The Route
WHEN THE MOUNTAIN CALLS
THE ROUTE
Now in its 47th year the Pirates 21K Powered by Medshield is a bucket list half-marathon on the Joburg race calendar . Affectionately known as ‘ Over The Mountain ’ it consists of three big hills , two of which will test your training . But is it really that tough ? We take a look at the route to help you plan for the day and you know what to expect .
The route winds its way through leafy Greenside before turning right into Rustenburg Road heading up the climb up 1st Avenue in Linden . It ’ s the first of the big three hills but it ’ s early days so you ’ ll hardly feel it as you ’ re running on fresh legs . Take it slow and save your legs for what ’ s to come . Once you ’ ve crossed Bram Fischer and turned turn left at the top of the hill , there ’ s a great downhill to recover while you wind your way through Linden and Darrenwood to Northcliff . The route is pretty flat here with a bump or two in the road but it ’ s not until about 9ks in when you turn left up Willow that the real climbing starts . There ’ s a slight reprieve before you hit what Pirates runners refer to as K1 ( or k * khuis 1 ) which will force even the toughest runner to a walk .
Once at the top enjoy the few steep downhills and gentle ups towards the halfway mark where you shouldn ’ t forget to take in the view to the left . If it ’ s a clear day runners will tell you you can see all the way to the Magaliesberg . A gradual downhill will take you right up Hearn around the 13k mark towards K2 ( yes , you guessed it , k * khuis 2 ) with the Northcliff water tower now in sight . At the top of Hearn catch your breath where the road evens out to the left but try and run the last short and steep stretch of Rockey Drive to the top of the mountain and K2 for a mandatory selfie around the 14km mark under the ‘ King / Queen of the Mountain ’ banner .
It ’ s pretty much downhill for the next couple of kays from here and can be hard on your legs so go easy as it flattens out again before 17kms . Even the slightest bump here can hurt , especially the very last short and silly one over Barry Hertzog after the Engen , which , some say , should be referred to as K3 .
As far as road half-marathon ’ s go it ’ s a tough one , but with most of the real climbs in the first half it ’ s a wonderful route home , the views are rewarding , and in true Pirates style , the beers are cold at the finish .
12 Pirates Half Marathon | Sunday , 16 February 2025