Trail Series Super League
FAQ's
Are there medals per race, and for the overall Super League?
There are medals for every race finisher. For the overall TSSL there is a special award given to the winners overall and in every validated category (minimum of 5 rule applies). See info on 'Categories' for more info.
Can I enter all of the TSSL races at once?
No, there is no yearly entry for the Trail Series Super League, each event is entered separately.
Where and how do I register? Do I need to bring anything with?
You will register for each event on the day of the event, at the event venue. Specific registration times will be sent to all participants. You don’t need to bring anything with you to register and receive your number. Simply give the registration crew your name and surname and they will assign you a number there and then.
Can I rock up and enter for an event on the day of the event?
Yes, you can enter at the registration table at any of the Trail Series events. We accept cash, card or snapscan. There is no ‘late entry’ fee to enter on the day, but it is obviously slower to enter manually than to just register.
Do I need to be a member of an athletics club and wear club colours?
No, you can wear what you want.
Is there a cut-off time?
The long and short courses do not have cut-off times. Some of the XL’s do though, depending on the venue. Please check the specific event information to make sure.
Do I need a timing chip?
No, we use an app timing system that does not require a timing chip. You do need to wear your number on the front, so that timers can see your race number at the finish line. Race timing is 'mat to mat' to accommodate for when there are batch starts.
Are there water stations?
For the XL routes we provide a single water station. Water stations are cupless so you need to have your own receptacle (cup, bottle etc.). There are a number of reasons why you won’t find a water station on the long or short courses at the TSSL. First and foremost, trail running in its essence means being self-sufficient. So, get in the spirit of trail running and carry your own. Take only photographs and leave only footprints is a saying we take seriously and we pride ourselves on leaving our venues in the same (or a better) state than what we found them.
Is there drinking water available at the start/finish?
Yes, we have drinking water available at every start/finish venue.
Why is trail running so expensive?
In trail running events, there are many obvious costs – like venue and conservation fees for the locations that we run in – but also many hidden costs that participants aren’t aware of. For example, you might be surprised to know that running in Table Mountain National Park costs between R160-180 per person for all the associated fees. And that's just to get access! The logistics are complicated and risks high when organising a trail run. We need VHF radio communication specialists in areas that have little or no cellphone coverage, mountain fit field medics and environmental monitors to name but a few. We are also required by the venues and the municipalities to have comprehensive insurance, not to mention the mountain of paperwork and preparation time that goes into getting the necessary municipal approvals. One of the biggest factors to the cost is the limited entry. Operational costs are divided up by the number of entrants - more entrants, less cost per person. We don't get big fields in trail running (thankfully) which is one of the things that makes it special. Further to this, because the number of entries are limited in trail running, sponsors are extremely limited. The higher the number of participants in an event, the more sponsors want to become involved and the lower the cost per runner becomes.
Do you limit entries?
Yes we do. Planning and permits are built around and applied for on a given number of participants. In many of the more sensitive areas that we run in, there are set maximums. We see these restrictions as a good thing. For one trying to squeeze thousands of runners onto a single track will be a negative experience. While there is always a bit of congestion in the beginning, with the right numbers this quickly gets smoothed out and you can enjoy the freedom of running the trails without it being one long queue.
Do I need any compulsory gear?
For the most part, no. But, we highly recommend you carry at least a fully charged mobile phone, 500ml water, a windbreaker and a whistle. XL runners may require extra gear depending on the weather prediction. This will be communicated in advance.
Why do categories only get prizes for the League and not for every race?
After discussions with regular winners and our sponsors, we realised that the prizes were losing value as winners would receive four similar prizes in every event. We decided to place the focus on League winners instead and make these prizes much cooler than the usual race category prizes were. We still recognise category winners at each race by calling them up to the podium but category winners will only receive a prize if they place in the top three in their particular category in the League. The top three across the line at each race do still receive prizes in the form of gift vouchers from our sponsors, and all of the junior categories receive prizes (we love to encourage as many young ones to get out and run!).
Do you split junior categories into male and female?
We have a minimum rule of 5 that applies to all categories, and this includes genders. If there are more than five of each gender then the category will be split into male and female. If not, then both boys and girls will run together in one category. This applies to both race and the overall TSSL. We do not mix the genders or ages for any adult category - if there are less than 5, the category will simply not exist. Results will still be shown under the category that the individuals would be in. Please refer to the category info for more details. We still recognise category winners at each race by calling them up to the podium but category winners will only receive a prize if they place in the top three in their particular category in the League. The top three across the line at each race do still receive prizes in the form of gift vouchers from our sponsors, and all of the junior categories receive prizes (we love to encourage as many young ones to get out and run!).
Why do I need to be at the race so early if I haven’t pre-entered online?
As with all timing, accurate results depend greatly on valid runner information. Your race number is linked to your personal information and if this is not correct you will not show up on the results, or the results may be incorrect. For this reason, we need to make sure that all runner data is correct before the race starts. There are usually a number of on-the-day entries and we need to allow ourselves enough time to get all the relevant data onto our timing system. If all on-the-day entries arrive 10 minutes before the race starts we will not be able to do this. If you don't want to have any of these hassles, the best option is to enter online.
Where are my results?
Results are recorded live using the FinishTime system. Click on 'Results' in the main menu to select current or prior years.
Can I upgrade or downgrade?
Yes - the quickest and easiest way to do this is to request the change at registration on the day where the crew will simply change your race choice and issue you the correct number. There will be no refund if you downgrade your entry. You will need to pay the entry fee difference if you upgrade your entry.
What is the Refund Policy?
Beyond the standard seven working day, consumer protection act refund policy, there are no refunds for entry fees other than for in the extreme case of hospitalisation or death. For this reason we highly recommend insuring your entry fee, particularly when the fee is high. Should you find yourself in a position of not being able to make it, your best bet is trying to get a substitute for your entry. However, refund requests may be dealt with on their own merits depending on length of notice of written cancellation received before the event. Please note that we may charge a reasonable cancellation fee if the refund request is approved. Any refunds made will be paid within 30 calendar days.