Race Report: Weskus Half Marathon

This past Saturday was the Weskus Marathon and Half, out in Langebaan. We had 3 Hillbillies taking part: Josh in the Marathon, and Allen and myself in the Half. All ran good times and had enjoyable runs.

Josh finished the Marathon in an amazing time of 4h36!! Well done!!

Allen flew through the Half in a brilliant time of 2h06, and I managed a very comfortable 2h21.

Everyone was happy with their times, and Josh has now officially qualified for Two Oceans!

Thank goodness the race was on Saturday, which was pretty hot, because Sunday was a scorcher of note!!! Low 40's here in Cape Town, and Langebaan was apparently a degree or two warmer!!

Those of us running the Half Marathon were luck to finish before the real heat hit, and there was a cool breeze blowing for much of the second half of the race.

The Half Marathon started in Langebaan, about 3km from the entrace to the West Coast National Park, and 15km of the 21 were run in the Park itself. There was a lot of off-road in the first half, while the second half was mostly on-road. There was a biggish field, but not crowded. All of the runners seemed to be in good spirits and looking forward to a beautiful run through the Park.

And beautiful it was! The day was clear and warm, the air fresh and sweet. There weren't many supporters along the route, but the marshals and helpers at the water tables were brilliant. Plenty of cold water and coke to keep us going, and a few tables even had some extra goodies! The table at 15km was my favourite, and I'm sure a lot of runners would agree. They had all kinds of goodies to choose from, including chocolates, fruit, sweets, and even beer!! I saw one guy just before THE HILL with a can of beer in his hand. Still closed, but I'm sure he enjoyed it afterwards!

The organisers had quite the sense of humour. During the last 10km there were sign-boards with various messages, some encouraging, some funny, some more along the lines of 'huh??' Very entertaining though, and I'm sure the marathoners appreciated the distraction!

For the most part the route was gently undulating.They saved the worst hill for last. Very aptly name 'Black Mamba', this hill has a nasty bite! You can see it from around the 16km point, disappearing into the outskirts of Langebaan. Only 500m long, but when you're halfway up it feels like it has no end! There are no words to describe the feelings of relief and achievement at having conquered the Mamba when you reach the water tables at the top. And are rewarded for your efforts with an ice cold coke and some sugary sweets for energy to face the last 2km.

From here it was all flat, with a bit of downhill, all the way through to the finish line. A beautiful run, I can definitely recommend this to every runner able to complete 21km! The marathon is said to be just as beautiful, with even more time spent in the Park itself. But beware, you hit the Mamba at 39km in the maraton. Eina ouch...!!! There is no shame in walking this 'hill' though, so take it easy and enjoy the stunning scenery!

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