No, not that one you ran all those years ago. The first one that you will run on 2nd June!
Yes, in case you've forgotten, you will be running 2 marathons plus a little bit on that day. Or, if you prefer, the greatest ultra marathon.
In my last post, we got through the first few climbs, up Fields Hill, and to the shady streets of Kloof. Now, we head towards the marathon mark, and just beyond that, the halfway point at Drummond.
Kloof to Drummond:
The shady lane does not last long. And soon the relatively flat and shadowy road is left behind as you run through Gillitts. The bridge crossing over to the north of the M13 highway is worth taking note of. This marks the same altitude as the finish at The Oval in Pietermaritzburg. Once here, you have climbed 650m in altitude since the gun fired at 05h30 earlier in the morning. And you are not even 30km into the race yet.
There is a long but gentle climb from here to Hillcrest, and you will find this section of the road full of spectators and supporters, mostly families drinking coffee and frying up some breakfast on the pavement. They will generally be willing to share their bacon and eggs, if you ask politely. But you have another task to focus on, so move along!
Hillcrest is often also well attended by supporters and Comrades fans, and you will find the crowd support along this section quite lifting. Plenty cheers, but not too many beers, so enjoy the support and soak up the atmosphere. When the spectators shout "You're looking good", you probably still are. Though it is still quite early in the day.
A short downhill section after Hillcrest to the foot of Botha's Hill gives some breathing room. But as the road bends to the left, and you pass the railway on your right, the hard work once again begins.
The climb up Botha's is neither too steep nor long. Again, there is much crowd support here and the gentlemanly lads of Kearsney will, as always, be out in force to cheer you over the top.
The small drop into the village of Botha's Hill brings you to the quaint Botha's Hill railway station. The railway tracks now follow the route all the way to Drummond, and you may even get to catch a glimpse of the old steam locos that still run on this section for the benefit of tourists. You, however, are not a tourist. You are a runner.
The next 4km are slightly undulating. To be expected when the signs says "Valley of 1000 Hills". Of course, the views are spectacular. The crowds are thin along this section of the route, and the best thing to do is to 'get into the zone', find a buddy, and enjoy the road.
The first marathon of the day is completed around this point. Halfway is still a bit further on.
You know you're getting close to Drummond as the road takes a right hand bend and you begin a sharp decent. Unlike the down run, you can not see or hear the raucous of the halfway point until you are pretty much there. But be sure to drop a flower and doff your hat as you pass Arthur's Seat along the way, and pause a moment as you pass the Comrades Wall of Honour.
Just a few hundred metres past the wall is Drummond. Hopefully you haven't hit the wall yet. Passing this point is halfway in distance, but not yet in effort. The biggest challenge of the day still lies ahead.
A little more than a marathon behind you, and a little more than a marathon ahead. Time for a breather before hitting Inchanga.
Till next time...
Regards,
Andrew.
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Part 2
Many thanks for another great post Andrew! Regards, Justyna
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