The idea for the marathon came from Eps Joubert, the chair of the Bredasdorp Athletics Club, who wanted to create a unique marathon that took advantage of the area’s location near the southernmost tip of Africa. The first Voet van Afrika Marathon was held in Bredasdorp in 1978.  The 42 km takes runners over the Overberg mountains, through farmland, and past towns like Napier and Bredasdorp, whilst the 21.1 km route starts on gravel roads outside of Napier and joins the 42 km route for the final stretch. The race takes place through natural Fynbos landscapes that are home to a variety of endangered species. In 2018, amputee athlete Xolani Luvuno completed the full marathon on crutches. The Voet van Afrika Marathon’s goal is to be “the toughest marathon with the warmest heart”.

So there you have it folks, a bit of history about how and why this marathon came about.  For years and years the 21km Voet actually started off at the Bredasdorp Sports Grounds where one would  catch a bus or coach – if one got there early enough – otherwise it would be a cattle truck, I kid you not.  This transport would take the participants into a wooded farm area and once the 42km runners had passed, the 21km runners could take off.  In the past it was absolutely freezing up in the mountains with most folk covered in black bin bags waiting for the race to start.

Sadly the recent rains damaged the mountains to the extent of it just not being safe enough for hundred of runners to participate on this route, leaving the organizers absolutely no choice but to amend the route.  The half marathon would start in Napier at the Agulhas School of Skills in Plein Street.  The route was divided between gravel and tar, with the majority of the 21km’s being on the road.  However the stretch between Napier and Bredasdorp is made up of several long taxing hills, hence the title of the toughest race with the warmest heart!  Did I mention the total ascent was 380m?  Yes peeps this race is not for sissies  hey!

Leaving Cape Town on a Friday afternoon after collecting Paula and Sonja, we made our way through Somerset West, up and over Sir Lowrey’s, through Caledon and eventually into Bredasdorp.  I say eventually because the traffic was super busy being the start of a long weekend plus it being school holidays.  Be that as it may we parked at our accommodation and legged it down to the Sports Grounds.   It was here that we met and chatted with Gary and Sue Britz who had an expo stall packed with goodies from their brand Rock Rabbit. 

Now all we had to do was find a way to Napier for Saturday morning.  No transport had been offered although there were busses back to Napier after running through to Bredasdorp.  And then we met fellow runner A J Hugo who was only too willing to oblige and offered us a lift through in the morning as he and his aunt were going that way.  Wow talk about being grateful.  We couldn’t thank A J enough.  He had really taken a weight off our shoulders.

On the way back to our accommodation it was time for dinner.  We stopped off at Flames Grill and we honestly had our choice of seating.  Just a few other patrons were getting stuck in to their meals when who should walk in but A J and his aunt Jakkie.  After chatting, laughing and swopping stories our dinner arrived which could have fed all the hungry folk of Bredasdorp.  Our plates were piled sky high and we managed to plough through the smallest amounts before taking to the road once again heading to our home for the evening.

A good nights rest was had by all with the alarm going off at 05h45 the next morning.  Once dressed and ready to race A J collected us and within 20 minutes we were in Napier. 

It was I must admit, a tad chilly and I had arrived sleeveless.  We managed to find a sunny spot though and the only other West Coaster that we saw was Tracy Gooch.  The race was scheduled to start at 07h30.  And it did.

We took off on the gravel road which was not only slippery but adorned with puddles, pot holes, loose stones and more.  So being a tripper, I daren’t look up for one moment as I was 100% sure of the consequences.  Once through the gravel road though, it was on to the tar where I breathed a sigh of relief.  Now at least I could chance the occasional glance up because it was here that I had to beware of the cat’s eyes!  Damned if I do, damned if I don’t.

Running on the road was an absolute pleasure.  Undulating hill, one after the other that seemed to go on and on relentlessly.  Did I mention the 380 meter ascent? But at least it was a tar road.  Then suddenly a sharp veer to the right and we were back on gravel again.  My worst nightmare.  Back to absolute concentration to get me through this stretch of road.  Fortunately the gravel didn’t last too long this time and we were once again back on the tar.  This time for good.

By this time the sun had raised it’s head offering an amazingly comfortable running day.  Having lots of km’s ahead, gives one plenty of time to mull over a multitude of topics.  The sewing that was waiting at home to be completed, the drive home in the car, what I’d like for dinner, anything on Netflix, oh I could go on and on with this imagination.

But really once into the town of Bredasdorp, it was downhill and onto the grass area of the Sports grounds.  Being Saturday morning however, offered it’s own entertainment.  Me thinks perhaps a few residents had started their weekend celebrations a bit earlier.  So there was advice and words of encouragement from both sides of the road.   No harm meant, just pure and utter banter.

I must admit to being quite relieved to cross the finish line and hang that 21km medal around my neck.  Of course Sonja and Paula had come in long before me but sat patiently on the side lines awaiting my arrival.  Paula treated us to the most delicious pancakes.  Man alive, they were piping hot and drizzles with lemon juice and sugar.  Quite delicious indeed!  It was then that we decided to take a walk back to our accommodation, pack the car and leave for Cape Town.  Paula was kind enough to drive us home which pleased Carl no end as the fuel consumption used was on track – in his book – with us safe and sound in Cape Town again.

This was such a good trip.  The accommodation used was A Taste of Heaven just a km or so from the Sports Grounds.  We shared one large bedroom with a huge king size bed and two singles.  There was a fridge in the room and every other facility available thoughout the property.  Parking on site.  So all in all, a complete success and most definitely worth the drive through to Bredasdorp.

I must add this compliment to the Bredasdorp Running club and community.  For every single hill we ran up, there was a refreshment table stocked with oranges, cold water and as you know, my ultimate favourite ice cold coke!  So there were many many water stations along the way.  Not just every 3kms, but at the top of every hill . . . and there were plenty!  I do believe the families marshalled too with the little ones running to greet offering sacheted water.  In fact, the entire organization of this race was done to fine precision.  I would like to add my ten cent’s worth here and shoot me down if you will, but having transport offered to Napier would have been the cherry on the cake.  Perhaps that suggestion could be discussed? Thank you Bredasdorp Running Club for an awesome route and day out.  As always this is my opinion  only, so please don’t take umbrage at the contents of this story.  Be safe out there Gill x