"I'd rather be seen on my bicycle than on a park run" - Quote from the dark side

Friday 12 August 2011

Magaliesberg Challenge Race Details

Next Saturday, 20 August, I'll be running the Crazy Store Magaliesberg 35km Mountain Challenge. I'm using this as my final long training run before the Mont-Aux-Sources 50km Challenge on 10 Sept. This is the first year they have the 35km race and I have an idea I am in for some "hard fun" if I can put it that way.

Here is the latest race information that was mailed to runners:


Dear Crazy Runner
 
The inaugural Crazy Store Magaliesberg Challenge is just around the corner.
 
In order to make it a day on the trails to remember, here are a few handy pointers and general information to help you on your way.
 
The date of the race is Saturday 20th August, just in case you have forgotten to train and need to spend the next weekend cramming.
 
Race registration starts at 7am. This is where you collect your race numbers and First Ascent racing Tee and Cap. 
If you are doing the 35km, please be there early as you will be teleported to your race starting point.

8am
, 35km runners climb onto busses, horse carts and tractors to transfer to their start.
9am, 35km Start in the Bush (warms up for a few k's, then a torturous mountain climb, then cruise across the Magaliesberg)
9am, 20km Start at the Base camp venue of Van Gaalens (a large circular route).
9.30am, 10km Start, also from base.
 
12 -1pm,  estimate prize giving starts. Lots of lucky draws from First Ascent, Salomon and more ......

Race Day Info:
  • You are encouraged to carry all your own nutrition and hydration for the entirety of the run. This means that the 35km runners must carry minimum 1 litre with them, (20km runners advised to carry 1 litre), and a few bars, biltong, dried fruit, gummy chews etc - whichever gets those rockets firing.
  • 10km will have 1 water table, 20km 2 water tables, 35km zero water tables.
  • As the 35km route goes into remote areas, you must carry a wind breaker and charged cell phone. Add the emergency number at reg. 
  • Race numbers to be worn on the front of your running shirt, club numbers are not required.
  • There is a kiddies jungle gym and big grassy area in front of the restaurant at Van Gaalens race venue. Bring the family along and enjoy a relaxed morning out whilst waiting for sweaty mom or dad's arrival. Restaurant on site. (Free Kiddies run at 10am).
  • The Crazy Store is the title sponsor. Do not take this lightly! The best and  ZANIESToutfits will  be rewarded at prize giving. Think out of the box!
Good luck with your final preparations.
Eat some pasta,

I am just wondering why the 10km gets a water point, the 20km two but the 35km zero! What's wrong with this picture? Ha, the remote areas I suppose. That brings me to my second question. 35km runners are required to carry a cell phone. Will there be cell phone reception in these remote areas?

Only the day will tell, but I'm sure it will be some awesome fun. I can't wait for this one!

Have a super weekend everyone! I'm running 9km on the road tomorrow and a 33km trail LSD on Sunday. Happy running!

27 comments:

ajh said...

Sounds interesting. I'll be curious to see if you do have cell phone reception but let's hope you don't need it.

Ewa said...

Johann, what are you getting yourself into? Remote areas, torturous mountain climb, no water... sounds like fun, I think.
Are you going to wear an outfit? :)

Ewa said...

One more comment: you would LOVE running JMT. I was thinking about your trail running while I was hiking. This is an amazing trail to run.
Do you by any chance follow Catra's blog (Dirt Diva)? She is the current record holder for yo-yo JMT and is thinking of doing a tripple next year.

A Prelude To... said...

Good question on the cell phone...hmm.

"East Pasta". A statement I can get behind! :D

Dawn said...

HAHAHAHA!! "Dear Crazy Runner"....I love it!
(And a few of it may have to agree;)
I can't believe you have to carry that all up with you! I am looking forward to see how this one is:)
Good luck!!

Raina said...

Ha! This sounds kind of dangerous. Cell phones are not always dependable here either. You ask some good questions!

Marlene said...

Sounds like quite the adventure! No water?? How will you carry enough?

Good luck and have a great run!

Patrick Mahoney said...

The mood of the race info is awesome - light and casual. Makes me really want to do the race, and bring a sat phone just in case there is no cell signal.

Thomas Bussiere said...

Have fun out there - Sounds like my kind of race. Getting updated on your site and you have been busy. Love the pics of the climbs. Wished I had some around here.

A-Pi (Peter) said...

Perhaps carry a flare gun just in case cell phone reception is bad? My wife tends to fall asleep waiting for me, so I carry my phone to wake her up when I'm 2k from the finish line.

Unknown said...

I LOL'ed when I read this: "The date of the race is Saturday 20th August, just in case you have forgotten to train and need to spend the next weekend cramming." Hilarious!

Can't wait to read the race recap!

Char said...

They use the term crazy almost like a term of endearment. It should be an interesting run and I'm glad they didn't include rifles or machetes as necessary equipment cause that would take it into a different realm of crazy.

Amy said...

OMG - sounds like it is right up your alley! Enjoy your runs this weekend!

Staci said...

Sounds like just your kinda race. It's a great venue and I'm sure you're going to have amazing views.
Take lots of photos - looking forward to your race report.

Aimee said...

That sounds like a crazy race!!! But, it also sounds like tons of fun! Good luck next weekend!

Unknown said...

Hmmmmmm........ running further + no aid stations+ needing charged cell with emergency number = YIKES!!!!!


Can't wait to hear about this.

Safe journey.

Jennifer said...

I would do that run! Sounds fantastic and really good fun!

wendy said...

This sounds like so much fun, Johann!!!! Can't wait to hear about! Happy very belated birthday, btw. Hope you had a great one!

Teamarcia said...

Sounds like quite the adventure. Maybe you should just drag a cart of all your supplies.
Hope this weekends LSD went well!

Natalia said...

I don't know about reception, but take a cell phone anyway....a satellite phone if you have one. Cape Union Mart have a good selection, also First Ascent. I was looking at them in June!
Sounds like you will have a great time (as usual), so be safe en lekker loop!

HappyTrails said...

Sounds like great fun - piece of cake for a runner of your stature Johann!! Have a great week!

Laura said...

SOunds awesome but...I would need a sherpa to help me carry all the stuff I 'might' need.

Big Daddy Diesel said...

"Dear Crazy Runner" BAHAHAHA thats awesome!!!

MCM Mama said...

Whoa! That's some kind of crazy! Have a great time (and hope you don't need to find out if your cell works...)

Jill said...

I love a race where you must carry the race's emergency number with you and the zaniest outfits win prizes....does that scream fun or what??? Definitely my kind of race! :) Have a blast, and don't hurt any body parts, gotta stay in one piece for the big race on the 10th!!

Raina said...

Hope you are ready for race day! Almost here!!

Kate Geisen said...

I love the letter. Hilarious! Yeah, the water table/cell phone reception thing could get interesting.

That multi day camp/run thing sounds really cool. Like my week-long ride...only harder. :)

Happy running this week, my friend! I've been doing a lousy job keeping up with everyone since school started back up.