Everybody has a different story, but there’s a part in everybody’s story that is exactly the same. And that’s what makes running such a beautiful thing! These were my feelings as I ran the 24km route of Amoija Event’s Bartinney2Bartinney trail race this weekend and had one of my most enjoyable trail running experiences of 2016 yet.
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Some happy runners at Bartinney Wine Estate! Photo by Amanda Le Roux
The race began in the historic district of Stellenbosch at the Bartinney Wine and Champagne Bar on Bird Street. Masses of runners in their colourful Buffs and compression socks bubbled with excitement as we waited for the 24km race briefing to get underway. A very enthusiastic Carel Bezuidenhoud played the role of Emcee and stoked the fervour of the crowd as the lightness of dawn seeped into the streets. Although I’m still not quite sure what his catch phrase was (“lekka-lekka-lekka-lekka…”), I would later appreciate hearing this chant through the distant speakers as we approached the Bartinney Wine Estate, both at the 10 km point and finish line. The familiar sounds and booming encouragement from the race organizers reignited the hope that respite was just around the corner.
The first 3 km of the route led us through the streets of Stellenbosch (oh, how the trail shoes wept!), the first 1.5 km of which was declared a “neutral zone”. We followed a mountain bike rider as a pack, warming up at a quick and steady pace of +/- 5:30 min/km, led by well-known, elite racers including Katya Soggot, Christiaan Greyling, Stuart Marais, James Cunnama, Bernard Rukadza, Caitlin Lewis and Kobus Van Den Beg. It was a unique experience to keep up with the top runners and feel the commonality and comradery that trail running evokes. Alas, I was only able to bask in this appreciation for 10-odd minutes before the leaders dashed off into the hills and the rest of us settled into our own – perhaps more humble – strides.
Once we hit the base of Botmaskop Mountain, we followed a mixture of forested single track and wide jeep trail for 450m of ascent. The mixture of sharp switchbacks and long, slow climbing was followed by wild and technical descent down the Skyfall side of Bartinney Estate. Though I could hear the crowds celebrating the 10km winning times (and the all familiar lekka-lekka-lekka verse), the 24km runners were guided directly towards the long jeep track that would commence the next major ascent of the day.
From the 10km point, we would run (and power-hike!) an energizing 150m of ascent for 1 kilometre before swooping down through more vineyard tracks and along mountainside paths. Further sections of undulations and short patches of technical footwork made for an enjoyable and varied trail run and, for someone who is renowned for getting lost on race day, I must commend the organizers for doing an impeccable job of marking off the course which kept us all (or most of us!) on the right track. Furthermore, if you were able to lift your eyes from the track and slow down for a few moments, you could look up and take in what was truly a stunning scene of mountains and nature all around you.
‘We are so blessed to be here, and to run,’ I thought.
At the 16km water point, a shaded section of mountainside was a welcome relief as we climbed another hundred-odd metres on slithering single track. I eventually caught up with a male runner whom I asked about the distance. He indicated that we were at about 23 km and we shared a few minutes of premature confidence as we deduced that we must have finished all the climbing of the day: Surely from here it would be a direct and downhill shot to the finish.
We chatted and chatted as I milked the last bit of energy from my legs to keep up. I think we were both surprised to look up and see a steep hill just ahead. This is unexpected, I thought. I know, I know. I wrote the route description myself! But wasn’t the last climb we had just completed the 3rd and final one?
What time is it? How long is this race again? I thought
By now, the sun was penetratingly hot and I felt sure that every single Buff on the trail had exchanged its purpose as a facial warmer to that of a sweat sponge (isn’t running such an attractive sport?). We followed the jeep track up, over and around the vineyards until the familiar Lekka-Lekka rhythm echoed in the distance. We gave a wide girth around a dam along a shady single track and followed several quick switchbacks. Finally, I could see supporters cheering at the top and the anticipation mounted to a crescendo as I took the last turn and dashed to the finish.
At the end of the day, I completed the 27 km course in a total time of 2 hours and 41 minutes, placing 7th female across the line. This was a fine accomplishment, considering the elite competition taking part and the fact that it wasn’t my goal to chase a podium position at this race. Comrades being a mere 3 weeks away and the 125 km Canadian Death Race coming up on July 29, the Bartinney Extreme was, for me, a quality and effortful long run. Finishing with a racing heart, a salted face and throbbing legs, I placed the beautiful, wooden medal around my neck with pride.
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Medals designed by Chris Walley, photo by Amanda Le Roux
Well done to all participants of the Bartinney2Bartinney races this weekend – both the Dash 10km and the Extreme 24km –erm, 27 km. It was a pleasure to run with you all and feel the shared appreciation for nature, health and aliveness that trail running elicits! Thank you also to the event sponsors: Bartinney Wine, Stellenbosch Trail Fund, USN – PureFit, IamSuperbar, BMT Stellenbosch, Stellenbrau, ActivePatch4u and Old Mutual.
Bartinney Results – All results at Entry Ninja
Extreme 24km
Men
Bernard Rukadza (1:52:09)
Stuart Marais (1:54:58)
James Cunnama (2:01:56)
Women
Katya Soggot (2:15:26)
Mia Uys (2:30:47)
Robyn Owen (2:31:57)
Dash 10km
Men
Andre Afrika (51:02)
Jean-Paul Burger (51:15)
Peter Tsawayo (52:03)
Women
Megan Leslie (1:02:25)
Chantel Nienaber (1:05:48)
Carla Beyers (1:06:47)
Big thanks as always to my personal sponsors Tailwind Nutrition, Hemptons, IamSuperbar, Zone Fitness, Culture Club Cheese, Coach Mauritz of Soul Running and Reuben Hawley of EqualsFit!
