Stage 2 : 25.6km
TRAIL
Thanks to rain earlier that week , there was plenty of water on the route
The river crossings offered a welcome respite from the hot weather
The legendary Dryland Traverse water points have it all !
The area is known for its rock formations , caves and ancient rock paintings
extraordinary journey . And then came the iconic descent – a section that the event is famous for . Steep , technical and thrilling , this stretch pushed our legs , knees , toes and focus to the limit . The adrenaline was pumping as we navigated the narrow path , loose rocks shifting beneath our feet . It was the kind of challenge that makes you feel alive , heart racing and mind sharp , as you find your rhythm on the downhill .
Well , our ‘ rhythm ’ was one of a slow hike , with occasional jogging in between , and we joked that we never thought we ’ d complain about a downhill ! However , the breathtaking views and company of our fellow trail runners kept our spirits high , with the final stretch bringing us into the welcoming embrace of the race village at the De Hoek resort . Seeing the finishing arch and hearing the voice of my husband on the microphone , welcoming us back , was a triumphant moment . Despite the physical demands , there was a deep sense of camaraderie and accomplishment as we gathered with other runners to share stories of the day ’ s adventure . Stage 1 was a perfect introduction to the Dryland Traverse – a blend of natural beauty ,
technical challenge , and the spirit of trail running . It left us a little sore , but exhilarated , and eager to see what the next stages would bring .
Stage 2 : 25.6km
The Long Run to De Hoek
This was the longest stage of the race , and it took us on an unforgettable route , starting at Die Kombuis , where we were greeted with clear skies and the promise of another challenging but exhilarating day . From the moment we set off , the rugged terrain and sweeping views of the landscape captivated our attention , but it wasn ’ t long before the course threw in its first challenge for me personally .
Around three kays in , as I was navigating a narrow section of the route next to a roadside barrier , my left knee collided with a rusty metal bolt sticking out the back of the barrier . The sharp pain was immediate , I could feel the swelling start to rise , and unfortunately for me , it would be my already dodgy left knee . ( Sidenote : I ’ m a retired Protea-level ice-skater , and
Dryland Attempt # 1
The author first attempted the Dryland Traverse back in 2022 , but due to some lingering COVID-related spiking heartrate issues , she was unfortunately unable to complete all the stages of that year ’ s event . She nevertheless still had a wonderful time on the Swartberg trails , and you can read more about that experience here .
represented my country at World Champs level , but that honour came with its injuries .) For a moment , I wondered if I ’ d be able to continue , but after a few deep breaths and a healthy dose of perseverance , I decided to push on . I focused on putting one foot in front of the other , willing my knee to cooperate . Despite the pain , the beauty of the trail and the incredible support from my running partner and fellow runners kept me going .
Overall , this stage was breathtakingly stunning , but a particularly memorable part was when we ran past the historic Raubenheimer Dam , with the water reflecting the surrounding mountains like a mirror . The sight of the dam ’ s stillness was a welcome contrast to the intense physical effort required to run on increasingly tired legs , blistered feet , and in my case , a very sore knee . As we moved through the course , I couldn ’ t help but appreciate how the landscape shifted around us … wide open spaces , rocky trails , and some technical sections that required a bit more focus .
One of the standout features of the Dryland Traverse is the water points . At every stop , the vibe was nothing short of phenomenal . Volunteers greeted us with cheers and high-fives , offering water , Biogen , snacks , sunblock and sometimes even something unexpected , like steaks being braai ’ ed right there beside the trail ! It was a unique touch that added a sense of camaraderie and excitement . The sizzling aroma of steak cooking was a welcome boost for our tired bodies , and it was a reminder that this race isn ’ t just about the kilometres , but also about the community spirit that makes it so special .
In the last few kilometres , Mirri and I found ourselves getting quieter . The physical strain had caught up with us , and all we could do was focus on putting one foot in front of the other , but even in our silence , we drew strength from the thought of being in this together , knowing that as a team , we could conquer anything . And then , just when the fatigue seemed overwhelming ,
Images : Oakpics and courtesy Nicole Falconer
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