Article from the 29th June 2007 edition of the Barkly East Reporter
The onset of each and every cold front in May, June & July is greeted with huge anticipation by over 300 extreme athletes preparing to tackle the grueling Rhodes Trail Run to be held on 14 July.
The Rhodes Trail Run has a number of facets which enhance its reputation as being one of the most desirable events in southern Africa for extreme athletes to participate in. The possibility of running in snow, most unusual for most South African athletes, is a major attraction, and is the reason why cold fronts are greeted warmly. The notoriously tough high altitude route, with the inhospitable ‘Mavis Bank’ climb well ensconced in the realms of running folk law & legend, and the thin air interestingly are additional factors making the run such an attraction that there is a waiting list for aspirant participants.
This year, with entries having been received from France and the USA as well as from Swaziland and South Africa, Rhodes will be hosting 325 runners at the 19th Rhodes Trail Run, a large number of whom will be novices.
Tammy Kelly from East London will be defending her ladies title, while with last years winner, Iain Morshead not defending his title, the men’s event will be keenly contested with a number of athletes vying for line honours. Two of this years entrants have previously completed one of the toughest races on the planet, the Marathon Des Sables, the Sahara desert race, with one of them, a visitor from France, Niandi Carmont also having done the Raid de la Réunion.
An indication of the high esteem the race is held is that the race organizers of two major international events will be coming to Rhodes to participate. Paul Wolff, organizer of Ironman South Africa, and himself a very accomplished triathlete and Estienne and Nadia Arndt who organize the seven day Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon will all be participating for the first time.
Once again the race organizers are sponsoring two local runners to take part and we know that Mblelo Speelman (who as a novice came 4th last year) and Douglas de Bruin will do our district proud. Jo MacKenzie, from Maclear, will be making her debut at the Rhodes this year.
Finishers will once again be warmed as they cross the finish line as they will receive the traditional bottle of sherry. A feature of the event. They will also receive a specially made First Ascent Blade Runner adventure racing top and a limited edition 2007 Rhodes Trail Run Buff®, as well as a special dated medal.
When the temperature drops below freezing and snow falls on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the Rhodes Trail Run it will no doubt send thrills through the veins of the over a thousand visitors that the event brings to the Barkly East and Rhodes area annually.
All beds in Rhodes were booked months ago, and some visitors are staying with farmers in the Bokspruit and Wartrail, while others have found accommodation in Barkly East, rather than camp in Rhodes in the sub-zero temperatures.
One of the over-riding factors which gives the Rhodes event it’s charm and hospitable reputation is the almost uncanny way Race Director and Rhodes home owner Evie Raubenheimer seems to know each and every one of the runners by name, often enquiring about their injuries and chatting about their family. Her strong old fashioned personal touch brings a special uniqueness to one of South Africa’s premier sporting events, that takes place in our back yard.
