Monday, December 3, 2012

Lourensford Vital Run Half Marathon–1 Dec 2012

I almost gave this race a skip because of another sporting event the next day, but boy am I glad that I didn’t. This was my first run in these mountains – and wow what a beautiful route. The race takes place on the jeep tracks surrounding Lourensford Estate.
This is also the first ASA organised race that I’ve attended, that technically is a trail run. This is good in that it exposes the hordes of road runners to the sport – but not so good because it’s not really a true reflection of the experience of a trail run.
The race does, however, offer a unique experience that you won’t get in your traditional road or trail run – it’s more of a mish-mash of a well organised road run taking place in the setting of a trail run.
The organisers (Run Walk for Life & Co) really do go all out to make it a fun experience – everything from offering a swim in the local dam ; Scottish bag-pipers ; small cups of champagne – along with an excellent route that really is a joy to run.
The only damper on the day was trying to get out of the venue once the race was finished – took me an hour just to get out of the wine estate. A few experienced runners brought cooler bags & eats to stick around after for a bit – so if you’re attending for the first time this is maybe something you need to consider.
On to the good stuff:

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3 comments:

  1. Thanks for taking such great photos...this was my 2nd ever 21k my first being cape point 3 weeks before that!My husband and i were running a 21k together for first time as he got injured prior to Cape Point. I didnt have the puff in me to take photos but thrilled to be able to look at yours....totally agree about leaving the car park... also i could have done without the 10k walkers as i met them in my last 5 k!! I finished in 2 hrs 39min...!! was disappointed as Cape point finish was 2 hrs 23.. but this run was so so much harder!!! Views breath taking!!
    Thanks

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  2. another race report of the 10k
    http://www.runningtherace.co.za/2012/12/vital-run-10-k-2012.html

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  3. Stunning pics - what a beautiful country we live in! Thanks for the shout-out :) .

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