Winter Trail Series - Race 4 Report

Yesterday I ran the 4th and final run of the Gauteng Winter Trail Series. This brings to an end a very well organized and enjoyable series. I received this medal for completing the series.

The run was great and even felt easy compared to the monster climbs and steep descents we had to contend with last week. I had a good run and would say this was my best run of the four in the series. My legs did feel some of the climbs, but I felt great the whole way.

The race was run at Pelindaba next to the South African Nuclear Energy Research Centre…luckily no melt downs! We ran parts along the Crocodile River and there were some beautiful views again. The first few kilometers were run on jeep track which was good to spread out the field before we got to the single track.

Jeep track first few kilometers.

Start of the single track.

Shortly after the single track started we got our first glimpse of the river. It was a beautiful view and I felt excited and privileged to be running outdoors again, enjoying the beauty of nature. We started going down towards the river and the trail became a bit more technical.

1st view of the Crocodile River

I kept it fairly slow as my legs could still feel last week’s monster descents and climbs a little. I also knew we would have to go back up again at some stage. When we got to the bottom there were some tall reeds along the river bank. I was disappointed to see a lot of plastic bags and other items stuck to the reeds in some places. We people sure know how to mess up something beautiful…

A friendly runner took some pics of me along the river and between the reeds.

Not long after this we started the first of a few climbs away from the river. I was enjoying myself and was happy that I was completing the four run series. We ran above, but along the river for some time. It was really beautiful in some places.

Climbing from the river.

Running above the river.

There are a lot of rocks and stones in the area and at some stage the stones formed a sort of natural paving along the trail. There are thousands of very flat stones in this area.

Lots of flat stones...natural paving.

We went down to the river again and ran through some beautiful bush on a very nice trail for some time.

Lovely trail.

Then we started climbing again and once again had some fantastic views from above the river.

Following the trail above the river again.

Stunning views from here.

All too soon we turned away from the river and headed back towards the finish. Here I could see the nuclear research centre and I knew the run was almost over.

Nuclear Energy Research Centre.

There was some downhill to the finish and then the run and the series were done. I was happy and felt great. I’m really glad I did this very pleasant trail series.

The finish of a lovely trail series.

I posted these and a few more photos here.

Have a great running week everyone!