In 2012 I did the 15km version of this event. At the time it was one of my longest trail runs and I still remember how tough this trail run was, so when I heard they were offering a 28km run (new in 2014) I thought I had to enter.
At the start of the race my heart rate was elevated in anticipation? of the tough 8km start that lay ahead…. and even though I had run a marathon 2 weeks; before this trail run remains one that had be conquered! I got to the ‘top’ of the mountain in an hour (8km) as per my goal. On top of the mountain you do an anti-clockwise scenic route dropping down into the nature reserve gardens and then an unexpectedly tough climb to the top of Paarl Rock (officially Gordon’s Rock) which meant my 3:30 goal time would not be achieved.
The run is a tough one, the views are awesome and the overall experience is fantastic (the start and end are at 2 awesome wine estates – ‘Fairview’ and ‘The Spice Route’). It is definitely worth hanging around after the race for a quick bite, a glass of wine or even a craft beer and chocolate.
I love this run and will definitely be back….
