Stage 1 : 20.9km
TRAIL
The Swartberg Mountains play host to the incredible Dryland Traverse
The unique and iconic prologue in the Cango Caves
… to trail running gear
True to our team name , we decided to add our own whimsical touch to the event by wearing unicorn wings attached to our hydration packs , which glowed beautifully in the low light of the caves . Our wings quickly became a source of delight and motivation , not only for us , but for our fellow runners , too . As we emerged from the darkness of the caves and made our way through the various stages of the race , our wings sparked many light-hearted comments and lots of smiles . Fellow runners cheered us on - “ It ’ s the angels !” – and several shared how seeing the wings gave them a boost when they were struggling up a steep incline . One runner even said , “ Seeing your wings gave me the energy to keep going up that hill !”
Our playful touch reminded us that even in the face of a physically and mentally demanding event , a little fun and connection could lift the spirit and create unforgettable memories . And in a small way , our wings became a symbol of support , adding a touch of fun and light heartedness to the challenging kilometres ahead .
Stage 1 : 20.9km
The Heart of the Swartberg
One of the many highlights of the Dryland Traverse is starting each day with a hearty buffet breakfast at the race village . The spread was nothing short of impressive – scrambled eggs , sizzling bacon , mince , muffins , oats , fruit , and so much more . It wasn ’ t just fuel for the day , it was a moment to connect with other runners , share laughs and ‘ war stories ’ from the day before , and to build excitement for the adventure ahead . With our bellies full and spirits high , we were ready to tackle whatever the trail had in store for the day .
The excitement was palpable as Mirri and I joined the rest of the runners piling into the taxis , knowing they were taking us to Die Top , the highest point of the Swartberg Pass . The ride up was an adventure in itself , with sharp hairpin turns on narrow dirt roads , and breathtaking views of the rugged mountains . When we finally stepped out at the start line , the warm mountain air greeted us , and we were surrounded by an endless panorama of peaks – a humbling reminder of the challenge ahead .
The first section of the run took us through the majestic upper reaches of the mountains , and the rugged terrain demanded a good dose of concentration , with uneven paths winding through valleys and ridges . Every step felt like a dance with nature , the silence broken only by the rhythmic sound of our shoes on the trail and the occasional chatter of runners sharing this
Heading into the mountains at the start of Stage 1 seemed to hold the mysteries of centuries within their rocky folds . As we ventured through these natural halls , the anticipation was electric , and starting a race underground , in such a surreal environment , felt like stepping into a fairytale .
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