We would like to make you aware of the new relay race that is being planned for the Southern Tip weekend in May 2011. This relay race will consist of running, mountain biking, and canoeing. It developed from the successful Southern Tip Fun Run/Fun Walk on 15 May 2010 organized by the Bredasdorp Athletics Club. Southern Tip Day, 16 May, is an initiative by Agulhas National Park to commemorate the history of the Southernmost Tip of Africa, the impact shipping and shipwreck survivors have had on the local area, and the victims who lost their lives along the Cape Agulhas coastline. It is also linked to Bartolomeu Dias' sea voyage round the southern tip of Africa. In 1488 Bartolomeu Dias turned back after he failed to reach the East in search of a trading route. On his return journey, on the 16 May, he passed a certain flat piece of land. He named this “Ponte de Sao Brendao”, after an Irish monk, St Brendan, whose festival day it was.

The relay race will take place in the Park and the neighbouring NuweJaars Special Management Area. The run, approximately 14 km, starts at the new Agulhas Restcamp, and goes through the Park in the direction of Soetendalsvlei. The canoeing is approximately 13km and takes place on the Soetendalsvlei and the Nuwejaars River. The mountain biking is approximately 35km, starting at Soetendalsvlei, crossing the Soetanys Mountain and ending at the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse.

You put your own team together consisting of a paddler, mountain biker and runner. For more information please contact Giel De Kock, 028 435 6078 (Mon to Fri, 8h00 to 16h00).