The Destination
The Diamond Dash Trail Run is found in the 18 000ha Seringveld Conservancy which is situated about 15km north-west of Cullinan. The Seringveld Conservancy was established in 1997 by a group of concerned residents who recognized the need to protect the exceptional natural and historical heritage of the area.
Casa Riparia (The River House) is situated next to a scenic dam in Tweefontein Spruit on Goodland Estate, the latter nestling within the peaceful Seringveld Conservancy.
This is the place to come and experience the peace and tranquillity of the bush away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Getting There: The turnoff for Goodland Estate is opposite the turnoff for De Tweedespruit, and is an easy 15km drive north-west of the well-known diamond-mining town of Cullinan. GPS M10 turnoff: S25° 33’ 57.1" / E28° 31’ 08.4" GPS Casa Riparia: S25° 33’ 55.1" / E28° 29’ 14.7"
The Terrain
The Seringveld is part of the southernmost outlier of the Waterberg geology and flora, and is characterised by deep sandy soils. Several rocky ridges traverse the area, as do several spruits, all with a mix of wetlands and small irrigation dams along their courses.
The region comprises mixed woodland with characteristic sand veldt trees, as well as fragments of natural grassland. The environment is largely unspoiled, although some sand quarries, cultivated lands and intensive animal production are encountered.
The Trail
The route incorporates three calf-busting climbs, followed by some technical descents and a mix of fast sections along undulating single and jeep track. It’s a true all-round test of trail running ability, and runners will revel in the tranquil bush veldt setting, abundant birdlife and game such as the rare Roan antelope.
The infamous scramble up to the first koppie is generally a hot topic after the event. All trails take runners through the natural habitat of a number of antelope like waterbuck, wildebeest, zebra, kudu and impala. Much of the course is on established footpaths, smooth jeep-track and contouring mountain paths, all providing varied and challenging terrain.
The races have been carefully designed and selected to offer new and exciting routes with testing downhills and climbs. The Seringveld Trail Park was launched in November 2011 to offer runners the opportunity to run Diamond Dash race trails under your own steam.
By Jacques Marais