2012 Cape Winter Trail Series–XL2: Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve Race Report

This past weekend was the 100th Wildrunner event held at the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. I entered the XL (Extra Long) event, because trailrunning.co.za described it as “Gentle climbs and descents” – I think they forgot to mention “with the exception of one m#$%rse ascent up a mountain!”
Needless to say my calves are voicing their disapproval.
Also, don’t be fooled by the “flat” route for the first 10kms – much of it is rock-hopping along the coast – no room for running there… and look out for the resident seals – I almost ran over one – thankfully it gave a “friendly” growl before I had the chance.
A good portion of the route is single track, and while the views aren’t as abundant as the recent Greyton & Franschhoek trails, the view from the top is still worth the trek.
Organization from wildrunner was top notch – there was some rather nice cold refuelling drink half way and at the finish, and the route was amply marked with bright orange ribbons along the way. This came in rather handy when I took an unexpected detour in the coastal bush – thankfully one of those handy orange markers could be seen from atop higher ground, and I was back on trail.
On a side note – check out the line-up for next year’s summer trail series – some interesting night runs are included.
Route profile can be found here

Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve–Cape Winter Trail Series XL 2

Kuilsriver Golf Club 10 Aug 2012

Salomon Bastille Day Trail Run – Franschhoek

Now that is a trail run!
The Bastille Day celebrations in Franschhoek included a Trail Run a few k’s outside of town along side the Berg River. I originally was running with a work colleague, and thus entered the shorter 12km route. In retrospect I’m rather glad it was the shorter route – the weather turned for the worse just after I finished, and I was still recovering from flu the week before.
Had the opportunity to meet Ryan Sandes at the start of the race – he was there as part of a JAG Foundation initiative.

The scenery at the start was rather awesome – video & full album links at the bottom of this post

The organisers did an excellent job. Registration was fast and easy – and I love the salomon race bibs – MUCH better than pinning holes in your shirt for your race number. There were plenty of marshals on the course – the only blip on the radar being some blue bibs taking the wrong route because there wasn’t a marshal at one of the race route splits. The race preview was also delivered rather entertainingly by an official in full dress:

The start of the route follows a pretty steep ascent into the mountains, offering some spectacular views:

I think the only thing that was slightly frustrating about the single-track route, is having to cope with the lack of passing opportunities – but then again it helps to have some forced stoppages to take in the scenery.

I think the most novel part of the race was the numerous river crossings involved. At the first stream I saw a number of ladies removing their shoes and socks in order not to get wet – well that proved pretty pointless, and that was just a promise of things to come. The last river crossing had waist deep (deeper for some of the more vertically challenged) strong flowing water.

For footage of the river crossings can be found in the video link below.
The final 2 k’s or so are pretty flat and open, allowing an open stride for the first time.

… and for the finish a rather novel prize: a yellow-wood tree:

All-in-all a true trail running experience (in my limited experience). I’ll definitely be returning for the longer distances next year. Some final pictures of the surroundings:

Bastille Day Trail Run 12km Highlights

Salomon Bastille Day Trail Run VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

“There is no peace more wonderful than the peace we enjoy when faith shows us God in all created things.”
— Jean-Pierre de Caussde (1675-1751)

Greyton Classic Trail Run–21km 17 Jun 2012

I had the privilege of attending the Greyton Classic MTB & Trail Run this  past Saturday – my first “real” trail run over a decent distance. If you haven’t been to the town of Greyton – I highly recommend it – a real jewel of a small, quaint town.
The race itself is in a spectacular setting, offering a variation of farm road, dual and single track racing. It’s also quite unique in that mountain bikers and runners take part on the same track – which in itself offers some rather interesting scenarios. Even though the bikers were set on their way 15  minutes before the runners, I still caught some bikers by half way already (and my pace wasn’t anything to write home about). This never presented any problems though – the bikers were courteous in letting us past on the up hills, and provided friendly warnings as they wizzed past on the downs.
The weather turned out to be perfect, with the low cloud cover providing a cool morning, and the sun warming up just enough to enjoy the refreshments at the finish.
If you haven’t done this race before, I’d say this is probably the equivalent of a 30km road race – those mountain hills really take it out of you!
The first half is also definitely more scenic than the second half – which made the last few km’s a bit more of a mental struggle than it would have been had the beautiful scenery been maintained throughout the race.
In conclusion, the race is definitely worth the drive out to Greyton. If you have a family, the event is ideal – kids as young as six  were taking part in the 10km MTB event.
The only criticism I can offer is that the runner’s number collection area could have been more clearly marked.
I’ll definitely be back next year!

Some pics of the event: (I have some video as well, but unfortunately my crappy camera doesn’t focus well with adhoc scenarios) – full album link at the bottom of the page.

2012 Greyton Classic VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

“He waters the mountains from His upper chambers; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of His works. He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the labor of man, so that he may bring forth food from the earth, and wine which makes man's heart glad, so that he may make his face glisten with oil, and food which sustains man's heart ...” Psa 104:13-15.

Middlevlei New Balance Trail Run 13km 26 May 2012

So I had originally intended for my first trail run in my new inov8 shoes to be the Salomon Bastille Day Trail Run, but I couldn’t get a booking early enough for golf this weekend, and there happened to be a trail run out in Stellenbosch, so I entered – eager to test-drive the new shoes off-road.
As first trail run experiences go, I could probably not have done much better.
Gentle (though quite steep for a road-runner) hills and pretty awesome weather.
Before I waffle on about the details – pictures say it better than I can:


The race follows a circular loop around the MiddleVlei Wine Estate just outside Stellenbosch. You’re given the choice of a single revolution of about 6.5km, or twice around 13km. The race description said “Gentle Climbs And Descents”, but to this first-time-trail-runner it was more like kill-your-lungs-and-legs-slippery-hills terain. I’m not ashamed to say I walked all the “gentle climbs”.
The weather was perfect – the sun was out on the first loop, and just when I was getting a little too warm, the rain came down and cooled me off – the gentle drizzle kind.
The race was in aid of TSiBA Education, and apparently there are monthly trail runs on local wine farms from the organizers.
Looking forward to the next one .
Happy Running.