Staying motivated, fit, and healthy during lockdown has been a massive challenge for most of us. Especially through the last two lockdowns both pre and post-Christmas when the days were short, the weather was cold and the mud was gloopy! Running clubs were forced to close their doors, groups were disbanded and many hung up their running shoes to wait it out until sunnier climes. But not the KARIBU pirates, to be found not far from Chichester.
Keep on running
Run with KARIBU is a trail running club that provides free, guided trail runs around the South Downs near Chichester. The first, second, and then third lockdown left KARIBU founder and guide runner Sam Lutman-Pauc with great uncertainty and even greater concerns about mental and physical health.
Unable to offer group and guided runs, he set about finding a way he could deliver a similar trail running experience in a completely safe and socially distanced way to help keep Sussex motivated. The unusual solution he found was pirates and treasure.
The hidden treasures of the South Downs
We all know that the South Downs are treasure enough for many of us. But back in the autumn, Sam launched four Pirate Treasure Trail runs of 6, 7, 8, and 9 km respectively. Think of it as a bit like geocaching for trail runners with better prizes!
You sign up to KARIBU (membership is free but there’s a small admin fee) and then you download your treasure map, starting point, and clues, and off you go! Your guide is your map, the treasure is your purpose, and your success brings with it a prize.
Find the hidden metal pirate doubloons (Bronze, Red Bronze, Silver, and Gold) and exchange them for prizes which include KARIBU Trail Tech T-shirts (limited sizes), SILVA dry bags, SUUNTO Buffs, and KIND snack protein bars.
The Treasure Trails have been such a success, Sam has now decided to continue them even after the lockdown restrictions end.
Off-roading at its best
All of which means, if you’ve been lacking motivation or looking for something a little different than running around your usual 5 km, you no longer have an excuse for putting it off. Dig out your pirate patch, dust off your trainers, and polish up your map reading skills. It’s time to go after treasure!
You can find out more about Sam, KARIBU, and the Treasure Trails at: https://www.karibu.club/
