Rhodes Trail Run takes place on Saturday 12 July 2008
From Barkly East Reporter : 4th July 2008 edition
‘No bed at the Inn’ is the sign that is pulled out each July in Rhodes as over a thousand souls migrate to the historic and picturesque remote village for the annual Rhodes Trail Run.
Saturday 12th July will see the 20th staging of the Rhodes Run, a remarkable milestone.
In 1989 there were 71 brave frozen runners who lined up outside the Rhodes Hotel for a run into the unknown. This year will see only 3 of those adventurous 71, Sham Singh (Race Permanent No 13), Danny Holton (No 14 ) and Grobbie Grobler (No 34), returning to complete their 20th consecutive runs in the hills surrounding Rhodes.
The Rhodes Trail Run has built up an enviable reputation over the years since it was started as the brainchild of Reinhold le Roux and Sam Hallet. The present Race Director, Evie Raubenheimer, has been at the helm for 11 years. She is well known nationally as one of the best Race Directors in the country and has been recognized and awarded as such. Her reputation of knowing and caring personally for each of ‘her runners’ is legend. “The Rhodes, as a unique trail run, relies on a strong administration team and that together with the assistance and support of the Rhodes residents and local farmers, for which I am always so grateful, provides the runners with a great event and a memorable weekend”.
Evie, quick to point out that the Rhodes is not a marathon but a classic trail run, said that entries had come from Switzerland, the USA, Swaziland as well as from all corners of South Africa. “Trail runs have a different ethos to road races, and you’ll find our runners are a lot more self sufficient and easily able to cope with the feeding station requirements and rough conditions under foot. They have been logging onto the race website daily to keep abreast of race information and instructions”.
The Farmers Hall will be a buzz on the Friday night at the pre-race registration as runners ‘carbo load’ on pasta meals prepared by Rhodes School parents under the able leadership of Jean-Marie Naude. Saturday will have a fete like atmosphere with cakes, wors rolls, pancakes and the like temptingly on offer.
Four time ladies winner Tammy Kelly of East London will be returning to defend her title. Tammy is recovering from a recent mountain bike accident and is hoping to have recovered sufficiently to give a good account of herself. Her main challenges could come from Miema Murray, currently leading the ladies section of the Ultra Cup and from one time Maclear resident now residing in Sedgefield, Jo Mackenzie, who recently won the Addo 100 Miler. Also challenging for gold medals will be a team of girls from Pietermartizburg who ran powerfully at Comrades.
Defending Champion Trevor Toerien coming from a personally slightly disappointing, but nevertheless outstanding, 71st position at the Comrades Marathon (in a time of 6:41), is determined to keep his crown. He will be hard pressed as the field is wide open and, as is always the case at the Rhodes, there is always an unknown runner who challenges for the title.
This year the Rhodes Trail Run forms part of the Montrail Ultra Cup series, and the top two in the series currently, Bruce Arnett of Pretoria and Capetonian Leo Rust, will be going head to head to collect valuable points.
Other experienced trail runners who could be in contention are Ian Adams, Johnny Young, Charles Naude, Cobus van der Linde and Port Elizabeth artist Andre Dalton. Young Hanson Singaphi, a Rhodes novice, but a very accomplished Ironman competitor could provide an upset.
Local interest will be focused on Thato Kebedi who this year is the local athlete being sponsored by the organizers. Thato has a psychological if not physical advantage through being able to train at altitude at the Tiffindell Resort. Big things are expected from Thato who finished 15th at his previous Rhodes in 2006.
On completing the course every finisher will receive a beautiful anniversary medal, together with a unique embroidered First Ascent Bladerunner adventure racing top as well as the traditional bottle of sherry. Evie told our reporter “At registration, in addition to the limited edition very special 20th Anniversary Buff®, each runner will receive a very special gift from us to celebrate our 20th birthday.”
Well known local farming couple Francois & Hannelie Nel will be looking after a feeding station for the 20th consecutive year. “They are the only people to have manned a feeding station every year. Quite outstanding considering the weather conditions we have experienced over the years” said Evie.
There will be a special group of ladies running this year. For Jacqui Burn, Elaine Cuffe, Belinda Skinner, Samantha Hall and Maureen Mossop the Rhodes Trail Run will be the culmination of six memorable runs they have completed together over the past four months. The girls started with the Paris and London Marathons in April, followed up with the Jackie Mekler 50km and Loskop Marathons and the Comrades Marathon. Jacqui Burn says “Rhodes has been one of those races that you know you must do. We managed to find invitations so it will be five girls running together from Irene. Together forever, including up Mavis Bank. Looking forward to the experience.” Elaine calls them “the awesome fivesome”.
