THE RUNNING
MANN the running mann by STUART MANN
Uniwisp Fast 50km
Great Small Ultras
South Africa is famous for having the biggest and best ultramarathons on the planet , but we ’ ve also got some brilliant smallfield ultras that are worth working into your running plans . For those that like the personal touch , here ’ s a list of 10 awesome low-key ultras that will be happy to take your money , show you a good time and still respect you in the morning . And with the prospect of a relatively normal year ahead ( let ’ s hope !), why not plan an ultrarunning road trip or two ? ( Note : The races are listed in probable 2022 running order – some dates are yet to be confirmed .)
Arthur Creswell Memorial 52km
Where : Bergville to Ladysmith , KwaZulu-Natal When : Usually early April 2019 Finishers : 497
Where : Mbombela , Mpumalanga When : 26 February 2020 Finishers : 510
This is the fastest and easiest ultra on the SA calendar . Make sure you stock up on ice to treat your quads afterwards , though ! It ’ s a point-to-point , downhill quad-killer that starts on the R37 towards Sabie , and finishes at the Mbombela Stadium . Take time to admire the views as you descend from the highveld to the lowveld , and enjoy the scents and colours of the local flora and fauna .
Running Mann ’ s Race Report : The Fastest Ultra in Africa
Colloquially known as the “ Bergville ,” this is one of the oldest ultra-marathons in South Africa – the race is approaching its 60th running – and offers 52 countryside kilometres through northern KZN with enthusiastic support tables organised by the local community . Enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee before the icy start in Bergville , but you ’ ll need suntan lotion as soon as the sun comes up . Those who enjoy a challenge ( and a good view ) will appreciate the stretch from 12km to 18km up Child ’ s Hill , the highest point on the route . Luckily the organisers exclude the rest of this hill ’ s family from the race as you drop and undulate all the way home , but to keep you on your toes , there is a tricky dirt road section towards the end .
Unfortunately , no race report , as I ran this before starting my blog .
Real Gijimas Ultra 50km
Where : Zwelitsha to Mdantsane , East London , Eastern Cape When : Usually late March 2019 Finishers : 358
Having run every 50k race in South Africa , I can confirm that this is the toughest . It is also a unique and superb running experience through Eastern Cape townships , highly recommended for those that want something a little different and don ’ t mind having the occasional ‘ i ’ undotted and ‘ t ’ uncrossed . Look out for the razorsharp series of uphills over the last 11km ! The Real Gijimas club was formed in Mdantsane township ( the second largest in South Africa after Soweto ) as a sporting outlet during the political turmoil of the 1980s . As such , it ’ s the oldest township running club in the country and organises an impressive array of races , including the Bridle Drift Half Marathon ( the toughest of its kind in the province ), and the club prides itself on always putting the interest of the runners first .
Running Mann ’ s Race Report : Every Village Needs an Idiot
Images : Martin Mulder & Stuart Mann
14 ISSUE 148 JANUARY 2021 | www . modernathlete . co . za