Laingsburg Ultra 80km Prince Mangosuthu Ultra 52km
Where : Laingsburg , Western Cape When : Usually mid-September 2019 Finishers : 51
When life gives you lemons , make lemonade . When life gives you rocks , make ultra-marathon distance markers … This is a one-of-a-kind race , with 15km of tar and the rest on quiet gravel farm roads , where you will enjoy the peace , beauty and serenity of the Great Karoo Desert . The route starts at an altitude of 642m and slowly climbs to 922m at the 44km mark , but the good news is that “ it ’ s all downhill from there .” If you ’ re lucky , the spring wildflowers will be in full bloom during your run . On 2019 entry fees , this was the best value for money race in the country at just R1.25 per kilometre !
Running Mann ’ s Race Report : Flood Levelling-Up in Laingsburg
Where : Nqutu to Dundee , KwaZulu-Natal When : Usually early October 2019 Finishers : 116
Your race entry fee includes a taxi ride to the township of Nqutu , where you ’ ll begin your journey back to Dundee at sunrise . The first 18km are an easy downhill that drops from around 1,400m to below 1,100m at the bottom of the Buffalo River Valley . From that point on , it ’ s hard work , with plenty of climbing as you bob up and down all the way to Dundee . Although this small field ultra can involve plenty of lonely running , the charming views of rural KZN are a constant companion along the way . The race is named after Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthulezi , former leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party , who is something of an endurance athlete himself , holding the Guinness World Record for the longest ever legislative speech , delivered over 11 days to the KwaZulu legislative assembly in 1993 !
Running Mann ’ s Race Report : The Dundee double
Run 4 Cancer Ultra 48km
Where : On the R71 to Polokwane , Limpopo When : Usually late October 2019 Finishers : 301
The route is a simple one – you start 48 kilometres due east of Polokwane on the R71 , quite literally in the middle of nowhere , and head straight back to Polokwane along the same road . Those who struggle to stay on the ‘ straight and narrow ’ will be pleased to note that this race provides an opportunity to stay on the ‘ straight and wide ,’ with runners enjoying the comfort of full road closures all the way back to the finish at the Peter Mokaba Stadium . Take note that the route is hot and dusty , with little aesthetic appeal , but it is the last ultra of the year and is run for a good cause , with proceeds used to create awareness and support those suffering with and affected by Cancer .
Running Mann ’ s Race Report : Sex , Politics & Religion in Limpopo
About the Author
The Running Mann has run over 240 marathons and ultras , and his current mission is to run every marathon in South Africa . He recently fulfilled a lifetime goal of securing a shoe sponsorship from The Sweatshop Broadacres and Asics South Africa ( and a running kit sponsorship from Runderwear ), thus allowing him to run more races and share their stories . You can follow his adventures on Twitter , Facebook or Instagram , and on his popular blog .
Images : Stuart Mann
16 ISSUE 148 JANUARY 2021 | www . modernathlete . co . za