TRAIL RUNNING
Tented accommodation includes luxury and simpler options
The Race Village at De Hoek Mountain Resort
Heading to the Karoo
With a team entry in hand and a few days booked off work , I invited my long-time trail running friend , Caroline Balkwill , to join me for the race . We have shared many training runs and life experiences together , and it made sense to share this one with her . We thus embarked on our “ Thelma and Louise ” road trip to the Klein Karoo and chose Route 62 via Barrydale . If you are travelling from Cape Town , then this is the best route to take . Of course , no road trip is complete without a stop in Riviersonderend for Ou Meul pies and in Barrydale for milkshakes at Diesel and Creme . I can highly recommend both .
The Dryland race has become associated with hot , dry conditions , and we were mildly concerned as we watched the mercury hit 30 degrees while making our way through to the De Hoek Mountain Resort , just up
the road from the famous Cango Caves . This is an oasis and a little piece of paradise that was our home away from home for four days . Luckily , the weather cooled down for the rest of the weekend , but we still enjoyed sunshine and blue skies , and some typical dry , dusty Karoo conditions . It is wise to be prepared for all weather , so take warm clothes , but pack your swimming costume , too !
De Hoek offers various accommodation options that include basic tents , luxury tents that sleep one or two people , and chalets that are spacious and comfortable , and certainly worth it after a long day on the trails . My personal preference is to stay in the Race Village as you get to meet so many people and you feel part of the race vibe , but there are other B & Bs and lodges close by that offer great deals .
Registration was quick and easy and excitement levels were high as runners started arriving , connecting and catching up , while settling into the Race Village . Our luxury tent for two was in the perfect spot , and the white linen , duvets and real beds , plus charging station were a treat . The Race Village set-up is well thought out , with groups of six luxury tents with their own chill area under some much-needed shade . The extra blanket I brought along with me seemed like an unnecessary item at 30 degrees in the shade during the day , but it was something I recommend you take , as the temperature drops in the evening . We were treated to some gentle , cooling rain over the race weekend , which was a welcome respite from the heat , and the tents held up well in the wet conditions , so we were not complaining .
Images : Carli Smith , Justin Reinecke & Courtesy Sue Ullyett
Chilling in the Race Village after another great stage
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