The Mountain Ultra Trial (MUT) took place over the weekend of 24 - 26 May 2024. The World Renowned Mountain Ultra Trail (44 amazing events around the world) or MUT by UTMB is a festival of trail running in the George area of South Africa. George is situated half-way between two major cities, Cape Town in the Western Cape and Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. At the foot of the magnificent Outeniqua mountains there is an abundance of trails and mountain walks in unspoiled indigenous forests for all nature lovers to enjoy, with the Indian Ocean on its doorstep! George is set in the very centre of the spectacular Garden Route - surrounded by oceans, mountains, forests and farmlands – making it a sought-after holiday destination and the perfect location for the MUT by UTMB®.
What does the race entail? Running a 100 miles over varied terrain is a true test of human endurance. Match that with the spectacular playground which the Outeniqua Mountain Range provides and you will get the MUT Miler. This route is for those athletes seeking, that sense of belonging - the stillness of belonging to the wilderness. You will start with the Vertical Kilometer climb to George Peaks and follow some of the most sublime mountain trails to descent via the original Cradock Peak route to the base of the old Voortrekker pass aka; Cradock pass consisting of the longest climb of the route. From here you will dip down into the infamous Pass to Pass route and cross the Outeniquas into Champherskloof. Here you will experience the fynbos of the Klein Karoo and off course the heat!
Next up a welcoming stop on the famous Montagu Pass before you start your ascent over the mountains again. Your lunch stop might come back to haunt you as you negotiate Dizzy Heights Climb to the top. On the top, you will encounter mountain ridge running with 360˚ views all the way down to the George Dam.
From here you will leave the 60km route and cross the mighty Kaaimans river to the Groenkop Nature Reserve. You will enter the picturesque Groeneweide Trails to exit the indigenous forest at Saasveld. From the Saasveld Aid station you will leave the 100km route and start to make your way to the beaches of Wilderness.
After a dip in the ocean you will make your way back to the Garden Route dam where you will join up with the 100km route to run along the banks of the Garden Route Dam and make your way back up to Tierkop where you will re-join the 60km route to make sure you to not miss out on the favourites like The Wall and Tonnelbos. The last thorn in the flesh will be old Henry’s Hill to signal the home coming.
UTMB® World Series is the world’s ultimate trail running circuit that allows all runners to experience the UTMB adventure through the best, leading international events. Built on the values of fair play, solidarity, protection of our environment and delivering an exceptional local experience, the UTMB World Series gives runners the chance to live the UTMB adventure close to home and to begin their quest to HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc and the UTMB World Series Finals.
Now this event rely on good logistics, organization and infrastructure. Amateur Radio played a major roll during this event in providing radio communications. Amateur Radio Communications were provided by three amateur radio clubs. Lets take a closer look at the involvement of Amateur Radio during the MUT in the George and surrounding areas.
Amateur Radio Clubs Involved:
1. Port Elizabeth Amateur Radio Society (PEARS) ZS2PE
2. Suid Kaap Amateur Radio Club ZS1SKR
3. Eden Amateur Radio Club ZS1ERC
Amateur Radio Joint Operational Centre (JOC):
An amateur radio JOC was established at the Outeniqua Stadium. The following radio amateurs were stationed at the JOC. Corne ZS1COR, Michael ZS1MMB, Jimmy ZS1RB, Eddie ZS1EGS and Keverne ZS1ABU. The JOC was manned day and night as from the 24 - 26 May 2024 under the auspice of the Eden Amateur Radio Club and Suid Kaap Amateur Radio Club .
The function of the JOC in short was to act as a control center to relay times, messages, emergencies and other race information visa versa to and from three other field stations.
Amateur Radio Field Stations:
Three field stations were setup for this event by members of PEARS.
1. Montagu Pass - Operator Tony ZR2TX
2. Herold Wines - Operator Kevern ZR2BK
3. Bergplaas - Operator Paul ZS2PS
The function of field stations were to relay times, messages, emergencies and other race information visa versa to and from the JOC and amongst each other.
The field stations were manned day and night as from the 24 - 26 May 2024 under the auspice of the Port Elizabeth Amateur Radio Society (PEARS).
General information:
1. Amateur Radio was used in the absence of cell phone coverage.
2. The 145.700 Mhz George Repeater was used.
3. Cross Band Repeat Function was used where there was no repeater coverage.
Finally: The involvement of amateur radio during this World Renowned Mountain Ultra Trial (MUT) once again proved that amateur radio plays a vital roll in providing radio communications in the absence of cell phone coverage or other means of communications in areas. A big thank you to all those involved in providing the necessary amateur radio communications during the race.
Images: (Click on images for larger view.)
Video:
Recognition Images:
1. MUT Website
2. Various Radio Amateurs
3. WCRWG
