The heavy snowfalls in the weeks leading up to race date forced a few changes, but gave you what you came to Rhodes for, lots of snow. Fortunately the weather was mild on race day which made for a very pleasant day under Ben MacDhui for both runners and the support crew.
Photographs tell stories best and from splashing through the Kloppershoekspruit, to snow on the Lesotho border road, to the plunge down Carlislehoek having by-passed Hooggenoeg Ridge there are lots of photographs to keep memories of the 2009 Liberty Health Rhodes Trail Run alive.
The change to the mid-race cut-off did mean that we had fewer runners missing the cut than in previous years, but the heavy leg work through the snow meant that quite a number who made the cut then took a lift down from the Carlislehoek/Lesotho border road T-junction.
Liberty Health joined us this year as our title sponsor and we appreciate their support. I'm enclosing the message from Peter Botha, Liberty Health's CEO, which was read at the awards ceremony.
Thank you also to First Ascent, Montrail, Buff®, UTi Sun Couriers and all our other event partners.
Special thanks to:
-
Ronald Dunn for letting us get close to Mavis. Cedric Isted for granting permission to run over Hogggenoeg Ridge, unfortunately that was not an option this year.
- All those who assisted at the feeding stations, who not only provided various refreshments but also encouragement to the runners.
- Gavin Durell (Permanent number 627) for the Sherry.
- Andre Dalton for the category winners trophies.
- IronMan South Africa for the use of their timing equipment.
- Drifters Adventure Centre in Johannesburg for the space blankets, whistles and Super C.
- The ladies and guys who assist at the end point in so many ways.
- The Rhodes SAPS for their assistance and the visible policing over the weekend.
Congratulations to Trevor Toerien - he is such a consistent runner - he came 5th in 2006; 1st in 2007; 2nd in 2008 and 1st again this year. Erina du Toit has matured beautifully at Rhodes. In 2006 - 38th ; 2007 - 33rd; 2008 - 30th and 1st this year - that is superb progress. Well done Erina.
Personal goals were achieved by all those who finished, others a little disappointed to have missed the extended cut off. Mavis ........ well she was not the talk of the route, something much more challenging was discussed ........ snow!!
As announced at Prize Giving and on the website, the 22nd Liberty Health Rhodes Trail Run will be held on 3 July 2010. This is earlier than usual, but the mid year holidays next year have changed considerably, and we therefore have had to change our date as well. Hope to see you back in our hamlet then. Invitations for the 2010 run will be mailed (not emailed) during March 2010.
Thank you for the many emails and telephone calls that have been received. We appreciate all your comments and it is always 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. We had an awesome 21st birthday, (ate far too many special cup cakes!!) hope you enjoyed our party as much as we did.
Stay fit, keep your trail shoes muddy and see you in July 2010.
EVIE RAUBENHEIMER
RACE DIRECTOR
RHODES TRAIL RUN
Liberty Health is immensely proud to be associated with the 2009 Rhodes Trail Run.
As you already know by now, this is one of the most challenging endurance races currently held in South Africa. Only athletes with remarkable talent and sheer dedication are able to complete this event. Therefore, a special word of congratulations to every sportsman and -woman who tackled this challenge today.
The fact that you are each a serious athlete is the very reason why you are partaking in this event. That is what makes the Rhodes Trail Run such a perfect fit with Liberty Health's focus: we are equally serious about both healthcare and the environment.
At Liberty Health, the focus is on a holistic approach to healthcare. Liberty Health encourages everyone to own your health on a number of levels, including emotional, physical and practical. On a practical level, Liberty offers a complete wealth management package: medical cover, life and risk insurance and more.
I have personally run this race in the past. Although I cannot be here today, I know from personal experience that the sense of self accomplishment once you cross the finish line is overwhelming.
As the main sponsor, this year two entry tickets were made available to award to deserving athletes. A particular word of congratulations to Fenella and Angus; Your willingness and determination has made Liberty proud.
Despite the physical challenges, the race, which is only open to 300 people and is 52km in distance, negotiates one of the country's most breathtaking trails. It is set in the tranquil beauty of the southern Drakensberg Mountains surrounding the hamlet of Rhodes. I hope that you have taken a moment to appreciate the natural surroundings as well.
Peter Botha
CEO of Liberty Health
