Sunday 16th March
I could have kicked my own backside when I realized that the entries for this race had closed. What was I thinking? I really enjoy this race previously and was pretty bleh when I missed the cut off date. So I thought I’d give Leon Thelander a ring and see if there was any chance that I could still enter. Yay me. Yes indeed. As a late entry.
Up bright and early on Sunday morning as the race started in Parow which meant it was a good half hour or even more away. Travelling that early on a Sunday morning almost guarantee’s open lanes. Once at the Tygerberg Athletic Club I was able to park in safe allocated parking which makes all the difference to me. Especially when I’m travelling alone. I walked up to the club house, paid my entry and received my race number all within a very short space of time.
It’s always nice to see, meet and greet like minded folk. Many of who had run the Weskus 10, 21 and even the marathon the previous day. Strange weather however as the clouds were low and offered a drizzle just enough to make the roads that little bit slippery.
We headed off down towards the start line and with the gun going off at 06h00 it was time to get this race on the road. I had spotted a 03h45 flag which I thought I might just possibly manage. So with this in mind I jumped on the bus alongside four or five others. All was going remarkably well now, the misty clouds had lifted, no sharp sun around just long long hills lay ahead.
We introduced each other to one another and I learnt here that the bus driver was Renee Cupido. Renee had this race sorted. Continually consulting her watch she was able to advise when to run, when to walk and when to stop for a drink. This is honestly my kinda race. No thinking, just running. I have to add that the first 15km’s were really quite doable. Yes there were hills, but this was to be expected. It’s a hilly route. A hilly race.
Once we’d passed the 15km mark I felt that I was still doing ok probably up to about the 24th marker. It is then that my energy started to wane somewhat. But our Renee wasn’t going to have any of this. No siree. Give me your hand she said and off the two of us went up yet another grueling hill. Wow this pace setter bus driver runner and mother, knows no limits and has the energy of ten men!
The water tables along the way were invaluable and each one stocked with coke, water and orange power aid. Delicious stuff that but man alive it sure stains ones hands and mouth! Now what to do about the plastic sachets? I just don’t know? We saw runners in front of us just chucking their empty sachet down and carrying on regardless. I have great difficulty in getting my head around this very bad habit of littering and expecting – who knows? – to pick up afterwards? We could probably talk about this ‘till the cows come home but unless sachets are totally done away with – I think the problem will always exist. Supply water, coke and Energade but supply one’s own cup. Perhaps then they’ll think twice before just disposing of it so readily.
Back to the tarmac and now on approximately 25kms. My poor legs. Aw those hills. I mentioned to Renee that I’d had enough and she was to leave me be and I’d just muddle on through and do my own thing. I don’t think – no I’m actually quite sure – that Renee just doesn’t take NO for an answer. Arm in arm. Hand in hand. Hand on arm. Whatever it took, we ploughed on through and at last there seemed to be light at the end of the tunnel when we reached 27km and it was downhill to the finish.
By now I was seriously running on empty. Digging deeper that I’ve dug for a long long time. The road down to the finish line seemed endless but we did it! Admittedly Renee broke free from me with just a few meters to be had as her commitment and flag showed 03h45. I too crossed the line at 03h45 with honestly seconds to spare.
I’ve done this race twice before – this being my third. Thanks to the Tygerberg Athletic Club for organizing a splendid race. Loads of drinks along the way and at the finish line too. I didn’t hang around for prize giving or lucky draw – I was quite frankly buggered!
May I add that our friend Chris de Oliveira ran his final race on Sunday 16th March 2025. Devastating news is that Chris passed away in his sleep. He will be sadly missed by some many people. Always a happy disposition, running like an absolute trojan. Heartfelt sympathies to the family of Chris and of course to his Sharon his partner, who was his constant supporter and fellow runner. Going to miss you Chris. Sleep in peace.