A weekend of fun and adventure

NIEU-BETHESDA NEWS — About 50 trail runners and hikers had the privilege this weekend, of participating in an event that took them on foot down the exquisite Gats River Canyon outside Nieu-Bethesda.

An energetic group of runners from the Cape organised by Marilize and Dirkie Conradie of the Stellenbosch Running Club spent the weekend at the Nieu-Bethesda Sports Club where they were hosted by club members.

Proceeds from the trail run/hike went towards the restoration of the NG Church.

Runners and hikers set off early on a crisply Autumnal Saturday morning on Pierre and Elizna Fourie's farm 'Aasvoelkrans'.

The breath-taking views of this canyon made this event such a privilege. The trail consisted of kudu tracks, jeep trails and a bit of riverine bouldering and took the group past incredible rock formations and Karoo pools.

Participants exited the canyon on Dene and Patty Coetzee's 'Riverdene' where Fox and Ilse Wolfaardt awaited with cold beers and refreshments.

While some chose to end their outing here, others followed the steep ascent out of the valley and back to Nieu-Bethesda via the lookout, ending 32kms later at the starting point at the sports club.

This event was indicative of the generosity of Karoo people who allowed access to farms and hosted appreciative friends from near and far.