Well, that is it.

Tranche 2 invitations closed.

Tranche 3 from our Waiting List now activated.

This year we will not have the distinct pleasure of presenting a Mauve Permanent Number.

Our Mauve Number is awarded on completion of twenty Rhodes Runs, and is presented suitably framed.

To date seven Mauve Numbers have been awarded and two Gold Numbers, for completing thirty Rhodes Runs.

Our Mauve and Gold Number 'Hall of Fame'

Jannie le Roux, Pam Holton, Kobus Brand, Shane Hinchliffe, Sakkie Vlok, Dave Moody, Guillaume Nel

Danny Holton, Sham Singh

Our Mauve and Gold presentations are beautifully framed by South Africa's oldest framing house, Heritage Picture Framers where Mandy does outstanding work.

Images: Craig Muller | Backyard Adventures

When printed our 'Red' numbers are imprinted with a special patented ® micro process which embeds invisible threads of anxiety, stress, pressure, self-doubt, nervous tension, concern, apprehension, anticipation, trepidation.

Probably the reason why we have been told that a Rhodes Run 'Red' number carries far more weight than one of our other numbers, especially on the slopes of Mavis, into the headwind on the ‘border road’ under snow-capped Ben MacDhui and along the 'Tufts of Terror'.

By contrast, our Snowflake numbers are printed using a unique micro-stripping technology which not only removes all that extra weight from our ‘Red’ numbers, but reduces the carry-weight to a negative, technically assisting a Snowflake number owner not only on Mavis and the ‘Tufts of Terror’ but over the entire route.

This unique micro-stripping technology is casually and incorrectly referred to by many as ‘muscle memory’.

Our Mauve and Gold Snowflake numbers have a boosted form of this micro-technology, creating an almost hovercraft effect and their owners are easily spotted as they glide along the route.

Some of those who will be taking their 'Red' for a spin up Mavis and down Carlislehoek on 3 July:

Don Carlos, George, Robert, Alessandro, Cor, John, Marinus, Walter, Estelle, Nerine, Eric, Jenni, Marco, Emile, Bianca, Eric, Sue, Graeme, Pierre, Sarah, Delwyn, Guido, Arno, Richard, Thea, Sarel, Jennifer, Neville, Charl and Nico.

A 'Red' number identifies those who will be running their third Rhodes and will, D.V., receive their 'Snowflake' permanent number that evening.

Memories in progress ... savour your special run!