A new film showcasing the inaugural Karkloof 100 – a 100-mile footrace through the heart of the Karkloof in KwaZulu-Natal, has received rave reviews from trail running enthusiasts all over South Africa. Presented by KZN-based NPC, the Southern Lodestar Foundation, in association with KZN Trail Running and Amehlo Productions, Hundred Mile Horizon is more than just a highlights reel of KZN’s first 100-mile trail race; it explores the very personal journey that each competitor takes to get to the finish line, all juxtaposed with the untouched beauty of the Karkloof.
The first of its kind for trail running in South Africa, this 30-minute documentary, charts the journey of three runners from Hilton, Andre Redinger, Matt Dove and Rob Graham, from the Southern Lodestar Foundation, and highlights the sheer determination and grit needed to undertake what is considered the ‘ultra’ distance in the ultra-running community. The film explores how much of a spiritual journey these runners undergo every step of the way and why they push themselves to such extremes; ultimately showing that running a 100-miler is as much of an emotional challenge as it is a physical one.
Officially launched at selected screenings around the country – from the Karkloof to Johannesburg and Cape Town, the respective audiences were unmistakably spellbound in their silence whilst they soaked up every minute of the short film. As the credits rolled, rapturous applause, permeated with loud whoops of delight, broke out amongst the crowds in each location. “We assume from the reaction of the audience at each screening that they really enjoyed watching the film, as much we enjoyed putting it together and sharing it with them,” said Karkloof100 co-race director, Andrew Booth of KZN Trail Running, who played an integral part in putting the film together.
“Hundred Mile Horizon is incredibly powerful because it is so raw and honest and tells a very relatable story of ordinary people achieving extra-ordinary things,” said film-maker Karen Logan of Amehlo Productions. “The brief we were given was to follow Andre, Matt and Rob on the Karkloof 100 route and just have fun doing it. So that’s what we did. What followed was a 36-hour rolling shoot that became a life experience for the entire crew as opposed to just another job. We allowed the story to unfold naturally so viewers feel as if they are on this rollercoaster with each runner, experiencing the highs and lows at exactly the same time as each runner does.”
“You get to share really intimate moments with the characters and I think this elevates it from being a sports film to something everyone can relate to and be inspired by,” added Logan.
Summing up the message of the film is Andre Redinger of the Southern Lodestar Foundation, around whom the story is centred, “Everything that is the most beautiful part of my life is for free. I don’t have to buy it, I don’t have to fly to it. I can get on my feet and run.”
The film was released to the general public for the first time yesterday, 2ndJuly, and can be viewed online here: http://bit.ly/HundredMileHorizon
The 2018 race is nearly at capacity in both distances but entries are still available to those keen to embark on their own journey of self-discovery. Details can be found at www.karkloof100.co.za.
