TRAIL RUNNING
Team Boere Bokkies , Rochelle Green and Jeanne Botha , celebrate finishing the race
Last finisher Riaan Orffer ( left ) is brought home by Brian Wheal
Enjoying the Great Vibe
Each evening we met in the big Bedouin tent in the Race Village for a delicious dinner , fun post-race prize giving , and the chance to relax , unwind and swap war stories from the day with friends , both old and new . The food is worth a mention as it caters for all nutritional needs , all prepared with love and care by the team , and there is plenty of it ! The Race Village also offered a lounge chill zone , a massage area , coffee and beer stands , and as much fruit juice or sports drinks as you could drink , courtesy of sponsors Rhodes and Biogen .
The 2021 Dryland was tinged with a bit of sadness , as the event industry recently lost someone who had become synonymous with the Dryland events . The tribute to commentator Carel ‘ Raasbekkie ’ Bezuidenhout was extremely moving , and there was not a dry eye in the house . I ’ d like to think that he was watching from afar and could feel the love from everyone . Sean did an excellent job in taking up the MC reins , and it was great to have him welcome us home every day , and entertain everyone in the evening .
The Dryland Traverse is known for its Saturday night dress-up party , and the Cosmic Karoo Party outfits were another highlight of an already full and wonderful weekend . Sadly , Caroline and I opted out of the festivities after a tough day and a visit to the
“ It is definitely one for the bucket list – and now that I have ticked it off my own list , I just want to do it again !”
medical tent , but we both lay in our tent listening to the music and wishing we were on the dance floor . Next time I intend dressing up and joining the party , as it is another of the reasons this event is so popular . ( Also worth a mention is the medical team . My running partner and I both spent time in the medical tent , and the care from those working there was genuine and appreciated . Thank you to them for helping to make sure we could continue each day .)
So , if you are looking for a stage race that offers incredible trails and hospitality together with tasty food and time away spent with like-minded people from various trail communities , lots of laughs and a feeling of family , then make sure you sign up for 2022 . It is definitely one for the bucket list – and now that I have ticked it off my own list , I just want to do it again !
Brian Wheal ( right ), winner of the Gees of the Race Award , singing the Day-o song with MC Sean Falconer And another runner ’ s high …
Finishline hugs are always best
About the Author
Sue is a Cape-Town-based public relations , marketing and communications specialist , with vast event management experience in road and trail running events , including the Two Oceans Marathon , Cape Town 12K CITYRUN and Ultra- Trail Cape Town ( UTCT ), as well as wine and music festivals . She also does copywriting , script writing and editing work for various magazines , books and websites .
36 ISSUE 146 NOVEMBER 2021 | www . modernathlete . co . za