I am off to the mountains on Friday to run the Sani Stagger Marathon on Saturday. This is an off-road marathon and said to be one of the toughest standard marathons in South Africa. The route is an out-and-back and is run on the famous Sani Pass between South Africa and The Kingdom of Lesotho.
We will literally run 21.1km from the bottom of the pass to the summit, turn around and run 21.1km back down. The Start/Finish is at 1566m (5137ft) with the summit at 2873m (9425ft). That is quite a climb!
Profile of the Sani Pass Marathon - Start/Finish at Sani Pass Hotel.
Everyone I’ve spoken to has warned me about the last 2km of the climb and I finally got this photo that shows it.
The final part of the pass to the summit.
That might well be a challenge, but I’m more worried about making a u-turn at the top and running down that again…ouch!
So I’ll be MIA for a few days to go visit and run in this beautiful place. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
wow johann what a novel race..13 up then 13 down..even splits? think not..look forward to your account..whats your strength..upping or downing?
ReplyDeletegood luck!
Anything that has 'Stagger' as part of its name has to be a tough race. Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteyou are amazing!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck!
Fantastic looking course Johann, enjoy the weekend!
ReplyDeleteThat course looks awesome, and scary! You are bold and daring to even attempt it!! Good luck. Hope you enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteAmazing!! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHave a great time out on that wonderful course!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteStunning country Johann, you are a lucky man! have a good race and take care.
ReplyDeletePaul
Oh WOW, that looks absolutely grueling. Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteThat looks incredible Johann - have a fantastic time and enjoy the tremendous challenge ahead! Really looking forward to the report on this one.
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! Those pictures are STUNNING!! You'll have to come to Colorado sometime and run the Pikes Peak Marathon with me (google it), would be a piece of cake for you - and what a blast we'd have!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck!!!
Wow! Will there be room for people coming down to pass those still going up? I can not wait to see the pictures. Have a great time as I know you will.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place to run!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice running weekend Johann!
Wow! that sounds incredible! I can't wait to hear all about how it goes - have a great time...and don't stagger too much or you might fall off a cliff!
ReplyDeleteWill be thinking of you - and looking forward to seeing your great photos on your return. Enjoy the experience and have fun.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of the other "Wows" posted here. That looks nuts. BTW, I was kinda teasing you about Western States and Badwater :-)
ReplyDeleteNew follower of your....TY for following me.
ReplyDeleteThat looks very daunting and FUN all at the same time.
I will agree with you on the turning around and going back down....quads will be screaming.
Good luck and have fun!
ReplyDeleteThat looks crazy! Good luck.
ReplyDeleteNow this looks really serious! Good luck, run strong and watch out for the boom slange.......sounds like this is going to be a terrific race. Enjoy and take some pics if you can! Mooi loop!
ReplyDeleteI think I just fainted
ReplyDeleteThats alot of climbing on a bike, let alone on foot, WOW is all I can say
Good luck!!
Only you Johann!! You are going to love doing this race as much as I am going to enjoy reading the race recap and looking at your pictures:)
ReplyDeleteSounds like an awesome race! Good luck. I like the fact that I have to look at a world map when I read your blog.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear about this race! Good luck!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
A
woo hoo! You start in 15 min. That is quite a hill.
ReplyDeleteActually the clock must change based on the readers time zone. There is no way you're starting in 15 min. Hope you had/have a great run.
ReplyDeletecan't wait for the race report!!! : )
ReplyDeleteEngland - South Africa 11 -21. Man of the match: Du Plessis (???).....
ReplyDeleteI hope you ran a great race and you had fun.
Can't wait for the race report.
Wow that picture of the final pitch gave me vertigo. Looking forward to the details.
ReplyDeleteWow, that course looks amazing, beautiful and hard - I can't wait to hear all about it.
ReplyDelete