2008 Rhodes Trail Run : 12th July
For our 20th party we were hoping for a few special presents, and thankfully the weather played along ~
It started at Registration with the pre registration complimentary sherry going down a treat – I hear some folk were standing in the queue not to register (as they had already done so!) but to get another one, two maybe even three extra glasses of sherry.
Thanks to Liberty Health for the travel mug ‘birthday presents’, to Adventure Inc for the limited edition 2008 Buff®, Rhodes Food Group for the ‘Fruit-to-go’ jelly and Drifters Adventure Centre for the space blankets, whistles and Super C.
Race day -
Cold -15º at the start was good – our timing device was not happy though!!
Snow there was enough to play in on the Border road and on Hooggenoeg Ridge
Flowing water some wanted a quick rinse off and freshen up before the Mavis Bank climb
Wind none to speak of which was really great
No Rain the feeding station helpers were very grateful for this
A great deal of enjoyment was certainly had by most
And you finished off with finishers goody bags as the final “lekker” present of the week end – First Ascent 20th Anniversary specially embroidered Blade Runner shirt, bottle of Old Brown Sherry and beautiful 20th Anniversary medals by Paul and Jenny Selby of 1000km Promotions.
So many wonderful milestones in this our 20th year – Sham, Danny and Grobbie completing their 20th consecutive Rhodes. We are proud of their achievement and thrilled that they have come to run our event every year. The inscription on their presentation special embroidered gold numbers read
In recognition of your outstanding achievement
Congratulations on completing
the first 20 Rhodes Trail Runs
1989 – 2008
Thanks guys also for sharing your thoughts of that inaugural run.
Reinhard le Roux, founder of the Rhodes Run, was unable to be with us on Race day and Andre Jackson accepted a presentation on his behalf. The inscription on Reinhard’s presentation read
In recognition and with huge appreciation
of your contribution, energy and foresight
in creating this superb legacy
The Rhodes Trail Run
1989 – 2008
We also recognized a couple who have been the only folk to man a feeding station for each and every of our 20 years. A special presentation was made to Francois & Hannalie Nel and their tribute read
In recognition of your contribution
as a feeding station team
at the first 20 Rhodes Trail Runs
1989 – 2008
Congratulations Johnny Young on your first win at Rhodes. Johnny has definitely improved over the years, in 2004 he came 12th, 2005 – 8th, 2006 – 3rd, 2007 – 2nd and winning in 2008.
Tammy Kelly is amazing! Winning her 5th consecutive Rhodes and equaling her 12th position overall of 2007.
Personal goals were achieved by all those who finished, others a little disappointed to have missed the cut off. Breathtaking Mavis came in for her fair share of comment as usual.
Thank you to
v First Ascent for the finishers shirts
v Adventure Inc for the blue runners Buff® and the orange support crew Buff®
v Liberty Health for the travel mugs
v WildMedix, Walter & Elmarie Meyer, our specialist medical support crew from Cape Town.
v Ronald Dunn and Cedric Isted, the farmers over whose land we run. We thank you for the privilege.
v All those who assisted at the feeding stations, who not only provided refreshments but also encouragement to the runners.
v Gavin Durell (Permanent Number 627) for his personal donation towards the sherry you received as you crossed the finish line.
v Andre Dalton, for the category winners trophies.
v Ironman South Africa for the use of their timing equipment.
v The ladies and guys who assist at the end point willing to help in any way. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish who has more fun, the helpers or the runners.
v The Rhodes community for feeding the runners and supporters over the weekend.
v The Rhodes SAPS for their assistance and the visible policing over the weekend.
Medical Report : Thankfully, no major injuries reported.
On behalf of Betsie Naude, the Community Healthcare worker, thank you for all the clothing she received – everything will be distributed to those less fortunate in the Rhodes and neighboring communities.
The Rhodes Trail Run continues to support the local community. Earlier this year we donated sports equipment to the Rhodes Public School. On the Monday after the run Darrell and I handed over beautiful educational posters and teaching aides to the Foundation Phase HOD at the Rhodes Public School (Zakhele), donated by Rhodes Run and Paul & Jenny Selby. The joy on those little faces was so heart warming – they were eager to get back into the classroom and start using some of the items. The classroom walls are certainly going to be much brighter with all the new posters.
Photographs were taken by Sumo Productions. All photos can be viewed on their website www.sumoproductions.co.za If you have any queries relating to photographs kindly contact Chad on 074 199 6415 or Cliff on 079 509 3325 or
If you participated as a substitute in 2008, please remember that you were merely a “caretaker” for this year’s event. Please return it to the person who was kind enough to nominate you. Even though the invite next year will bear your name (as you were the participant in 2008), it is not yours to keep.
As is traditional The Rhodes will be held on the last week end of the July coastal school holidays. Invitations for the 2009 run will be mailed (not emailed) during March 2009.
Date for the 2009 Rhodes Trail Run: Saturday 18th July 2009
Thank you for all the emails and telephone calls that have been received. We appreciate all your comments and suggestions. It is also good to hear that you arrived home safely.
Thanks to all the runners, helpers, new and old friends who journeyed to a beautiful part of our country. Thank you for being part of our birthday. The Bokke even came to the party and beat New Zealand!.
Stay fit and hope to see you in July 2009
Evie Raubenheimer
Race Director
