladies:
- Carine Bezuidenhout (RSA)
- Kirssy Moehl (USA)
- Hillary Allen (USA)
- Monica Ochs (USA)
- Manu Vilaseca (BRA)
- Holy Page (UK)
Men:
- Eric Ngubane (RSA)
- Quinton Honey (RSA)
- Bruce Arnett (RSA)
- Gerard Morales (SPA)
Things to remember:
- Valid Passport.
- Compulsory Gear (see www.lesothoultratrail.com)
- Cash for meals and the bar.
- R40 entry fee at Park Gate.
- Inform your medical aid you’ll be out of the country during this period.
- Confirm your accommodation bookings. No bookings available on arrival.
- Self-camping is only permitted at parks and is full.
- If you have booked tented at Maliba you need to bring your own bedding.
Programme:
FRIDAY 25 NOVEMBER
3pm– Registration opens
5pm– Elite athlete question and answers
5pm– Dinner opens
7pm– Race briefing
9pm– Dinner closes
10pm Registration closes
SATURDAY 26 NOVEMBER
3am– Breakfast opens
5.15am– Race check-in opens
5.25am– Final race briefing
5.30am– Races Start
7am– Spectator and media breakfast is served
11am – First 38km runner expected
12noon– First 50km Ultra Skymarathon runner expected.
12noon– Lunch opens
2.30pm– Cut-off at 38km (Main Aid station and 38km Finish Line)
6pm– Last 50km runner home
6pm– Dinner opens
7pm– Prize Giving
SUNDAY 27 NOVEMBER
7am– Breakfast opens
8am– The North Face Rush Challenge starts
We look forward to welcoming you all at Lesotho Ultra Trail 2016.
Warm Regards
Andrew Booth, Nicola Gerrard and the LUT Team.