Winelands 5/10/21.1/42.2km
Helderberg’s showpiece offering a run on a beautiful undulating route through the winelands of Stellenbosch and Somerset West.
Celebrating the 45th Winelands Marathon this year!
Friday 29th November Paula and Anelle left Sunningdale in the afternoon after collecting the club gazebo and cooler box. Their first port of call was to the lower school entrance in Doornbosch Street Stellenbosch to pitch the gazebo which would be the meeting point for all West Coast contestants after completing the race.
Yvonne and I drove through in my car and our first port of call was to our accommodation. Initially we stopped at the given address but then we were advised that we would be staying just a few houses up which suited us down to the ground as we were literally spitting distance not only from the mall but from the Eikestad Primary School. Once unpacked and settled, we walked up to the school to meet with Paula and Anelle.
Well these ladies had erecting the gazebo down to a fine art. Although we offered our assistance it was far from needed and had everything in hand. Having said that, once the final pegs had been placed it was off back to our accommodation. The accommodation was really quite special. Paula and Yvonne shared a spacious room with two single bed/en suite. Meg and Anelle shared a garden annex room which could easily have housed three people equipped with a double bed, a single bed, a full open plan kitchenette plus a small lounge area plus glass sliding doors leading out to a secure patio.
My room was two single beds/en suite/tv and based in the main house.
Meg arrived a little later due to work commitments but once settled we took off in search of our restaurant which was slap bang in the middle of Stellenbosch amongst the hustle and bustle of runners and students alike looking for their dinner. Our table was out on the pavement which made for an interesting evening for sure. We were entertained by gymnasts that I’ve seen frequent Eden on the Bay, so they must be doing the rounds. After that a choir of gentlemen arrived and belted out tunes to the delight of the international diners. Of course, no evening would be complete without the all important ice cream and we were not disappointed. One was spoilt for choice with every flavour being on offer in either a cup or a cone?
Back to our digs after spending a good night out on the town and now time for bed zzzzzzzz.
Saturday morning arrived before we knew it with us walking up to the school, chatting to mates along the way and finding a spot in the crowd awaiting the starting gun. Quite a few Westies made their appearance and off we went. The route is truly spectacular. So scenic. So peaceful. I feel the need to voice my opinion now about the water tables. There were more water tables than I could keep count of. Plentiful to say the least, and each one stocked to the hilt with either water/power aid or my all-time favourite coke! And yes, these are important to me – whatever the liquid may be? Super friendly marshals manned the route ensuring no one would lose their way – just sayin’.
More or less half way through the run, Mad Mike Kellet was helping out and supporting at a water point – but not at a water table. Mike was on the microphone encouraging runners to carry on with what they were doing whilst shouting out greetings to all passers by. Opposite Mike was the most magnificent Caledonian Pipe Band. I could have spent ages just watching and listening to these talented musicians.
In a nutshell then, the run was good. I really enjoyed it. Didn’t over exert myself and besides it was really hot too! But a good field, a sold-out event and something I plan to do again next year. Yvonne had run the 10km and was waiting for me back at the gazebo. Once I’d caught my breath and regained my composure, we headed off back to our accommodation and drove out of Stellenbosch without incident.
I hope everyone enjoyed the weekend as much as I did. Take good care out there, stay on two feet. See you on the road – Gill x
