I have taken various route descriptions, most notably that of Barry Holland, and broken the route up into 'bite sized chunks' that will be a bit easier to digest.
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| Start to Umlaas Road - 20km |
The start
Get there early. Make sure you have arrangements to be dropped off at least an hour before the gun. This gives you enough time to find a toilet, make your way to your starting pen, and settle into the mood and vibe that only this race has to offer. Make sure you are dressed warm. Pmb can be quite cold in the mornings. An old long sleeve T-shirt, gloves, and maybe a beanie if it is really cold.
Enjoy the half hour before the start. The music, nerves, vibe, chatter and cool conditions. Shosholoza and Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika will certainly get you going. When the famous piece by Vangelis starts, the crowd grows fairly quiet. Tears are shed. Nerves mount. The time is near... except that piece of music is about three and a half minutes long. A good time to reflect on where you are, where you've come from and where you going.
Then the cock crows, followed within seconds by a large cannon. (No, the mayor doesn't just fire a starters pistol). You know the race is on, not by the enormous 'bang' from the cannon, but rather by the millions of pigeons that get the fright of their lives and flutter from trees and buildings around the start line.
Crossing under the start banner can take a few minutes. And as you leave the brightly lit start area, the streets are extremely dark. Watch your footing and look carefully where you are going.
Then the cock crows, followed within seconds by a large cannon. (No, the mayor doesn't just fire a starters pistol). You know the race is on, not by the enormous 'bang' from the cannon, but rather by the millions of pigeons that get the fright of their lives and flutter from trees and buildings around the start line.
Crossing under the start banner can take a few minutes. And as you leave the brightly lit start area, the streets are extremely dark. Watch your footing and look carefully where you are going. The first 2 kilometres of the race are by far the most dangerous. Plastic bags, water bottles and bits of clothing that all appear to be remnants of the destruction of the cannon shot litter the streets. Add to this a centre island in the middle of the road, and a few traffic lights and sign posts that attract runners toward them. All are obstacles that can quickly draw you to the ground. The best place to focus is on the legs of the runner in front of you. Don't worry about trying to see family, friends or club mates along this stretch of road - if you do notice them, you will probably go down to the tar with a charming wave as you trip over a discarded water bottle or plastic bag.
Barely 2km down the road, the route takes a right turn. It's always difficult to decide which is the best racing line at this point, as staying on the outside of the bend is less congested, but puts you in the thick of congestion for the left turn that is only another 800m up the road. These streets of Pmb are quite narrow, and don't be surprised if the mass of runners suddenly comes to a stop. Thousands of people need to fit into these narrowing streets. And all of them are battling to keep themselves rubber side down.
Making it all worse, these narrow streets are really dark. As you head towards the industrial area on the outskirts of Pmb, the road climbs gradually. Near the top of one of the climbs you will be greeted by bright light. This is not an apparition - it is just a TV camera point. Ignore it, and stay focused on the tar in front of you. You don't want your family and friends to spot you as being the one falling in front of the cameras!
Pmb to Polly's
The gradual climb out of the bowl of Pmb is hardly noticeable on fresh legs and pumped adrenaline, but your body will remember. Take it easy!
The road is dark at least until you reach the top of Polly Shortts. Just over 8km into the race. You may be feeling warm at this point as you start settling into your stride and rhythm that you hope to maintain for the rest of the day. But now is not the time to discard the long sleeve T or gloves. You will get a lot colder over the next 4 km.
The descent down Polly's is steep. Take it easy and pace yourself slowly. You will still be feeling good, and keen to get some miles behind you. But don't smash the legs this early into the race! There is still a long way to go. Beware of the cat's eyes in the middle of the road. They have brought down many a runner, and are on the prowl for another victim.
A jovial water point greets you at the bottom of Polly's, with warming fires, and idiotic comments along the lines of "Polly's wasn't so bad". Come back next year and run it when it is light, and you can be your own judge...
Getting out of the dip:
The climb up and over Little Polly's is long, but not too steep. You will be glad you still have your gloves with you, as it can still be pretty cold.
After about 14km, the road seemingly opens up in front of you. You can see far ahead as the stream of runners winding along the R103 shows you the way. Now is probably a safe time to dispose of the additional items of clothing, finding a grateful person on the side of the road who would gladly accept your sweaty T and snot soaked gloves.
Keep going up:
As you cross the highway to the northern side of the N3, the real freshness and goodness of the earth greats your heaving lungs. You shall enjoy this aroma for another 3km until you are past all the lush green lawns of the chicken farms. Crossing under the highway again, and a few hundred metres on, you will make it to the highest point on the route. Some idiot will certainly comment that 'it is downhill from here'. He is either a novice, or a sarcastic regular. Ignore.
The climb from the bottom of Little Polly's up to Umlaas Road is gentle, but long and can be grinding. Don't be shy to have a walk along the way - it is always good to walk early in the race. A planned walk is more beneficial than a forced walk.
20km in, 70 odd to go, and you are looking good. We'll tackle the next 20km soon! This elephant is looking very appetising!
Cheers,
Andrew
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