Rietvlei Farm 15km Trail Race Report

Yesterday I ran the Alberton Rietvlei Farm 15km Trail Race. I ran the race last year and enjoyed it a lot so I was keen to do it again this year even though I ran a hard 28.5km trail the day before. I wanted to get some tired legs training in so this was a great opportunity to do so.


The morning was cold with some clouds and wind. This race is close to home so my club had quite a few runners that braved the cold.

Despite the cold weather there were a good number of runners for the 15km run. There was also a 4km run for those who didn’t feel like a longer run.

Waiting at the start.

I was happy when we started as I knew I would warm up quickly. This was indeed the case and by the time we reached the first climb I was sweating already.


The first 2km or so is run through grass fields and then the route goes into the hills with more technical trail to negotiate.

Through the grasslands.

Not long before the trail becomes more technical.

A few traffic jams early on.

I was feeling good but kept things easy as I knew my legs would feel the previous day’s long run later on. The route is not difficult but there are a few testing little climbs along the way. By the time I reached the more difficult part of the course, the sun was out and it was becoming a beautiful morning.

Not many clouds left.

One of the steeper climbs.

Once over this steep climb there is a steep descent as well and I tested my legs while going up and then down here. I could feel the week’s training but also that I’m getting stronger. At the bottom there is a lovely run through a small forest with lots of twists and turns. I was feeling really happy while I ran through the trees.


Into the trees…

At the 9km mark we headed out of the trees for a loop of about 2km before we headed back towards the trees.

Leon, one of my club mates, at 9km.

Nice loop.

Back into the trees.

Stream crossing on a mountain bike bridge.

Nearly 12km done.

At 12km we ran onto a dirt road and started the 3km run back to the finish. I was a bit tired but knew the rest of the run was nice and easy. The road took us back to the grasslands and the trail winds its way through here down to the finish.

Onto the dirt road.

Last little uphill.

Lovely trail through the grass.

We crossed one more mountain bike “bridge” and then it was a short run to the finish.

Mountain bike “bridge”.

Finish!

I finished in 01:49:45 and was happy about how I felt.. This was the end of a 95km (59mile) week and I was tired but good.


We received a medal and a hand towel with some other goodies that my son claimed. A great, well organized race that I enjoyed very much indeed!

Medal and hand towel.

My trail training for the mountain challenges ahead is 100% on track and I’m really looking forward to the rest of this year for some awesome trail fun!


Thanks for reading and happy running!