Countdown to the Otter African Trail Run


I am so excited to have an entry to the Otter African Trail Run thanks to the new presenting partner Emperor Asset Managers.

I love the Emperor Asset Managers team. Not only are they clients of CN&CO but I have had the opportunity to travel and make memories with lots of the Emperor team, from skiing in France and running the Paris Marathon, to driving Ferraris in Maranello, Italy. They are loads of fun.
Now I get to run the Otter Trail Race and make new memories with them.

If you are running and feeling a little nervous and excited (like me), I thought I would share some thoughts and tips.

Disclaimer, I had Covid a few weeks ago and it is a slow journey to getting fit again but I am grateful that I had no complications. My goal is to finish and have fun.

Tip 1:
The Otter Trail Run is one of the most beautiful trail races in South Africa but it is also a vibe. Hang around, support other runners and take it all in. If you are running the Challenge, consider staying for the weekend and supporting the Race. It is amazing to watch the leaders virtually fly through the technical terrain.

Tip 2:
Train! This run will humble you. If you are looking for help with training, my good friends Landie and Christiaan Greyling are Otter ambassadors, professional athletes and trail running coaches. They offer Otter training programmes and training camps.

Tip 3:
Look for otters. Last time I was on that trail I saw five otters playing in the shallow waters, making their way onto the rocks.

Tip 4:
Be a rad trail runner. The organisers of the Otter have done an amazing job keeping these trails clean and in great condition; let’s respect and support the Otter Green Principles. If you want to learn more about trail etiquette or more about trail ethics, take a look at the Love our trails page.

Tip 5:
Supporters consider getting the bus to Bloukrans. It’s a short hike down lots of stairs to the beautiful banks of the river mouth. You will watch the runners trying to swim. It’s a great spectator point.

Tip 6:
Join one of the Otter Community Runs. They have runs all over the country. Take a look at the Otter Facebook page for more information.

Tip 7:
Get ready for the floating bridge at the finish. Yip, you have to run over a floating bridge with tired legs to get to the finish line while spectators sit and cheer you on. It is loads of fun.

Good luck with the training.


Blake brings a lot of energy, passion and heart into everything he does. He is extremely passionate about our country, it’s people and the environment. He is based in Cape Town and is happiest when he is running around exploring the beauty of the mountains.