Sunday 7 December is set to be the perfect festive season starter as hundreds of families are expected to descend on Summerveld Estate in Shongweni for the 2015 edition of STIHL Sharks Trail Adventure and the Cell C Sharks have thrown their weight behind the popular mountain biking and trail running event.
Cell C Sharks’ Sbura Sithole (left), Dale Chadwick (second right) and JC Astle (right) join TIB Insurance’s Andrew Hill in giving the 2014 STIHL Sharks Trail Adventure the thumbs up. // Anthony Grote/ Gameplan Media.
On the trails, cyclists can choose from the 40km Half Marathon, 19km Intermediate, 10km Family Ride and the 2km Sharkie Kids Ride while trail runners have either the spectacular 18km or 9km routes to look forward to.
There is also plenty to look forward to on top of the day’s adventure activities as the exclusive staging of the renowned Shongweni Farmers’ Market, fantastic live local musicians, spectacular views and open fields perfect for a post-race braai or picnic with friends and family.
It is however the Cell C Sharks presence that remains a major attraction of the event and heading into its third year of existence, organisers, sponsors and stakeholders alike are looking forward to yet another great turn out in 2015.
Cell C Sharks’ CEO John Smit is looking forward to another successful STIHL Sharks Trail Adventure in 2014. // Anthony Grote/ Gameplan Media.
“Judging by the success and great turnout at this event over the last two years, it certainly is a popular family day out. Our fans are central to the success of our brand and we appreciate their support and passion for the team,” said The Sharks CEO, John Smit.
“Events such as the STIHL Sharks Trail Adventure allow both our players and fans the opportunity to interact with each other in a relaxed environment that has a strong family ethos.
“I am confident that this year’s event will be just as popular as the previous ones held, with loads of entertainment on offer for the whole family!” he added.
Fans can look forward to catching a glimpse of and interacting with the franchise’s full pre-season training squad while cyclists and trail runners may also be fortunate enough to be handed their choice of liquid refreshment by none other than a Sharks player at the various on-course water points.
There will be a co-ordinated signing session during the day’s programme and everybody favourite mascot, Sharkie will be on hand to do what he does best – pose for photos, hand out countless high fives and, of course, take part in the major event of the day – the 2km Sharkie Kids Ride.
“The players enjoy attending the STIHL Sharks Trail Adventure and interacting with our fans on the day,” said Cell C Sharks captain Tera Mtembu.
“There is always a great family atmosphere at the event and we look forward to another successful one this year,” he added.
The 2014 STIHL Sharks Trail Adventure takes place at Summerveld Estate, Shongweni on Sunday 7 December. Entries can be submitted via www.roag.co.za and more information is available at www.sharkstrailadventure.co.za.
Oh it's on!