CSM Launches Mass Participation Events Division in South Africa

Press Release / 04.01.2019

CSM Sport and Entertainment is pleased to announce the acquisition of a selection of mass participation events, previously managed by Trisport.

This strategic acquisition allows CSM to build a portfolio of inspirational events with a simple mission; to deliver outstanding events and experiences. In addition to enhancing the existing event experience, the plan is to further grow the events in size, bring like-minded partners and brands on board, and create some new events on the Trail Running and Mountain Biking calendar. The first event run by CSM will be the SOX Trail Run taking place from 9-11 August 2019 in the Western Cape.

The SOX Trail Run is widely considered as the most diverse 3-day trail run in South Africa with the majority of the race taking place on SANParks-protected property along the south-eastern Cape coast. The route covers mountains, indigenous forests as well as the Garden Route’s magnificent coastline. The race village for the 2019 SOX Trail Run will be the SANParks Ebb & Flow Rest Camp in Wilderness.

The SOX Trail Run offers race options for trail runners of all levels with the SOX FULL (75km), SOX SPORT (56km) and SOX LITE (30km). Last year, more than 250 entries were received with many first-timers choosing the SOX SPORT – an option that offers the same experience as the SOX FULL but with less distance.

The SOX Trail Run features three unique routes. On day 1 athletes will find themselves running on a single track in the Outeniqua mountains; day 2 consists of trails through the indigenous Knysna forest, while day 3 includes a rugged “on-the-edge” coastline run finishing off with what has become a highlight of the race – a floating bridge across the Touw River.

Brand new in 2019 is the Kids Zone where athletes will be able to drop off their kids (between the ages of 5-16) to be entertained while they are on the trails or enjoying some time off after the run. Kids will be treated to fun activities and looked after by qualified childminders in a dedicated area.

Pre-entries for the event will close 24 July 2019. Enter online on the SOX Trail Run website.

Matt Vandrau, CEO at CSM expressed his excitement about the acquisition: “As we look to grow our offering in South Africa, the acquisition of the TriSport events is a great fit for CSM. Having managed multiple mass participation events around the world, we are excited to take on this challenge and deliver some incredible events in South Africa.”

Looking to the future, Stephan Weyers, MD of CSM South Africa said: “This acquisition complements and expands our existing capabilities in CSM. Our immediate focus will be to take the acquired events to the next level and beyond, while simultaneously rolling out some exciting new events in the sport and entertainment marketplace. With our challenger mindset, experience and expertise, we know this chemistry will deliver amazing events and experiences.”

Sonja Otto from TriSport explained why they chose to work with CSM: “We established some great events such as SOX Trail Run, Oyster Catcher Trail Run, Trail and Bike Girl, Outeniqua Quest, Trans Gouritz MTB, and many more. We knew that for TriSport to reach its true potential we would need to partner with a well-established and very credible global business. We are therefore very excited to be part of CSM Sport and Entertainment and we are looking forward to continuing to build on the events above and take them to the next level to ensure our events become a must do for all athletes each year”.