Published on September 16, 2024

As the 12th Moka Trail approaches, most participants are in the thick of their preparation and there is no better time to hear from the man at the helm: Race Director and seasoned ultra-trail runner, Percy Driver.

Hailing from a sporting family, Percys passion for running began in school through inter-college athletics. After a break to focus on his career, his sister introduced him to endurance sports. His first foray into trail running was on the challenging Parakeet Trail, and he was instantly hooked. Undeterred, Percy signed up for a 25km race and soon realised the demanding nature of the sport. This initial experience sparked a serious training regime and led him to transform his lifestyle to optimise his fitness and health. 

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What kept me going was the silence during the runa time when I could truly connect with myself, away from the daily grind,” he says. Gradually, Percy gravitated towards ultra-trail runninghighly demanding races, longer than marathons. Notable challenges he has faced include the Royal Raid (80km), the Beachcomber Ultra Trail (120km) and the Diagonale des Fous (165km), considered the holy grail for trail runners. What started as a one-time challenge evolved into a pursuit and he eventually tackled the ultra-trail three times. That was until his toughest race… 

Tor des Géants

This 330km race in Italy is among the world’s most gruelling. Percy arrived in Courmayeur on the eve of the event, already at a disadvantage due to fever. The course’s length and demanding elevation gain added to the challenge. As stress mounted, his wife and daughters were his pillars, reminding him of all the efforts he had made to reach this pointsomething he wouldnt have dreamed of 12 years earlier. I decided to start slowly and listen to my body to see how it would respond,” he says. The Tor des Géants was the culmination of nine months of preparation, 210 activities and 355 hours of training. Determined, Percy tackled the course with motivation, intuition and resiliencekey qualities for any trail or ultra-trail runner. 

“The main lesson from these experiences is that tough moments don’t last. You must always remember that when you hit rock bottom, the only way is up! So, never give up when your morale is low. Keep in mind why you’re running and your goal to finish the race. And remember: things can only get better!” he says.

Focus on the Moka Trail 2024

Armed with his extensive experience, Percy is now fully involved as the Race Director of the Moka Trail, ensuring the event meets runners’ expectations. He personally explores each trail multiple times, scouting for areas of improvement. He makes sure there is clear signage to help runners navigate intersections effortlessly and adjusts cut-off times to enable as many participants as possible to finish the race. 

Percy’s advice is to “enjoy the process and trainnot for the result, but because being fit allows you to fully enjoy the race. He also emphasises the importance of mutual support and maintaining a positive mindset. 

So, what can you expect from this years Moka Trail? A revamped race village, enhanced iconic routes with even more breathtaking views. But above all, expect genuine sportsmanship, endorphin highs and a chance to deliver a great performance in a friendly, joyful atmosphere, thanks to the hard work of various teams dedicated to making the Moka Trail a memorable event. 

“It’s impressive to witness the energy and synergy of all the professionals involved in this race. Each team is a vital piece of the puzzle, ensuring the success of an event that means a lot to us,” says Percy.

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