This little club has been going since 2005, which was when the local enthusiastic bunch of runners wanted to form their club to promote the unity of the village athletes who at that point belonged to various other clubs situated throughout the country.  Thus, the Mtunzini Athletic Club in apple green and navy-blue apparel with the logo of the Albizia adianthifolia (Flat Crown Tree) was borne.

These colours have become well recognized and well-loved on races throughout KZN, let alone on the Comrades route.  Mtunzini.com……….

Shortly thereafter a “home” was sought for club members to run and socialise from.  Two rooms situated at the Town Hall were found and permission granted for a lease.  The two rooms were totally revamped from funds raised by hard work by the club members and a grant from the Lotto distribution fund.  This home has become the much-loved base for the athletes who meet regularly for meetings and social gatherings, allowing them to display their memorabilia and have a good laugh.  Over the years these premises have grown in stature, slowly being developed as and when funds have allowed.

Weekly runs are organised from Tuesdays through to Fridays, weekends and public holidays.  Whilst the yearly focus training from October till June is towards Comrades, there are many other races during the year in which non-Comrades runners partake.  Occasionally there are club weekends away for the social athletes of which there are many!

The Club’s premier fund-raising event has developed and changed over the years from the annual Mtunzini Bush Challenge (which ran a full ten years) to the two-day Zini Beach ‘n Bush Trail.  The current event consists of a two-day Trail run (27km & 16km Bushwhacker or a 16km & 10km Bush Baby over Saturday & Sunday) Alternatively, on Sunday a choice of a 16km or 10km trail run through stunning bush and beach terrain.

A 35km mountain bike race is also included on the Sunday, together with a 5km fun run.

This event has grown year on year with the numbers climbing to over 900 enthusiastic athletes returning every year for this well-organised event.

Annual subscriptions as of 2019 are R200 annually, and a running licence is R130.  A Mtunzini New Balance running vest costs R200.

If you’re looking to get fit, looking to make new friends, and or both, our club will definitely help you achieve your goals.  Come and join us.

The weekend of 11^th / 12^th of August 2018 hosted an adapted version of the annual Mtunzini Bush Run.

This year three entry options were available. Daring runners were offered a two-day trail run which included a beautiful 27km route through indigenous beach and bush trails followed by the 11^th annual 16km trail as day two of the challenge. Loyal runners could enter the Sunday Bush Run (16km, 10km or 5km fun run) which, once again, was very well supported. Lastly, those who preferred wheels over running shoes could enter a 45km cycle race through similar terrain.

The weekend attracted athletes from all the local clubs and even some from afar; with a record number of over 900 entries creating a jovial yet busy occasion for all involved. The event brought together a colourful array of athletes in lycra funky pants, a few old school Polly-short enthusiasts, groups of festive club runners, whole families and even some walkers with binoculars, hoping to spot a rare bird or two along the way.

All entrants received an exciting goodie bag, beautiful long-sleeved running shirt, and an adventurous trail running or cycling route that took them through the best-kept secrets of the Umlalazi Nature Reserve. Red Duiker, Impala, Zebras, Vervet monkeys and many different bird species endemic to the area were spotted along the way.

Bacon and eggs rolls, iced-coffees and even a couple of cold draughts were enjoyed by most who stuck around to socialize once they had crossed the finish line.

Many lucky entrants took home spot prizes and artistically carved wooden trophies awarded to top three male and female finishers in each race. Many thanks to Paul Mannix and all the Mtunzini Athletics Club members who energetically assisted over the two days; as well as our special sponsors. SEACOM, Ritchie Ford and Aquelle who once again supported this iconic race.

We look forward to welcoming back all our participants back next year at the twelfth annual event.

A professionally run event enjoyed by all those who participated this year’s amazing Trail weekend.

Amy Mathew.