On the road – 21 August 2015

The Rhodes 52km trail run is one of South Africa’s most iconic and breathtaking races. Staged in the Drakensberg mountains surrounding the town of Rhodes, this majestic challenge is not for the faint hearted. Not only do you have to conquer the mountainous terrain, but you also have to overcome elements – high winds and temperatures below freezing. All of this is just part of the race’s appeal to adventurous Strider, Danny Holton, who completed his 27th consecutive run in July.

It was a relatively warm three degrees as the competitors made their way up the steady climb to the first check-point 13km into the race. The next 8km was more demanding as the runners made their way up to the Lesotho border. The wind at the top was gusting between 40 and 60 km/h, blowing over “old” snow, dropping the temperature with the wind chill factor to -12 degrees. As cold runners made their way past the Tiffedell Ski Resort, they found it hard to resist the temptation of popping in for a warm glass of gluhwein.

The next 7km section was very technical along an exposed ridge to a point called Hooggenoeg. This brought the runners to Dave Walkers checkpoint and the obligatory Karoo Oyster stew! Finally the weary adventurers were welcomed home by enthusiastic supporters and a much needed Old Brown Sherry.

For safety purposes entries are limited and this year 255 finished the event of the 294 starters. Danny finished in 78th position in 7hours, 16 minutes and 50 seconds.

Please remember the meeting that will be taking place at the club house on Wednesday night at 6.30pm after time trial. This will be an opportunity to hear more about the upcoming move and the rationale behind the decision, the renewed vision and direction going forward.

Sarah