In July there will be a few crusty Polar Bears who will be hauling themselves up Mavis for the plenty-teenth time, while waiting apprehensively for Hooggenoeg Ridge to appear will be our novices who make up 35% of the 2015 field.
Among the crusty types there will be about 40 who, after plummeting back to the village via Carlislehoek, will be claiming their Snowflake number.
A further 28 will be traversing the lower slopes of Ben McDhui for the tenth time or more. Well, traversing Ben McDhui to a degree as, quite correctly, the historians and purists will point out that twice Mavis has not played hostess on race day. Included in the 28 will be our two pioneers, Danny Holton and Sham Singh, who will line up for their 27th Rhodes Run.
Not to shock Danny or Sham, but approximately 6% of the field had not dropped from their stork when Danny & Sham first went into the unknown of a snow-crusted Kloppershoekkloof those 27 years ago.
A warm welcome to novices and repeat runners alike, and it is always special to greet previous winners. This year six will be in the pre-registration Sedgwick's OB queue on Friday evening.
| Jannie le Roux - Took line honours in 1991, 1992 & 1994 | ||
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| Jannie completing his 18th UTi Rhodes Run in 2014 | ||
| Iain Morshead - Took line honours in 2003 and in 2006 | ||
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| Iain takes the win in 2006 (Image Rhodes Trail Run) | ||
| Erina du Toit - Took line honours in 2009 | ||
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| Erina with honours (Image Erina du Toit) | ||
| Iain Don-Wauchope - Took line honours in 2012 & 2013 | ||
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| Iain leading during the blizzard hit & shortened 2012 event | ||
| Karoline Hanks - Defending Champion from 2014 | ||
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| Karoline with trophy | ||
| Johnny Young - Took line honours in 2008 and again in 2014 | ||
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| Johnny on Mavis in 2014, on his way to complete his 9th Rhodes |
Who will bust the tape on the 11th?
All images : Craig Muller - Backyard Adventures (unless otherwise indicated)
