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What Makes a “Beginner-Friendly” Trail Race Actually Beginner-Friendly? (Using the Harties River Trail as a Case Study)
Trail running has an honest reputation: uneven ground, climbing, descending, mud, rocks, and the kind of fatigue that doesn’t show up on a treadmill. That’s exactly why many road runners and first-time racers want to try it—and exactly why “beginner-friendly” matters.
But the phrase is often vague. Some races call themselves beginner-friendly because they offer a short distance, while still including steep climbs, confusing intersections, or minimal support. In practice, a
Jan 127 min read


How to Pick Your First Trail Race Distance Without Overreaching (6km to Ultra): A Simple Decision Framework
Trail races often take 20–50% longer than equivalent road distances due to elevation gain, technical terrain, and constant pace changes—a “10km” trail can feel like a much longer road run.
Dec 29, 20257 min read


Why the Magaliesberg Is the Perfect Training Ground for Resilient Trail Runners
Magaliesberg trail running offers technical terrain, 300-600m climbs, and heat training near Pretoria. Perfect for building strength and resilience.
Dec 22, 20255 min read


From River to Ridge: How the Harties Trail Experience Is Designed to Grow Runners
The Harties Trail Experience is a three-event progression in South Africa’s Hartbeespoort and Magaliesberg region—designed to develop trail runners from river-valley routes to a full “river to ridge” mountain day.
Dec 16, 20255 min read


Trail Running: Wet, Wild & Worth It
Rainy trail runs demand smart planning. Learn how mindset, gear, and awareness can keep your mountain adventure safe and unforgettable.
Apr 4, 20254 min read


The Harties Trail Experience is Back for 2025 – Here’s What’s New!
What to look forward to in 2025 with the Harties Trail Experience.
Feb 8, 20253 min read


The Salomon-Harties Trail Partnership 2024 Revolutionizes Running Events
The Harties Trail Experience, a trail running event that has swiftly captured the hearts of the Gauteng and North West running...
Jan 30, 20241 min read


Juliana Ambrosi's Harties Loop Experience - Do Hard Things
Conquering the Harties Trail: A tale of endurance, camaraderie, and the majestic allure of the Magaliesburg. #HartiesTrail #DoHardThings
Sep 4, 20235 min read


Crushing Your Recovery Game: Your Questions Answered!
Crush your recovery game with this guide to post-workout nutrition for ultra runners.
Sep 1, 20235 min read


Building the Harties Trail Experience: A Vision Realized
Discover the story behind the #HartiesTrailExperience: a journey of passion, challenges, and community achievements in trail running.
Aug 28, 20232 min read


Calculating Calories - Marathon Trail Run Nutrition
Master your marathon trail run nutrition with our calorie calculation guide to maintain energy and ensure digestive peace.
Jul 26, 20233 min read


Harties Loop 42km - Deets
Experience the exhilaration of the 42km Harties Loop. Start at Van Gaalen's, conquer Vulture Pass, and savor stunning dam views. Join us!
Jun 8, 20231 min read


Harties Loop 80km - Deets
Join us for Harties Loop Ultra, an 80km trail run around Hartbeespoort Dam. A unique blend of challenge & beauty.
Jun 5, 20232 min read


A Sight to Behold on the Iron Throne Challenge
Discover the wonder of spotting Cape Vultures on the Iron Throne Challenge, a 21km trail run in Hartbeespoort, South Africa.
Apr 11, 20232 min read


Villa Paradiso Country Manor Joins Harties Trail Experience as Accommodation Partner
Discover our exciting partnership with Villa Paradiso Country Manor, our accommodation partner for Iron Throne Challenge and Harties Loop.
Apr 4, 20232 min read


Conquering Vert: Why Hill Training is Essential for Trail Racing Success
Boost your trail race performance with hill training. Build strength, power, endurance & mental toughness at Johannesburg's top 5 hill spots
Mar 26, 20233 min read


Gear needed for a 21km Trail Run
Trail running can be an incredibly rewarding activity, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. As you navigate rocky terrain,...
Feb 24, 20233 min read


How to cool down after a trail run race
Cooling down after a trail run race is important, include gradually slowing down, stretching, rehydrating, refuelling, taking rest, icing or
Feb 3, 20231 min read


Trail running race etiquette
Trail running race etiquette is about being respectful of the trail, other trail users, and the environment, being considerate of other race
Jan 31, 20232 min read


How to recover and prevent injuries
Recovering & preventing injuries from trail running involves listening to your body, gradually increasing mileage, proper form/technique, st
Jan 28, 20232 min read
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