Striders member ticks off bucket list marathon
"It was also very slippery with all the humidity, so I had to be very careful with my footing."
Springs Striders member Candice Hillcoat proudly crossed out one of the biggest challenges on her bucket list, the infamously difficult Sani Stagger Marathon, on November 20.
The marathon takes place in the southern area of the internationally renowned Maloti Drakensberg and winds through the notorious Sani Pass and is known for its beautiful and sweeping vistas.
However, the rough terrain, undulating route and high altitude proved to be a challenge for even the most experienced of runners.
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In the 38km Stagger Trail, runners take on a section of the pass that takes them through the mouth of the Gxalingenwa Gorge, which leads out to an even steeper 4km before joining the Giant’s Cup Trail for a brief section.
Runners are given a brief respite on a flat and fast section along Stromness Ridge, which is then followed by the short steep descent to the waterfall before starting the climb to the top.
The total vertical climb of the marathon is 1 580m.
Hillcoat finished the marathon in six hours and 44 minutes and counts it as one of the most memorable runs of her life.
“It was very tough but the scenery was so incredibly beautiful. I enjoyed every single moment,” said Hillcoat.
To prepare, Hillcoat ran up and down as many hills as she could to build up her strength and fitness.
Learning to walk fast up and down hills was vital in being prepared for steep hills, which make this marathon one of the toughest.
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“The first 13km or so is a normal road,” said Hillcoat, “but then it is gravel for the rest of the route, which made it very difficult and dangerous.
“It was also very slippery with all the humidity, so I had to be very careful with my footing.”
In the last 21km, Hillcoat ran alongside Igna Dougal, who provided her with much-needed moral support.
“It was very nice to have her by my side – she is a wonderful person to run with and she made the whole thing bearable,” said Hillcoat.
She thanked her running partners, Carol Wallace, Annie Arbuckle, Anecia Johnson and Liesl Jacobs, for helping her train for the marathon.
Hillcoat recently took part in the Tough One Marathon but plans to rest her feet for the remainder of the year.
In February, she plans to take on the gruelling Kilimanjaro Marathon, which will be one of the biggest of her career.
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