The date for the 2011 Rhodes Run is Saturday, 16 July 2011.
The race starts and finishes in the hamlet of Rhodes.
The race distance is 52km but the organizers may at any stage, in their discretion, shorten or change the route should conditions threaten the safety of the runners. The race is not recommended for unfit runners or for those who are not prepared to cover rough terrain. Competitors must expect to walk through mountain streams and may have to contend with snow, icy conditions, wet roads and strong wind.
In view of the terrain and possible weather conditions it is mandatory that competitors run with an emergency 'space blanket' and a whistle, both of which will be provided by the organisers at registration. Feeding stations can, depending on weather conditions, be up to 10 km apart. Extreme conditions and altitude could accelerate dehydration. You are ultimately responsible to ensure you are adequately hydrated at all times. It is strongly recommended that competitors carry with them at least a 500ml container for water.
Participants with sight colour deficiencies should note that part of the route is marked by means of yellow & orange flags.
PRESERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
The race passes through a unique ecological area and over private property and it is imperative that the environment be preserved. Receptacles will be provided at the feeding stations for debris, used cups and the like. Any runner littering the route will be disqualified and barred from the race.
FIRST STAGE ~ 13,5KM
The first stage of the race takes the runners from the start at Rhodes along the Bell River and into the Kloppershoek Valley. The road crosses the Bell River several times via causeways and low-level bridges.
SECOND STAGE ~ 8KM
This is an off-road section of approximately 8km from Mavis Bank to the Lesotho border road Check Point. A suitable route along footpaths and cattle and sheep trails will be marked by means of flags. A steep ascent (1:3) from the valley to the Lesotho border Check Point will likewise be marked.
THIRD STAGE ~ 9KM
The third stage of 9km follows the Lesotho border road through snowfields and past the ski slopes of Ben MacDhui, which reaches to 3001 meters. Competitors reach the highest point of the run on this section when they pass Lesotho View (2680m). Snow, mud and strong head wind may be encountered.
FOURTH STAGE ~ 9KM
This is an off-road section from the Quarry Check Point to the Hooggenoeg Hikers Hut, along Hooggenoeg Ridge via Hooggenoeg 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 extremely 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.
FINAL STAGE ~ 12,5KM
Along the final stage of the route a steep descent (1:3.4) drops the runners from the mountain plateau into the Carlisleshoek Valley (dropping several hundred meters per kilometer) and thereafter the route follows the Carlisleshoek Valley road back to the finish in Rhodes.
ROUTE profile
The cumulative climb on the 2010 route was 1346m.
