Having reached the highest point in the race is only a small landmark along the route. There is nothing of significance here, other than a small signboard identifying the point. The sun is low in the sky, and you are running staring straight into it. The idea is to get to the finish before it burns the back of your legs too.
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| Umlaas Road to Inchanga - 20km-40km |
Getting to Cato:
On both the up and down races, this area is the kindest part of the race. This section can easily be used to make up some time without blowing the whole race, as long as you don't over do it too much. Slightly undulating, but predominantly gently downhill.
Camperdown and Cato Ridge both have huge spectator points, and the crowd support is amazing. In between though, the road is a bit boring and uneventful. Access for supporters is impossible, so there are none. Not much of a view to look at, and no distracting hills to take your mind off the long road ahead of you. Now is a good time to find a buddy. Tuck in behind someone or pull up alongside a stranger, chat and pass the time.
Harrison (not so) Flats:
A gentle climb takes you on to Harrison Flats, which is in fact a long, slightly uphill drag. Still pretty boring along this section, so stick with your buddy, or find a new one.
Some encouragement:
After Harrison Flats, a long gentle down takes you to the back of Inchanga. Along the way, you pass the Ethembeni School for handicapped children. The kids line both sides of the street in wheelchairs, on crutches, sitting and standing, and offer encouragement to the runners with drum beat, music, song and cheering. You realise you are a true hero in their eyes, and appreciate your ability to have come this far down the road already. Suddenly the remaining 50km which still lies ahead becomes an honour rather than a challenge.
Meet the mighty Inchanga:
The 50km to go signboard also marks the start of a long climb. Mayat's Store, made famous only by the Comrades route, is at the base of a 2.5km climb which takes you up about 100m. And you thought it was a down run...
This area should be taken cautiously. The climb up the back of Inchanga is the first of many (up) hills to come. You might still be feeling good at this point, but that feeling will soon pass...
Inchanga is often spoken about on the up-run, but can be just as destroying on the down.
You will also, somewhere along this section of road, notice various road signs that allude to "The Valley of 1000 Hills". Fortunately, we don't have to run up each one. But the views and splendour of this area are breathtaking, and worth the effort to get here.
Again, the crowd support over Inchanga is thin and patchy, but the beauty of your surrounds and well stocked water points will carry you through.
40km behind you. 50km before you. And you aren't out of breath or carrying tired legs yet. Well, not after reading this. But on the day, it might be different.
We are around the belly of the elephant now! What you have achieved has seemed easy, but it is always the second half of that steak that beats you...
Next up - a rack of ribs to take us to Botha's Hill and the 56km board (Actually the 34km to go board).
In your mind, believe you are a Kenyan.
Cheers,
Andrew
Part 1
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