Only the brave dare face the monster
The Sudwala Screaming Monster, hosted by Legogote Villagers is a marathon with a difference.
The race is a circular 21 kilometres starting and ending at the Sudwala Caves. It is strictly pre-entry only and numbers are limited. The route is scenic, starting with a gentle yet steady 5 kilometre climb from the valley basin to the top of the pass, about 1 500 metres above sea level. It is then downhill to the turning point. The scenery on the downhill is breathtaking. Runners must enjoy this downhill, because the 1,8 kilometre up to the mouth of the cave will require some reserves. Take a deep breath and your last look at the blue sky before entering the bowels of the earth to face the “Screaming Monster”. This is a large, ancient dolomite formation inside the caves. It is the oldest known dolomite caves in the world. Pay your respects here, for legend has it that the monster’s good fortune will smile on the lucky and the brave for the rest of the race.
When you exit the caves, get your eyes accustomed to the sunlight again before embarking on the steep downhill back to the finish line at the Sudwala Lodge. Enjoy the 4,9 kilometres to start up your running life or just pass time while the brave ones concur the half-marathon. It is a well organised race with excellent water tables, prizes for all category winners and a very special medal. Bring the family to explore the caves.
Date: Saturday, April 30
Time: 07:00
Entry fee: R70 (grandmasters R30), R20 for fun run (enter on race day)
Entries: Pre-entries only – limited to 350 entries
Closing date: Monday April 25
Enquiries: Amanda Wessels on 084-583-6945.
