The Ed , Sean Falconer ( right ) wasn ’ t the only man in a dress at the party |
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The camaraderie from the day carried over into the night as we danced , shared stories , and celebrated the shared experience of the race . It was more than just a chance to dress up , it was a reminder of the community spirit that makes this event so unique . After the physical challenges of the day , it was refreshing to unwind , laugh , and connect with others in such a creative , fun and carefree way , and a major highlight of this event !
Stage 3 : 10km Grand Finale Amongst Majestic Rock Faces
The final day of the Dryland Traverse may have been the shortest stage ( other than the prologue ), but it certainly wasn ’ t lacking in character or beauty . Starting at De Hoek , we tackled an out-and-back route that captured the raw magnificence of the Swartberg region . The route very quickly presented a series of twists and turns on a single track , keeping us on our toes as we approached the many refreshing water crossings scattered along the route .
Nicole and Mirri proudly pose with their finishers ’ medals
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These crossings added a playful challenge to the day , with the cool water providing a refreshing reprieve from the heat . It was impossible not to laugh as we navigated the streams , some runners skipping nimbly across rocks while others splashed through without a care , and some even stopping to fully immerse themselves in the mountain water . These moments of light-heartedness were a perfect counterbalance to the deep sense of accomplishment building with each step .
As we approached the final few kilometres , we had one more steep climb to negotiate , with the towering rockfaces around us providing a striking backdrop . Their grandeur was breathtaking , and nestled within these cliffs were ancient rock paintings , silent witnesses to centuries of history . The area is known for its rock climbing , and it was easy to see why adventurers are drawn to these cliffs . For a brief moment , it felt like we were stepping into another world , where nature ’ s artistry and human history intertwine .
Crossing the finish line back at De Hoek Resort was a bittersweet moment . There was immense pride in completing the race , but also a touch of sadness that the adventure was coming to an end . Stage 3
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was a fitting finale – an experience that encapsulated everything the Dryland Traverse represents : Challenge , camaraderie , and the sheer joy of running in one of the most beautiful places imaginable .
The Finish Line and Beyond Crossing the final finish line was a mix of triumph and gratitude . Over three days and countless kilometres , we had pushed our limits , shared laughs , battled through challenges , and immersed ourselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Swartberg region . The sense of accomplishment was immense – not just for conquering the trails , but for pushing through the stiff muscles , blisters and battered knees with smiles on our faces .
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For me , this journey was about more than running . It was a celebration of friendship , resilience , and the joy of living fully in the moment . From the camaraderie of the race village to the unforgettable themed party , and every breathtaking trail in between , the Dryland Traverse delivered an experience that transcended the kilometres , technical trail and many steep climbs .
As we packed up and said our goodbyes , one thing was clear : the Dryland Traverse is more than just a race . It ’ s a reminder that with a good teammate by your side , a sense of humour , and a love for adventure , there ’ s no limit to what you can conquer . And as we drove away , already reminiscing about our favourite moments , one thought stayed with us : We weren ’ t just participants in the race , we had made it our own , and we can ’ t wait to do it again !
The next Dryland Traverse will take place on the weekend of 30 October to 2 November 2025 . For more info and entries , visit https :// drylandtraverse . co . za .
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Images : Oakpics and courtesy Nicole Falconer |