The Houtkapper trail delivered on their promise of unforgettable scenery, pristine forests and clean mountain air. There are 3 races, a 9km a 15km and for the brave ones a 27km.
The spirit among trail runners are so much different to road runners. The same will to succeed but a more relaxed atmosphere, I put it down to the clean, fresh air and the beautiful views.
We had some brave runners in the form of Eugene Marais and Andrew Thorpe. Both participated the previous day in the Knysna Forest Half and full Marathon. Eugene ran a blistering half the previous day and proceed to do it again on Sunday morning when he clocked 1:30:06 for the 15km trial, placed seventh overall.
Andrew ran the full marathon on Saturday and on Sunday did the 9km in what he calls “a recovery run” Those hills are a bit steep for a recovery!
Debbie Campbell ran with Andrew and finished well under the 2 ½ cut off time with a time of 1:36:03
Henriette van Niekerk finished the 15 km in a good time of 2:18:13 and Lutherus van Niekerk finished the 15 km in a time of 2:25:10
Stefan and Gayle Swanepoel came in together on the 15 km with a time of 2:25:09. Enjoying a cold one after the run.
Well done to all!
Stopping to smell the flowers and have a chat with fellow runners. This is the spirit of trail running, to take the time to take in the environment! Well done Henriette!
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