On Saturday 28th April, while a number of Rhodes Trail Runners were braving the rain and cold at the Addo Elephant 100 Mile & 50 Mile Trail Runs, the first snow of the year fell in Rhodes.

Let's hope global warming gives Rhodes a miss in July this year.

Yes, it’s now official; we have a new route for 2007. Not an entirely new route, a new section. We are going away from the road between the Tiffindell feeding station and the Hoogenoeg Hikers Hut.

The road was getting sooo good we just had to get off it! Here are a couple of pics taken early April showing why we had to leave the road. Definitely not the 'good old bad old' road it was a few years ago!

It has become the very best road in a radius of 250km….not great for trail running!

The new section is an off-road section from the Tiffindell feeding station to the Hoogenoeg Hikers Hut, via Hoogenoeg point. There are no footpaths on this section and competitors follow the ridge line south to the next Check Point. A suitable route along the ridge and contour will be marked by means of flags. Extreme caution is required as the route covers terrain that is uneven and rough underfoot with hidden rocks and holes. Snow, mud and strong wind may be encountered. The road between these two Check Points is out of bounds and runners using the road along this section will be disqualified.

While distance wise the new section is pretty much the same as along the road it will be challenging, fun and will certainly test fitness levels. The new section is run along at about 2600m above sea level.

We are really extremely grateful that the farmer over whose land the new section goes has granted us his permission to run over his land.

Remember, you’ll need to carry water – there will be sections along the route where feeding stations could be 10km apart.

First entry received this year was from John Brand who is taking his assault on the Rhodes pretty darn seriously. Currently he is 'altitude training' in Nepal at about 5500m - somewhat higher than the Rhodes route. But then again John will be pushing his altitude training even higher and all being well hopes to peak at 8848m towards the middle of May.

Why so specific? Well, he can't possibly go higher!!

John, our very best wishes to you and your team members - wishing all four of you a succesful summit of Mt Everest.

Congratulations to all of you who completed the Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa 2007.

We counted over 20 Rhodes runners competing on Sunday and there were quite a few more of the Rhodes 'family' helping out in the transition area and on the route.

Rather pleasing to see a number of Rhodes Trail Run First Ascent Bladerunner shirts in transition before the start. Also saw a number of folk in transition wearing a Rhodes & other designs Buff®.

Congratulations also to the Race Director & organisers of Ironman South Africa for a splendid event.

Invitations for the 2007 Rhodes Trail Run have been posted.

Don't delay with your entry - Remember, NO late entries will be considered. Period.

Waiting List invitations will be sent out towards the end of May.

Good luck to all the Rhodes runners & friends who will be competing in the Ironman South Africa event in Port Elizabeth on Sunday 18th March. I know there are a couple of you who use the 3.8km ocean swim, 180km cycle and 42.2m run as part of your Rhodes training!!

Go safely, enjoy the day and best wishes for your personal goals at what is without a doubt South Africa's Premier endurance event.

We are extremely saddened to hear that ANDREW ROACH (Rhodes Permanent Number 424) of Gonubie, East London died while running on Saturday 24th February. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lynette, his wife, his sons Bradley & Michael, his family and friends.

Andrew had run 7 Rhodes Runs and will be missed by the Rhodes Run family.

May his soul rest in peace.

We have launched our new-look website. We hope you enjoy it.

** The date for the 2007 event is Saturday 14th July 2007 **

••• IMPORTANT NOTE : Potential route changes for 2007 will require runners to be partially self suffient for water, and will also necesitate extreme caution as route will cover rough terrain with hidden rocks & holes •••