Trail-running gains popularity – more participants recorded this season
The 2017 Standard Bank OTB X-trails this year proved to be one of the most successful sporting events locally, drawing in crowds from all corners of the country for participation.
The trails which were previously comprised of the Khomas-Hochland (KH) X-Trails and the Avis Xtrails, also saw the addition of a new trail in the coastal town of Swakopmund. This year, the Bank gave a sponsorship of N$546, 764 towards the event.
“I’m pleased to say that our X-trails exceeded all expectations this year, especially with the addition of the Swakopmund trails which meant that those people in the coastal regions who might have been interested could also join. An impressive 1264 took part in the trails this year, with 370 taking part in the KH trail, 646 in the Avis trail and 248 in the Dunes trail in the coast,” Standard Bank’s PR and Communications Manager, Surihe Gaomas-Guchu said.
She added that overwhelming number of participants in the trails is proof that locals are serious about adopting a healthy lifestyle. The trails were gruelling yet rewarding as participants were able to take in the exhilarating cool breeze, all the while admiring the untamed beauty of nature. Nature lovers and sports enthusiasts had the option of either walking or running through the scenic trails.
Of the three trails, the Avis trail drew in greater numbers as participants enjoyed the quiet and scenic views of the dam. However, participants equally enjoyed the scenic Farm Godeis where the KH trails took part and enjoyed a change in scenery as they took in the calming breeze of the sea.
“Trail-running/walking has seen tremendous growth in recent years and provides adventurous spirits with a healthy opportunity to get out and enjoy nature. I am sure that we will have even more participants next year and I urge everyone who wants to kick-start their healthy lifestyle to take the first step with our x-trails,” Gaomas-Guchu concluded.
