Trail Running: Wet, Wild & Worth It

Trail running isn’t just a sport—it’s an adventure. You head into the mountains, not a stadium. You take on a route, not a lap. You follow ribbons, not rails. With all that freedom comes a truth that every trail runner learns eventually: the mountain doesn’t care about your plans. But it can be Wet, Wild & Worth It.

That unpredictability is part of the magic. However, running in bad weather—especially rain—deserves respect, awareness, and preparation. Whether you’re at the start line of a 12km Harties River Trail or gearing up for the full 80km Harties Loop, your mindset around conditions can mean the difference between an epic run and a dangerous situation.

We've been lucky enough to not have a rainy event. Tomorrow, not so much.

Knowing the Race

Before every race, I start with the course map. I ask myself: How remote is this route? Where are the exit points? Could someone realistically fetch me if something went wrong? I’m not expecting the event crew to be my safety net, but I want to be aware. Understanding risk is key.

With the Harties Trail Experience, we’re not just popping around the dam—we’re heading up into the ridgeline of the Magaliesberg. That’s real mountain terrain, with changing weather, steep drop-offs, and limited rescue access. It’s not just scenic; it’s serious.

I also consider elevation and altitude. Major altitude differences often bring their own set of problems—cloud cover, reduced visibility, and sudden weather changes. If you’ve ever been caught in a white-out up there, you know how quickly it can shift from a trail race to a survival challenge.

Understanding My Body

Next, it becomes personal. I focus on core temperature. Most runners generate around 6°C of internal heat while running. So if it’s a warm, rainy day—say, 21°C—I can run without a rain jacket. I’m warm, I’m moving, I’m fine.

But if it drops to 18°C with rain? My jacket is coming along, even if it’s just in my pack. That’s mountain rule number one: Always carry your jacket.

The Danger Zone

Between 14°C and 18°C, things get trickier. This is the danger zone. I might start without a jacket if I know I’ll be pushing hard, but I ensure it’s nearby. Once you’re cold and wet and slow down, your core temperature drops quickly—and fast is how hypothermia occurs.

If it’s 10°C to 14°C and wet, I start with the jacket on—no questions asked.

Worst-Case Thinking Isn’t Negative. It’s Smart.

It’s easy to think, “This will be a two-hour 21km race. I’ll be in and out. I don’t need the jacket.” But what if it isn’t? What if I tweak my ankle 8km in? Now it’s a four-hour ordeal. I’m wet, I’m not moving, and I didn’t pack my rain jacket.

That’s when danger hits—not just for me but for everyone else too.

When one runner encounters trouble, the ripple effect starts: other runners may stop to help, organizers need to step in, and in a worst-case scenario, we start pulling in mountain search and rescue. That’s not just inconvenient; it pulls trained volunteers away from their families because I didn’t want to carry an extra 200 grams.

Hypothermia Doesn’t Announce Itself

The frightening aspect of hypothermia is that it sneaks up on you. You won’t suddenly start shivering uncontrollably. It begins with subtle signs—slowing down, clumsy movements, and foggy thoughts. Once it hits hard, bouncing back isn’t easy. In fact, it’s almost impossible on your own.

Being smart, rather than soft or scared, is essential. A bit of preparation enables you to enjoy the run—even when the skies open up.

Preparing for Conditions

Being ready for different weather conditions is crucial for every runner. Ensure you have adequate gear for varying temperatures. This includes layers, rain jackets, and other essential items. When the rain starts, having the right gear can keep you comfortable and safe.

Mental Resilience in Bad Weather

In addition to physical preparation, mental strength is vital. Bad weather can challenge your spirit. Embrace the experience and focus on the adventure. Recognizing that obstacles can lead to personal growth is essential.

We’re In This Together

As the organizer behind the Harties Trail Experience, I think like a runner and a race organizer. I want you to know: we are always contemplating worst-case scenarios—not because we expect them, but because we understand that they can happen.

For you to have a great race experience, we think three steps ahead. Your safety, along with everyone around you, informs every decision we make. From aid station placement to mandatory gear lists and how we respond when things go sideways—we think of your well-being with every move.

So when we say “carry the rain jacket,” it becomes more than just a suggestion. It’s a mindset grounded in mutual respect: between runner and mountain, runner and crew. This is how we all continue showing up, week after week, chasing trails together.

Let’s embrace the adventure we choose by respecting the outdoors and preparing for what lies ahead, because it is Wet, Wild & Worth It.