Sani Stagger Set for Stellar Event

This year’s Sani Stagger and Stagger Trail events will see thousands flock to the Southern Drakensberg to take on the iconic Sani Pass and the trails that surround the Premier Resort Sani Pass on Saturday.

For the second year in a row both the full marathon and the half marathon have been sold out and the majority of entries in the Stagger Trail have been snapped up, setting the scene for an exciting day of running through the Southern Drakensberg.

With ideal warm and clear weather on the cards for the weekend, conditions should be close to ideal for the runners taking on the three events.

2018’s bronze medallist Roxanne Vale will be back for another shot at the full marathon. Sticking with the theme of runners progressing from the half-marathon to the full, last year’s 21km silver medallist Jeanette Jordan will also be taking part in the 42km event to the summit of Sani Pass and back.

Wiggill Returns and Sets Sights on the Overall Title

The half marathon title is going to be wide open with 2019 and 2018’s defending champions absent. The most notable entry is Nicole Wiggill who finished third in 2017 and seventh in 2018. The Underberg local will understand the conditions and might have her eye on the overall women’s title in 2019.

Now into its second year the Stagger Trail has grown in popularity with runners having the option of a 38km trail run or a 21km run.

Runners also get an opportunity to enjoy the trails around the Premier Resort Sani Pass in the 21km trail run perspective, while less athletic but equally enthusiastic participants can take on a shorter Southern Lodestar Foundation (SLF) Fun Run/Walk.

All proceeds from the fun run will be donated to a project that will see the upliftment of infrastructure at the seven crèches that fall under Southern Lodestar feeding programme.

With good weather expected, the brand new market set up on lawns close to the resort will provide athletes and their families with a chance to browse for food and drink as well as local crafts, with live music on offer to round off the fun-filled day in the shadow of the fabled Sani Pass.

Photo 1 Caption: The famous Sani Pass switchbacks will once again welcome runners of both the marathon and the half marathon at the Sani Stagger this weekend. Photo: Anthony Grote / Gameplan Media

With editing by gsport