The Fugitives Trail Run / Walk 20 August 2011

Re-live one of the most dramatic events in South African history and revel in the challenge of running / walking a ruggedly beautiful 15 km trail.

On 20 August 2011, the crack of Martini Henrys will echo off the cliffs of Isandlwana. Emerging from the gun smoke, participants will "run for their lives" from Isandlwana, down the historical route of advance, across the Umzinyathi to Rorke’s Drift.

As the horns of the great Zulu Impi tore into the British invasion force at Isandlwana, the soldiers of the most powerful empire on earth faced a stark choice, stand and face certain death or try to escape along what was to become known as the Fugitives Trail.

More than 800 British troops, 500 of their allies and 1300 Zulu warriors fell at Isandlwana or perished along the Fugitives Trail, and later on that dramatic day, many more lives were lost and 11 Victoria Crosses earned at Rorke’s Drift.

This year we tackle the bridle trail from Isandlwana to Rorke’s Drift, this was the route taken by the British invasion force and also the route used by many fugitives, including Lieutenant Adendorff, the only soldier credited with having fought in both the Battle of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift.

The finish at the new Rorke’s Drift Hotel offers beautiful views across the Umzinyathi River and is within walking distance of all points of interest around Rorke’s Drift.

Be part of this intimate physical and emotional engagement with history.

Interested ? See http://www.runnersguide.co.za/NoticeBoard/Flyers/documents/FugitivesTrail20Aug2011.pdf

What are the anticipated finishing times.

I would expect a winning time of about 55 mins.

The big question is, would a horse be faster?

The first 1.5 kms from the wagon park at Isandlwana to the Manzimyama River is rugged underfoot, but I think that this is due to erosion started many years ago by the hundreds of wagons that traversed this route. In 1879 I would expect a horse to have a decided advantage over a warrior on foot. In fact I'm now convinced that anyone who braved charging through the right horn on horse would have had a better chance than those who selected the route towards Fugitives’ Drift. The route towards Fugitives Drift offers a distinct advantage to the man on foot.

How about using a helmet cam. So we can get an overview of what the runner is seeing as he makes his run. Now that would make an excellent video.

Thanks for this suggestion, it's a great idea.

Now that would be a video worth seeing. Seeing the route at a run, as the soldiers running for their lives.

Helmet cams are not that expensive. Maplins do a good quality one.

Hi all .
Agreed , how good would that footage be taken from a helmet cam to give us a warts and all perspective of the terrain those
poor unfortunates had to negotiate on that 22nd Jan . . Would be excellent to view , no doubt about that .
I'm surprised no - one has done it before , at least walk the area with a helmet cam . I suppose we would need a fit and younger
person to do so . :lol!: Sas 1 where are you ????.
cheers 90th.