Saturday 7th March 2026
One of my all time favourite races. Starts early although it’s a trek through to Constantia, once done one can be back home in our suburb for approximately nine o’clock which gives one the rest of the Saturday to just lie on the sofa and catch up on Netflix!
Now this was a Saturday with a difference. Paula had committed to a trail run in Wellington with Megan. So this foursome set of being Sonz, Naomi, Mandy and me. It’s really on a high day or a holiday that Paula doesn’t join us so it was mighty strange not to have her with us. Be that as it may, I chose to drive us through leaving the house at 04h45. My sense of direction sucks! In a nutshell. So it was on with the GPS and Sonz helping me along the way alerting me timeously as when to and when not to take an off ramp.
It certainly didn’t take that long to reach Constantia much to our surprise. The marshal indicated for us to park at the cricket club, which we did without further ado. Fortunately Sonz had very kindly arranged our number collection the previous day which meant only a very quick pit stop at the ablutions then on to the start line.
Gee it was busy. I’m not sure how many thousands of runners showed up, but there were plenty! And now not surprisingly a host of West Coasters made their presence known all kitted out in our red, white and blue. It really is such a popular run.
As soon as the gun went off it was all systems go. That’s if you were lucky enough to be up front. For me however it was a slow start for at least four minutes with one and all trying to fit through a gap to get ahead. With some many runners it can certainly feel a trifle claustrophobic for the first km or two. Once through the crowd however, it feels a little less daunting as one is able to find one’s feet and set a pace.
The were a couple of bus drivers present today which is really quite fantastic if one fancies hopping on a bus of one’s choice. I did grab the opportunity to do so for a while but then carried on with my own pace.
The course is a little hilly, nothing untoward and totally doable. It’s scenic enough too running past all the posh houses with amazing lawns. I especially like the part where one runs through a wooded park area along a narrow path. It tapers down to single file and once through it’s up a little rise and back on the tar road.
Refreshment stations were at 4km, 8km and then at 12km. Personally I much prefer a refreshment station at every 3km because that’s what I’m used to? The refreshment tables were well stock with cold water and of course my all time favourite Coke!
I managed to keep a steady pace this morning following a young couple in front of me and used their pace as my own. It worked well.
With 14km’s behind me now it was encouraging to know that the end was in sight. Just down a side road before turning on to the field and hey presto there you have it! 15km done and dusted.
The weather was on our side today. Overcast and just a tad windy here and there. Quite acceptable and welcome at the same time. The marshals were friendly prompting all and sundry to remain within the cones, those great big orange trip hazards that they are!
Such a pleasant surprise to find our West Coast gazebo standing proudly amongst the others clubs. Thank you Natalie Toner for taking time out and making yourself available to manage the gazebo. Much appreciated.
Well having run the 15km it was time to make our way home. The walk back to the car was almost a race with Sonz out front leading us to my car. This was definitely a good km speed walk!
Thank you Totalsports VOB Running Club. You did good!!!
