RICHMOND NEWS - The fourth instalment of the annual Richmond Outdoor is set to take place from 11 to 13 May in Richmond, and it has never been bigger.

The Richmond Outdoor is being touted as a three-day outdoor weekend for the entire family, and includes cycling, running and walking events.

This year, the Richmond Outdoor introduces a new three-day mountain bike stage race for two-member teams that comprises of a route that is as challenging as it is beautiful.

This scenic race through the picturesque Upper Karoo gives participants a chance to take on the challenging rugged terrain in and around the town of Richmond over the course of three days. 

It provides riders with stunning views of the characteristic Karoo landscape and the national monument that is Vegkop – this hill, which was home to a British Fort during the Anglo-Boer War, was also the scene of two epic battles during the war.

Day 1 consists of a 21-kilometre prologue to set the tone for two days of new trails of roughly 75 kilometres each. The prologue’s new trails include “Piet se Pad”, “Van Zyl’s Ridge” and “Spokes’ Corner”, and the stage race winds along rocky terrain, jeep tracks and district and farm roads. 

Runners and walkers can take part in the 21-kilometre, 10-kilometre and 5-kilometre races, which traverse gravel roads around Richmond.

Individual participants are invited to visit the event’s website for a detailed breakdown of the other MTB options that are available.

Participants will be accommodated in the newly established race village, and the Happy Grannies will be on duty throughout the weekend to entertain the kids.

Runners and walkers can take part in the 21-kilometre, 10-kilometre and 5-kilometre races, which traverse gravel roads around Richmond.

Online entries for all the events are open at www.richmondoutdoor.co.za.

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