TRAIL RACING » UTCT
and fantastically set out . The standard trail “ leave no trace ” rule applies . No paper cups or plastic bags of water , no energy gels . Anything you carry is your responsibility to discard . If you ’ re littering , it ’ s a direct DQ . Something road events should investigate .
The resemblance to IRONMAN racing is tangible . From preparation to mental challenges , the day needs to be treated in almost the same way . Gear checked , race strategy analysed for strengths and weaknesses , nutrition tested and heart rate zones dialled in .
I got into Hout Bay , took a seat ( unlike the flying professionals ) and had the chat with myself . Just short of a marathon to go . You are running well . 15-hour barrier is attainable ( the original cut-off , unlike the 24 hours it is today , that comes with a special medal ). I knew it had to be executed to perfection . I left driven , determined to achieve , comfortable under foot , well in control . Runner ’ s high ? Got through the final aid station at UCT . 8km to go , 1:30 to get to the finish . You got this . Don ’ t overdo the climbs , attack the flats and downhills . Sharp left and immediate sharp right . Unfortunately , I missed the sharp right . Day dashed . Know the route ! Don ’ t rely on the GPX files or maps . When I dragged the route markers up , they even missed it walking . Imagine when you are chasing time and attack a flat section … We can debate this inside out and upside down , but the buck stops with me .
I chose to just walk it in from there , until the heavens opened . Got drenched and then chose to get a move on . In the end I did 16:20 on some of the most incredible trails I have ever encountered , beauty you can only experience , not describe .
I got the biggest welcome to the finish and I will cherish it for a long time to come . With the Double Century cycling race cancelled due to the inclement weather and rock falls on route , the Rouleur TriTans team were in Cape Town to welcome me home . A group of
special individuals that provided the best support and motivation money cannot buy .
My UTCT journey has revived my flame of competitiveness , but I know there are challenges that I need to overcome , such as the technical nature of this kind of running . However , taking trips to these wild and wonderful places that South Africa has to offer has become far more of a priority for me now , more than ever before . The roads around Joburg North don ’ t cut it anymore . The big question that keeps revolving around in my head is , if I were to “ race ” an event of this nature , would I lose the enjoyment factor ? This was bucket-list stuff and the whole reason I did it was to finish . It ’ s the first time in many years I have heard spectators chant about my smile on route .
Only time will tell , but for now with no power at home thanks to Eskom , I would much rather take to the mountains and seek the adventure that has quite frankly saved my life .
Jeren ’ s tri buddies welcome him across the finish ( below ).
The USA ’ s Courtney Dauwalter ( right ) smashed the women ’ s race , finishing nearly an hour ahead of Canadian Marianne Hogan and France ’ s Maryline Nakache in second and third .
PHOTOGRAPHS SPORTOGRAF , SAM CLARK
32 | RUN FOR YOUR LIFE