The Tokai Manor House Run, hosted by Southern Striders, is an annual road/trail race held around Christmas, raising funds for the Cape Academy of Maths & Science (CAMS) since a 2015 fire changed its route from the Tokai Forest Plantation to the popular greenbelts near the historic Manor House, offering 16km and 8km options, known for its scenic mix of tar, trail, and single-track paths.  Historically held on Boxing Day where the most popular theory is that the name comes from a tradition of gifting boxed gifts to the poor. Centuries ago, servants would be working and serving those they worked for on 25 December, so would get the following day off for their own celebrations with family and friends.  Also known in the UK as St Stephen’s Day.

OK peeps, having said that, history lesson over!!

After my angry bird alarm signaled 04h15 it was time to rise and shine.  The plan being to drive over and collect Naomi then head off to Paula’s house then collect Sonja from hers.  In that order.  And that’s exactly what we did.  So by 05h30 we were on our way to the Tokai Manor House run.  An uneventful trip through to the other side of Cape Town arriving in good time to park on an open field and head off to the all important ablutions.

Through lots of chitter chatter and greeting fellow West Coasters, it was made known that one could run whichever distance one preferred.  Nothing set in stone I immediately jumped on the bandwagon and decided there and then to tackle a 10km.  I must confess to not really enjoying running the same route twice, so running a 10km would suit me down to the ground. 

We crossed the road and joined in with the other participants in anticipation of the gun going off at 06h30.  I managed, just by way of a change, to get up front and start with the front runners.  First couple of km’s were good.  Even steady pace.  And then we entered the Tokai park and my eyes were glued to the ground.  I didn’t dare look up in fear that I might trip/fall/stumble/buy some land – so my concentration was at it’s highest.  So much so that I could have done with a panado afterwards as my shoulders were hunched up to such a degree I thought they may snap!  And oh my goodness the trail running seemed to go on and on.  My hope was that around every corner would be a tar road.  Eventually and I honestly mean eventually, we reached the longed for tar road.  But not for long however as no sooner had we reached the road, it was back into the forest for more trail.

The sun had come out and with it’s presence well known I was eternally grateful that I’d worn a sun cap as I was beginning to bake.  Paula and I discussed the fact that although the club advertised that this run would be a provide your own water bottle, there would be self help water refill stations approximately every 4kms, neither of us came across one?   Now I’m not sure if we actually ran past the water refill stations or there were just none at all?  If they were there and we didn’t see them, please accept my apologies but for the life of me neither of us saw one?  Fortunately, i had adhered to the suggestion of carrying my own water bottle but after running through the park it was now stone cold empty?

Towards the end of the 8km route a marshal indicated a left turn which would complete the run, but I decided to carry on for another km then turn back which would add up to my planned 10km.  Running in to be met with rows and rows of ice cold coke just made my day.  It really did.  This was a thirsty running day indeed. 

Paula, Naomi and I completed the 10km run whilst Sonja decided to run on somewhat and complete a 13km.  Once finished, we accepted our goody bags with much appreciation.  Thank you to the sponsors BLUE RIBBON who supplied us with lovely royal blue carrier bags complete with toaster baked slices, chocolate milk, water, towel and body cream.  Very nice indeed.  Thank you.

So all in all, a good successful run but as usual when I cross the finish line I always say – thank goodness I’m done!

I must add that this is purely my own interpretation of today’s event and mean no umbrage to anyone.  See you again soon – Gill x