How trail running is driving local economic growth in South Africa

WELL known South African trail runner Stuart McConnachie broke down the growing business of endurance sport, in particular trail running, in an interview with Business Report.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

SOUTH African trail runner Stuart McConnachie broke down the growing business of endurance sport, in particular trail running, in an interview with Business Report.

(SUPPLIED)

McConnachie said that research indicates that trail running has become a driver of local economic growth that comes as the Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) Ultra-trail Cape Town (RMB UTCT) is expected to take place next weekend.

McConnachie has completed ultra-distance races such as the Comrades Marathon, the 2024 Two Oceans Marathon, and endurance races such as the Western States 100 and Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) and now serves as Race Director of RMB UTCT.

McConnachie said that research published in the Journal of Sport & Tourism indicates that trail running in South Africa has become a potential driver of local economic growth, particularly in small towns located in remote areas.

“RMB UTCT has developed beyond a sporting competition into a significant tourism and economic driver for the region. The annual RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town brings an estimated R150 million to the local economy, demonstrating its substantial financial impact on Cape Town and the Western Cape province.”

McConnachie added that since its founding in 2014, RMB UTCT has evolved from a single vision to become one of the globe's most significant ultra-marathon competitions.

“The event now forms part of the prestigious World Trail Majors series, positioning it alongside the world’s most coveted trail running events.”