Raising the Trail-Run 'Steaks

Some farmers keep all their eggs in one basket. But not trail-running farmers.

In a short space of time, the Oxpecker Trail Run has become a must-do multi-day trail run in the Central Drakensberg. Entries are scarce, and devotees enthusiastic.

The event's success is a team effort; but the driving force comes from the sparkling personality of race organiser and farmer Spoen Green.

Runner's World: Where did the inspiration for the Oxpecker Trail Run come from?

Spoen Green: I was home on a varsity holiday, and hit the Berg & Bush trails on a run with my dad. And through the enjoyment of the run, I think, the question just popped up: Hey dad, why don't we start a two-day trail run?

This was around 2015, and two-day trail runs weren't a big thing; one-day runs and a few three-dayers existed, but I hadn't heard of a two-day run. I remember going back to university in Stellenbosch, and starting to plan this new event.

It quickly overtook any interest I had in my marketing degree! And before I knew what was happening, the entries for Oxpecker were open.

RW: What were your hopes for the race back then? What did you think it would become?

SG: We never thought the event would take off like it did, with 400 runners in our first event. I'm glad that from the very first Oxpecker, we went all in. We ensured we ticked all the boxes, and the basics were well managed, and everything that was planned ran smoothly. I never thought about future events. We were just too focused on the first one, making sure people would want to come back!

RW: What's the key to hosting a successful, fun event?