Since the Krugersdorp Road Runners Club relocated their race from Central Krugersdorp to the Kromdraai / Sterkfontein Caves area over a decade ago, this race has definitely been one my favourite races. It is a genuine country run without the traffic flashing past at great speed. The undulating hills interspersed with game farms including a well-known lion farm provide an additional incentive to participate in this race. Again we were not disappointed as a liger was visible.
Main picture: Prior to the start, a hot air balloon silently floated over. All pictures by Margie Asprey
Instead of just the usual 10 & 21.1km offerings, this year included a 32km race which was a welcome addition for those wanting some additional kilometres before the Big C at the end of May.
At the start at Makiti Wedding Venue
The venue within the Kromdraai / Sterkfontein Caves area has been relocated to a new venue every few years. From 2015, it has been held at the Makiti Wedding Venue. This venue is able to cater for large fields and this year’s edition of the race was the largest that I can recall over 25 years.
Just before the gun went off, the final vestiges of gloom disppeared as did the balloon
| Requirement | Fulfilment |
| Parking | Ample |
| Venue | Ticks all the boxes |
| Start | Congested as it is on a narrow internal road. More concerning was the late start of 10 minutes |
| Marker boards | 100% |
| Course | Plenty of fresh air, great vistas & lack of traffic |
| Refreshments | I have two gripes. Nothing was cold as the Coke bottles stood in the sun. More importantly there was no water at the last two tables or at the end |
| Give-aways | Insufficient medals were available |
The refreshments tables at the finish
It was an enjoyable experience. As such it deserves to be well attended in future.
Overall this was a well organised race but the refreshment situation did detract from the overall experience. Hopefully this glitch will be resolved by April 2017. In the organisers defence, they were possibly overwhelmed by the unexpectedly high attendance.
The walkers at the 7km mark of the 21km race
Note: All photographs were taken by Margie Asprey at magrat54@gmail.com
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