Trail Connection
It’s indisputable that the Otter is special because of the breathtaking beauty and technical aspect of the route. It is also special because of the organising family and the trail runners themselves.
For me however, there is more than that. There is a lifelong relationship with this route, a relationship that was initiated by my parents.
Early beginnings
We used to visit the Tsitsikamma National Park regularly, since we lived relatively close. At the tender age of two I joined my parents on a hike to the waterfall. I loved running over the tree roots and across the boulders… but not without making mistakes. I still have a scar on my forehead as proof of that!
We hiked all over the country. At the age of five, we did day hikes in the Drakensberg. I could keep up, even at altitude. Naturally, they had their eye on the Otter Trail, but I had to show them I would be able to do it without outside help and without complaining the whole way.
