Despite having climbed a whole lot to get over Cowies, Fields and Botha's, you are not at the top yet. The 'top' is at Umlaas road. There is only one way to get there. And it involves you. And Inchanga.
Drummond to Umlaas Road:
Just after passing through the halfway banners and crowds at Drummond, the toughest hill of the day lies in wait to greet you. And as they say, if it has a name, then it is probably quite big. This one is called 'Inchanga'.
On a positive note, it is not that long. But it may take you a while to conquer the 2.5km rising 150m. At this stage of the day, it will feel far more difficult than any of the preceding hills. So take it easy - there is still a long way to go. If it takes you 20 minutes to crest this one, so be it. Your clue to being as good as at the top is the Indian head painted on the rock face. This will appear on your right hand side, unless you find yourself walking up this beast backwards. Even if you don't see this, you will know when you've made it to the top. Because it stops going up!
From the top of Inchanga, there is only a marathon left to get to Pmb. Not far now...
Relax and enjoy the 2km downhill on the other side of Inchanga, down to Mayat's Store, and then past the Ethembeni School. The kids line the road here, cheering on every runner, and if this does not encourage you then nothing will.
Harrison Flats (which, incidentally, is not that flat) is a rather uninspiring 2.5km section before Cato Ridge. Most of the crowds and supporters have found their way to Cato and Camperdown, so this stretch of road can be lonely. Find yourself a running buddy to help pass the time.
There are no significant hills between Cato and Camperdown - just lots of little ones with no names that collectively drain your weary legs. Large crowd support will greet you at Camperdown, and you will recharged again for the final haul.
The climb from Camperdown to the top of Umlaas Road, which marks the highest point on the route, is so gentle and trivial you might not even notice it. But some fool will point it out when you are there with a comment of "its all downhill from here". Try not to slap them.
Except for the spectator spots at Cato and Camperdown, there is little crowd support along this section of road, but it is a leisurely section of the race to enjoy. So make friends with some runners that you will possibly never see again. And if you find the sun a bit scorching and you have chapped lips, DO NOT take vaseline from ANY supporters or medical staff on the side of the road - it is too late in the race and far too many people have gone before you. ;-) Bring your own, or use a trusted source.
Besides the 19km to the finish, there is just one more obstacle standing between you and a Comrades medal. But we will get to that next time.
Till then,
Cheers!
Andrew
Part 1
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