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Welcome to the Mountain Mania Ultra Trail Run or, more commonly,
the MUTTER website.
The 9th Mutter will take place on 13th & 14th October 2012.
Entries will open towards the end of July. During July invitations to run will be sent to last year's runners and other regulars. If there is no response from a past runner, an entry is sent to the next person on the waiting list. If you meet the entry criteria and are interested in taking part send an email to be placed on the waiting list. There is also a "last minute" waiting list for anyone who is prepared to take part at short notice should a place become available. The field is kept small for logistical, safety and eco reasons.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND ROUTE CONDITIONS
How to qualify to Mutter
To qualify you must be able to run a standard marathon under 5 hours or be a trail running specialist with verifiable credentials. Sorry no walkers except race walkers who can complete a standard marathon under 5 hours. This definitely should not be a first trail run. If you are not 100% competent at navigation, you must be prepared to join a group otherwise please don't enter. We will help allocate groups. These restrictions are necessary for safety reasons. Please be advised that there is no support along the route which is remote ie you need to be self-sustaining and there are no quick short-cuts. Participation in The MUTTER is entirely at own risk and any search, rescue and/or medical service required is for the account of the participant concerned. Passports are required.
Please note that THE MUTTER is a mountain enthusiast's trail run and can in no way be compared with a road run of similar distance. RACE REPORT 8th MUTTER – 8 & 9 OCTOBER 2011
The 8th Mutter turned out to be the year of the novice. Newcomers to the race produced some stunning performances especially that of Tracy Zunckel who broke the women’s record by more than an hour and was placed first overall in 10:22:26. The first man was novice and local farmer, Wally Pooler who finished in 10:24:59.
The race was run in brilliant weather conditions such that runners were able to enjoy spectacular views in every direction on both days. There was plenty of water although somewhat less that in the Pre-Mutter 5 weeks earlier.
This year 40 athletes set-off from Bushman’s Nek border post. Unfortunately, two of the favourites to finish high up in the rankings, Craig Norris and Allistair Black, withdrew from the race with injuries within the first hour. The remaining 38 runners made it successfully to St Bernard’s Peak Mountain Lodge. Joint first to the overnight stop were Wally Pooler and Tracy Zunckel in 5:39:44. They were followed by Bruce Brauteseth in 6:14:01 giving the first two what proved to an unassailable lead overall. It also set-up Tracy for a record-breaking run overall as the route back on Day 2 is more direct and shorter.
Despite a couple of missing stickers on the Check Point control sheets everybody was accounted for and the last group finished Day 1 in the good time of 10:10 well under the projected sweeper time of 11 hours.
Day 2 saw 39 athletes up and ready to go as Sean Delport who had been ill on Day 1 was feeling well enough to take on the route back to Bushman’s Nek. Everybody reached Thule beacon (highest point of the route at 2537m asl) in 3:20. Up at the front the tussle was on for line honours and the revenge of the “whippersnappers” (Tracy’s description) with David Wood getting to Silverstreams first in 4:41:19 closely followed by Bruce Brauteseth in 4:41:56.
Overall the men’s race was won by Wally Pooler in 10:24:59, second place went to Bruce Brauteseth in 10:58:57 and third to David Wood in 11:08:12. In the women’s race Tracy Zunckel was first in 10:22:26, second was Jolene Mackenzie in 11:34:57 and third was Erica Walker in 12:38:50.
All 39 starters on Day 2 made it successfully to the finish. The large Krugersdorp group (now known as the Krugersdorp Express), ably lead by Johan Ferreira, completed the day in 8:20.
PRIZES AND AWARDS 38 Mutterers were presented with certificates and year badges, with novices receiving a shield as well. Congratulations! The weekend for two at St Bernards Peak Mountain Lodge was won by Paul Worsnip. There was a slight oops with the weekend for two at Khotso Horse Trails as we forgot to do this lucky draw. We will revert to the sponsor for guidance in this regard. Grateful thanks to these sponsors as well as to ONEdotCOM for the Mutter T-shirts and Gilly Walters Nougat who sponsored handmade Wedgewood nougat for participants.
THANKS The weekend can only happen through teamwork. We thank everybody who made this possible including Sannie Geyer, Madie Botha and staff at Silverstreams, Captain Tinus Botha from Bushman’s Nek SAPS, Ian and Cheri Worrall, Chef Charmaine and staff from St Bernard’s Peak Mountain Lodge, and those who helped on the two days carting the tog bags and at the finishes etc.
Finally, thank you to all the runners who contributed towards making it a fun and exciting weekend of trail running.
Malcolm & Judy Millar 13 October 2011 8th MUTTER RESULTS – 8 & 9 October 2011
Monday 10 October 2011 First post race update
It was an exciting weekend with brilliant weather. Wally Pooler won the men's race in 10:24:59. Tracy Zunckel re-wrote the record book in the women's race with her winning time of 10:22:26 to be the fastest runner overall. Tracy's achievement takes more than an hour off the previous record.
There were 40 starters and with 2 early injury related withdrawals 38 runners completed Day1. On Day 2, 39 runners started and completed the route.
PROPERTY FOUND DURING AND AFTER MUTTER
Owners please claim your property
1 x orange/red towel left at finish Day 2
1 x casio watch found at Silverstreams before start
1 x 'Rhodes Trail Run 2010' top found at finish Day 2
Kit Reminder (which may be checked):
Grateful thanks to the following who have helped to make the 8th MUTTER possible: ONEdotCOM for the Mutter t-shirts St Bernard's Peak Mountain Lodge Khotso Horse Trails Wedgewood Handmade Nougat Silverstreams Bushman's Nek Border Post
Pump House Framer, Durban North - Claire White
Dr Matt Young Durban Athletic Club Sean, Craig & Ryan Oellermann
THE 8th MUTTER MOUNTAIN MANIA ULTRA TRAIL RUN TWO PROVINCES, TWO COUNTRIESSaturday 8th and Sunday 9th October 2011 Extreme runners head wild, head high in bushman and cattle rustlers’ territory of the Southern Drakensberg! Spectacular berg scenery. Average altitude 2400m asl. Peak altitude is 2537m. Run on hiking paths, no paths, rocks, jeep tracks, cross rivers and streams. The flora, fauna and landscapes will not be quickly forgotten. Not just a race, it is an experience. An extreme challenge in an area away from it all……where you won’t even sniff tarmac!
The RouteStart at Bushman’s Nek border post (+-1700m) KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Route up to Sehlabathebe National Park, Lesotho (+- 2400m). South through the national park via Tsoelikane Falls. South West toward Bellevue police post, pass ‘The Pig’ and follow ridge line bordering the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal to the 2178m asl beacon above St Bernard’s Peak Mountain Lodge (+-1800m). Compulsory overnight at St Bernard’s Mountain Lodge in rooms, rustic cabins or camping and return next day via dam, the 2116m beacon, Thule beacon (2537m), ‘Engagement Tarn’ and through Sehlabathebe National Park to Bushman’s Nek border post and finish at Silverstreams Caravan Park.
Distances: Day 1 approximately 45km. Start 05h00 Start at SA border post, Bushman’s Nek. Finish at St Bernard’s Peak Mountain Lodge. Day 2 approximately 40km. Start 05h00 Start at St Bernard’s Mountain Lodge. Finish at Silverstreams, Bushman’s Nek. How it works: You will be given details of checkpoints that must be visited (although not manned). These are either significant land features or where a direction change is indicated. Any route may be taken between checkpoints. A photocopy of a portion of the contour map will be provided. Survey maps (two 1:50000 are required to cover the full route) will be available at registration (please include payment with your entry if you require these as they are ordered and bought in advance 2 @ R50 each i.e. R100). Times: Allow a full day to get to compulsory overnight stop and another full-day to get back to start/finish point (at least 8 hours a day for most). Nb. distances are approximate. The timing stops when you finish Day 1 and starts again for Day 2. Records: Male: 2010 – Geoffrey Lee - 9:12:30 Female: 2009 – Kylie Griffin -11:31:35 Registration: From 18h00 at Silverstreams Lapa Room Pre-run briefing: Compulsory briefing at Silverstreams Caravan Park, Bushman’s Nek at 19h30 on Friday 7 October 2011. For safety purposes the KZN Wildlife mountain register MUST be completed by participants. Backup vehicle: Your vehicle and/or kit for the overnight stop can be driven by road to St Bernard’s Mountain Lodge (+-90km) for the overnight stop. There is safe parking if you prefer to leave your vehicle at Bushman’s Nek. A vehicle will take kit to the overnight stop (keep to a minimum please- we may ask for assistance from others who are driving round). Please note we do not have space for tents etc. If you intend camping at St Bernard’s please have your vehicle taken around or have someone take your equipment for you. Thank you. Presentation: Within 1 hour of the last person finishing but not later than 17h00 Sunday 9 October in the Silverstreams Lapa Room. Judy will make some of her traditional Gluhwein but please bring refreshments / snacks ofyour choice, followed by a bring and braai.KITAs with all berg expeditions safety is first. Adequate protective clothing is essential. There is NO SECONDING provided on the route. You must carry all food, clothing and water for each day. Generally, some water is available along the route (quantity depends on conditions). Minimum requirements (your kit may be checked):
You may consider the above are not necessary. Hopefully, you never have trouble in the mountains but if you ever do, you will be doing everyone a favour by carrying the necessary equipment. I have experienced rapid weather changes in this area: from sunny and warm to cold and wet with minimal visibility. DO I QUALIFY?Previous mountain running/hiking and navigation experience. Must have completed trail/mountain ultra(s) before and have marathon level fitness. Must have completed a standard marathon in under 5 hours in the past year and have maintained fitness since. Be prepared to run/fast pack with your gear over rough terrain at high altitude.
DANGERSNormal mountain dangers exist! It can snow any month of the year in the Drakensberg – be prepared! You will be caught if you drop any litter, the mountain gods are watching you. You are required to help another if he/she is in need of assistance or in any danger. There is NO seconding of ANY description on the route i.e. you MUST be self-supporting. There are rocky and steep areas where more caution is necessary. This area is remote and you will need to complete the distance each day i.e. there are no quick escape routes. Maximum times: Day 1– 12 hours, Day 2 – 11 hours, but please note the overall time limit is 22 hours.
WHAT WILL I GET?You will get the satisfaction and unforgettable experience of having successfully completed THE MUTTER, one of only a few trail ultras in KZN. A race memento will be presented to successful finishers (previous shield recipients will receive a further “year badge” on successful completion). St Bernard’s Peak Mountain Lodge is once again kindly offering an out of season “weekend for two” as a lucky prize, this draw will take place on Saturday evening (please note that this is valid for 6 months after The Mutter). A refreshment at the end of each day. Prizes: a floating trophy and a bottle of sparkling wine for the first male and first female athlete. Some lucky prizes will be drawn for athletes attending the presentation including Wedgewood Nougat and a self-catering weekend for two at Khotso Horse Trails. Comradeship of other mutter nutters.
ENTRY FEER300 (R150 if you have previously run and received a shield) includes photocopied map; race shield (year badge for previous shield winners); and plenty of mutters. Please note accommodation is not included and must be booked and paid for separately (see details below).
ACCOMMODATION DETAILS At Bushman’s Nek – there are camp and caravan sites and log cabins at the start/finish at Silverstreams Resort and Caravan Park (very close to border control) Tel: Sannie 082 8598619 or 033 7011249. Rates quoted are for the long weekend i.e. Friday to Monday morning: Cottages R1200 or R1000 (up to 6 people); Camping R100pp. Web: www.silverstreams.co.za Email: info@silverstreams.co.za
Additional accommodation near start/finish (+-4km on dirt road before the start/finish at Silverstreams) Bushman's Nek Resort is offering accommodation to Mutterers at R522 per night per 2 sleeper room. Meals extra as per menu. Book through Thrusha at Central Reservations tel: 031 7019999.
Saturday compulsory overnight - is at St Bernard’s Peak Mountain Lodge Tel: 039 7474313. Rates: Hotel with dinner and breakfast or lunch pack R295 pppn sharing (highly recommended); Rustic Cabins R50pppn; Camping R25pppn; If not in hotel: Dinner R75 (Braai with a vegetarian option) & Breakfast/lunch pack R50. Lunch on Saturday (for supporters and speedy runners) R60. Web: www.stbernardspeak.com Email: themonk@venturenet.co.za Kindly book early to ensure you obtain the type of accommodation you require.
HOW TO GET THERE: To Bushman’s Nek - from Underberg follow road towards Swartberg. Take either of two right turn-offs to Bushman’s Nek. Both are dirt roads and are +-30km long. To St Bernard’s Peak Mountain Lodge - continue along Swartberg Road until the sign to the hotel indicates a right turn. This is 10km before Swartberg. From here it is about 28km on a good dirt road to the Lodge.
MAPSSouth Drakensberg by Peter SlingsbySurvey Maps: 2929CC Bushman’s Nek and 3029AA Taylerville
7th MUTTER RESULTS – 9 & 10 October 2010
RACE REPORT 7th MUTTER – 9 & 10 OCTOBER 2010
The race was run in good weather conditions on both days. Day 1 saw some early morning mist as we headed into Lesotho but it lifted so quickly that direction finding was barely affected. Day 2 was expected to be 31 degrees but was cooler thanks to a fresh breeze blowing for most of the day. The water situation was somewhat better than two weeks previously in the Pre-Mutter but the Tsoelikane Falls were not flowing at all. Mutterers were well prepared for the shortage of water.
36 athletes set off at 05h00 from the SA border post at Bushman’s Nek on Saturday. 26 runners made it to the overnight stop at St Bernard’s Peak Mountain Lodge in time for lunch. Joint winners on Day 1 were Stephen Black and Geoffrey Lee in 5:00:20. The last person in was a bit of a concern as the sweepers had passed him when he was slightly off the route. However, he completed Day 1 in 11:48:05 in fairly good shape after his adventure.
Day 2 saw three athletes, for various reasons, deciding not to continue. Also, Sven Vosse who had been ill on Day 1 decided to do Day 2. The first to reach Thule beacon (the race high point at 2537m asl) were Day 1’s winners, Black and Lee in 1:56. Geoffrey Lee finally opened a gap on Black on the run in to Bushman’s Nek to finish Day 2 in 4:12:10 giving an overall time for the two days of 9:12:30 to gain a new men’s record by 6 seconds. Second home was Stephen Black with an overall time of 9:21:58. Third man was Allistair Black who had a fast run on Day 1 but twisted his ankle on Day 2. In the women’s race Alison Misselhorn and Linda Wolhuter completed both Day 1 and 2 together to take joint honours in 13:10:29. Third woman home was Diana Rietz in an overall time of 13:31:10. The Day 2 sweepers came in 8:48:10 to bring the race to a safe and successful conclusion.
PRIZES AND AWARDS 33 Mutterers were presented with certificates and year badges, with novices receiving a shield as well. Congratulations! The weekend for two at St Bernards Peak Mountain Lodge was won by Western King. The weekend for two at Khotso Horse Trails was won by Amanda De Kock. Grateful thanks to these sponsors as well to Gilly Walters Nougat who sponsored handmade Wedgewood nougat for all participants as well as some lucky prizes.
THANKS The weekend can only happen through teamwork. We thank everybody who made this possible including Sannie Geyer and staff at Silverstreams, Captain Tinus Botha from Bushman’s Nek SAPS, Ian and Cheri Worrall, Chef Charmaine and staff from St Bernard’s Peak Mountain Lodge, and Steve and Lulu Black of Khotso Horse Trails. Thank you to this year’s sweepers Peter and Christine Harris and Mike Henning. A special thank you to all of you runners and supporters who helped in a variety of ways be it with taking overnight bags around, timing, photography or even just keeping the Mutter Bell ringing. We very much appreciate the great Mutter spirit as well as the fact the everybody gets involved to make it a brilliant experience for other Mutterers. And finally, thank you to those supporters and previous Mutterers who sent us good wishes.
ANUTTER MUTTER The organizers only became aware after this year’s race that Stephen Black completed the full Mutter course in the two days before the actual Mutter. With all that running on his legs (which, like the rest of his body, are 56 years old) he was under 10 minutes off his record for the course. Well done Steve and thanks for setting the bar so high.
Malcolm & Judy Millar 14 October 2010
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PLEASE CLICK THE ATTACHMENTS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE TO OBTAIN PRINTABLE MUTTER INFORMATION.
It's now possible to hear the MUTTER bell. Click the RING BELL attachment at the bottom of the page!
 Comes with a zero-tar guarantee
Do not follow where the path may lead.
Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.
Author Unknown
GUIDE TO THE ROUTE
DAY 1 – approximately 45kmBrief Description: Day 1After the start cross the main river and proceed on path for flat section for about 5km (keep river on your right). Cross stream and start climbing up through the pass another +-5km. Head to old white buildings [ruins] (marked on map as Ngoangoana). You are now in Sehlabathebe National Park, Lesotho. Head to Tsoelikane Falls +-3km. Plenty of water here! Follow river through the valley. Leave river and continue up valley. Cut-up out of valley towards SA/ Lesotho border fence. The key point Lonely Rock is easily observed from the jeep track and is close to a gate in the border fence. Follow border south west towards Bellevue. DO NOT DESCEND VALLEY HERE AND GO SOUTH. A Guidance Point is provided to assist you. You must head for the ridge line bordering KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape. The Pig is a natural rock formation and will be apparent when you look back at it. You will see the Xhosa houses in the distance in the valley on your right. Follow the jeep track for about 8km. Look for Beacon at 2178m asl. Descend mountain to St Bernards Peak Mountain Lodge to a warm welcome. There is dam across the road from St Bernards which you can see from many kilometres away. The dam is an excellent landmark but note it is NOT shown on some maps as it was built relatively recently. Coordinates Bushmans Nek S29 50.7’ E29 12.5’ 1755m Ngoangoana S29 53.22’ E29 09.183’ 2340m Tsoelikane Falls S29 53.821’ E29 07.427’ 2311m Lonely Rock S29 57.907’ E29 04.255’ 2426m Bellevue area S29 59.301’ E29 02.180’ +-2400m Guidance point S30 00.200’ E29 01.952’ +- 2380m The Pig S30 00.885’ E29 02.934’ 2345m Beacon 2178m asl S30 03.5’ E29 05.5’ 2178m St Bernard’s Lodge S30 03.354’ E29 06.459’ 1731m
DAY 2 – approximately 40kmBrief Description: Day 2From hotel, cross road through gates, cross river above dam. Head up to Beacon @ 2116m asl (no path). Follow plateau towards mountains (jeep track is useful). Track crosses stream which is usually good for water. Climb using track or X-C where you can. There’s an army container at Thule (highest point). You can follow jeep track to Engagement Tarn (this may be empty). From here choose best route back to Eagles’ Nest (checkpoint at the top of the gully). Ngoangoana old border post. Descend Bushman’s Nek pass and head back along the route you came up on Day 1. Finish at Silverstreams to cheering crowds and the clanging of the Mutter bell. Coordinates St Bernard’s Lodge S30 03.354’ E29 06.459’ 1731m Beacon @ 2116m asl S30 01.732 E29 07.616’ 2116m Stream S29 59.125 E29 06.850’ 2115m Thule beacon (container) S29 58.046’ E29 06.235’ 2537m Engagement Tarn S29 56.816’ E29 06.341’ 2426m Eagles’ Nest S29 55.544’ E29.08.221’ +-2450m Ngoangoana S29 53.22’ E29 09.183’ 2340m Bushman’s Nek S29 50.7’ E29 12.5’ 1755m nb some of the waypoints are from gps and some have been manually determined and must be regarded as approximate. Please note that the above coords are given as a guide and are subject to change |
THE MUTTER BELL The MUTTER bell was found by Ian Ross on the route during the Inaugural MUTTER in 2004. It is tradition that the bells rings the start each day and for every runner to finish. |
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