Location: Neethlingshof 

Date: 24 September 2024

Distance: 21km (ended up being 25km)

Elevation: 683m

Time: 3:09:17

Starting off by saying this is the furthest I have ever ran/walked and yes, I will be the first to admit that I pushed it a little too far. To my surprise writing this on the following day my legs feel great for the most part. I ran on the 5km route not knowing it was and once I circled back to the start I continued onto the 10km route to complete my 21km which in hind sight was the wrong decision but very gratefull to my father and friend as well as the race orgnizers for waiting for a crazy person to complete the race. Once I started the 10km route I was warmed up by that 5km and the route itself was intense, slow winding hill and long straights gets to you after a while. The views where amazing with the clouds providing a grey white-wash sky, enjoying the views a little too much you find yourself heading into a forest section with downed trees block the path. The wind whistling through the leaved cooled the body down as you take on another hill just to find yourself going back down towards the finish line for a third time. In short a good race and 25km is my limit at the moment

Location: Cape Town

Date: 14 September 2024

Distance: 17km (eish)

Elevation: 680m

Time: 2:21:10

By far this was the hardest trail I have run this year, starts with a slow climb towards Table Mountain then the slow hike up the most scenic part of the trail in my opinion. The trail had some really rough, rocky parts that transitions to road then trail again. I was not prepared for this trail run with a 3-hour cut-off and when I was l an hour and half into the trail run the thought of not finishing crossed my mind but during that time you just keep going.  After the 10km mark water point the trail felt super easy as we ran towards Lions Head trail down towards the road and too the finish line. I started cramping the last 500 meters before the line and sort of pushed through to the finish line. This trail run is worth it for the views you get, defiantly Instagram worthy.

Location: Fair Cape

Date: 31 August 2024

Distance: 18km (shortend trail)

Elevation: 270m

Time: 1:45:12 

This was a hot one, out in the sun it was lovely. The run stared off really well, nice flat and fast towards the first water point. Got a bit tricky towards the single track while climbing towards the hills. The fields we ran through was filled with canola flowers and literal sea of yellow flowers. This was a epic run I enjoyed it a lot, although the weather was hot with no wind it was amazing run. The best part of this run is the yoghurt you get at the end of the race. Its truly worth the sweat and sore feet at the end when you cross the finish line and they hand you a literal bag of filled with yoghurt products and I could not ask for anything better. Defiantly a must do for next year as well, it will be on the 1st September.

Location: Fort Simon

Date: 24 August 2024

Distance: 21km

Elevation: 895m

Time: 2:43:52 

Epic trail run, the elevation killed me on the second loop and the rain soaked me on the first loop. I ran this route earlier this year and it was a horrible experience...but I got through it with some stiff legs. Started the race of well with some light drizzle getting heavier throughout the route. At one point I found myself on a hill fighting strong wind and rain just trying to get on with route. The mud made it a tricky one I must admit that I slipped a few times, did not fall luckily but was sketchy when I was going downhill and could not stop. Yeah, was a good race I actually managed to improve my time since last I did this route by 12min give or take which I will take any day given how tough this one was. Will defiantly do this one again just to improve my time.

Location: Slaley

Date: 09 August 2024

Distance: 21km

Elevation: 141m

Time: 2:20:54 

A super wet and muddy situation, I could not avoid getting my shoes wet or muddy in this one. The race was delightful a bit of wind and rain to cool you down while running. The mud sticking to your shoes as you run kept things interesting. Caught some rain on the second loop which helped me out with somewhat conquer the slight hill in the start but soaked the rest of the way making it slicker. I had an amazing time playing in the mud but end the end of the race I was soaked and covered in a thick layer of mud. Luckily for me I brought some extra clothes to get out of my wet ones.

Location: Nooitgedacht Estate

Date: 27 July 2024

Distance: 21km

Elevation: 372m

Time: 2:09:18 

Epic trail run, muddy and slippery under foot but enjoyable. This is a quick race and can be done very quickly. The hills are moderate, and the views are splendid, the weather played out nicely forecasted as 90% rain I got in and out missing the rain completely which was a bonus. Not a fan of running in the rain but the cooler weather was very refreshing. This is defiantly a memorable one.

Location: Durbanville Hills Winery

Date: 20 July 2024

Distance: 10km

Elevation: 248m

Time: 1:05:09 

This particular race was cold, wet and muddy. The hills were lovely as always mud scattered through the route but could be done fairly quick the times are posted here. The mud-covered shoes will stay with me throughout this week because I cannot afford to have my shoes dry for a week. A truly memorable run with views to lust over the next time you find yourself in Durbanville Hills.

Location: Kaapzicht Wine Estate

Date: 29 June 2024

Distance: 21km (close enough)

Elevation: 661m

Time: 2:27:39

Not sure what it is but the area always seems to be a challenge to run at, struggled to catch my breath on this one, the hills were incremental yet pleasant on the down. Was a chilly morning but after this one you felt relived it was over. This will continue to be a tricky one for me to master but always looking forward to running this.

Location: Quinta Da Montanha

Date: 23 June 2024

Distance: 15km

Elevation: 591m

Time: 2:05:42

This race was a first for me, deep in the Goud Veld part of the Garden Route National Park. This was a tough one but exceptionally breathtaking, it takes you deep into the forest, crossing rivers and wonderful single track gives you Instagram ready pictures you could ask for.  If you're the type of person that loves natures this is the one for the bucket list. This race does have a cutoff time of 5h30 for the 27km - 3h30 for 15km 2h30 for the 9km not advised to walk this one.

Location: Knysna

Date: 22 June 2024

Distance: 21km

Elevation: 273m

Time: 2:12:11

My first ever forest half marathon and it was really enjoyable run, it truly is a forest run as it takes you deep into the forest with slight ups and some steep downward roads. This was the first run where I have experienced water points every 3k in the race, was very reassuring as a runner that you will be covered throughout the run. 

Location: Mooiplaas Wine Estate

Date: 25 May 2024

Distance: 21km

Elevation: 691m

Time: 2:26:25

Hills are the name of the game for this trail run even though they are tough and steep, the views you get once you reach the top is something to behold. Defiantly take your time while strolling above the clouds to take in the view. This is a very nice run to do to start the day and be proud of the fact that you can conquer those hills.

Location: Fort Simon

Date: 18 May 2024

Distance: 21km (This was a hike)

Elevation: 849m

Time: 2:55:21

Well this was a ridiculously hard run, a lot of hills followed by a massive hill then rocky downhill. I do regret doing the loop of the 10km for this one cause I limped away with two stiff calves, two stiff quads and a smile at the finish line. This was a beautiful race but challenging on the legs very taxing. Do not start off too fast there are a lot of hills to get over so pace yourself accordingly but looking forward to doing this one again just to see how I fare the second time around. PS not for someone who does not like hills.

Location: Zevenwacht Wine Estate

Date: 11 May 2024

Distance: 21km 

Elevation: 649m

Time: 2:55:21

The hills are always challenging for me, and this one is no exception. I did a loop of the 10km, and the second time around was worse even knowing the route it felt horrible to do for the second time. This was my challenge, and I did it, cost me a few stiff calves but totally worth finishing the race. It's always rewarding to conquer something, and this was raced to conquer.

Location: Vredenheim Wine Farm

Date: 27 April 2024

Distance: 21km 

Elevation: 264m

Time: 2:13:21

This was the race enjoyed the most because it was relatively flat, and you could go for it. The views of the valley once the sun rises is spectacular and worth the journey up the hill. Running through the Vinyards allows me to space out and focus on the next step I need to complete my race. I tend to take it all in to appreciate how lucky I am to be doing this. The next thing you know the race is over and I won the flip of the coin! truly amazing day for me.

Location: Bellevue Wine Estate

Date: 06 April 2024

Distance: 21km 

Elevation: 187m

Time: 2:02:37

I do not recall this run. It was fun to do though. It was windy that day, so I tried my best to get through this race with minimal effort. The route had some sandy patches and tunnel which was interesting to do. I enjoyed it though, was something a bit different with variations of hills and dips. I remember after the race the pizza we had was awesome. I nice hardy meal after the race. 

Location: The Purple Windmill

Date: 21 March 2024

Distance: 21km 

Elevation: 305m

Time: 2:18:34

If I remember correctly, it was a hot morning, and this was a really easy run with some slight inclines but nothing too serious. It can be done pretty quick and easy just look where your stepping causes this course has some hidden holes on it. Other than that, it's a really chilled run to do. You get a bit everything of this race including sand, grass, paved, rock down hills and if you're lucky some puddles too.

Location: Kanu Wines

Date: 16 March 2024

Distance: 15km 

Elevation: 167m

Time: 1:29:51

This was a fun run to do, a short 4.3km with some challenging hills scattered throughout the wine farm. It has a hill, forest and pond area that you traverse through. A really nice seating area on the top of the hill to watch your oncoming runners. When I finished the first loop it was really nice and exciting to do another and see how fast you could get through it for the second time so basically running against yourself. This was good run to do just to get out to place I never been before and take this race on.

Location: Slaley

Date:  09 March 2024

Distance: 15km 

Elevation: 137m

Time: 2:06:18

I have one word to describe this run, and that word would be fantastic, this is a fast and flat route. You can really get a good time here if you're chasing it. It has a grassy section that if you set wrong could twist an ankle but other than that section it is a pretty chilled. I think that is about it, I do not recall too much with this race other than it was enjoyable. 

Location: Kaapzicht Wine Estate

Date:  24 February 2024

Distance: 10km 

Elevation: 322m

Time: 1:08:38

This is one of those races that does not get easier the more times you run it, for me it's just tricky to get going and keep the pace on this race. The top of the hill is something to behold but getting there is just tiring. The downhill is followed by some small uphill before going down again. Like I said for me it's just tricky to stay consistent and follow through. I got through it through and pretty happy with the outcome of my race. A little tricky but not too bad.

Location: Middelvlei Wine Estate

Date:  10 February 2024

Distance: 10km 

Elevation: 218m

Time: 1:02:44

Yes, I don't remember this run...

Location: Neethlingshof Estate

Date:  27 January 2024

Distance: 10km 

Elevation: 239m

Time: 1:05:26

Yes, I don't remember this run...

Location: Ayama Wines

Date:  20 January 2024

Distance: 10km 

Elevation: 238m

Time: 1:07:22

I must say I love running in summer, but this was tough battling the heat and hills. This race I felt that we could have started a bit earlier with the race but turned out alright. This route is dusty and sandy but not too bad once you get started. The race went by pretty quickly, there is one steep climb up to the hill followed by a super nice downhill towards the finish. Also, this is a super nice venue to chill at after the race cause it as hot that day.

Location: Simonsig Wine Estate

Date:  13 January 2024

Distance: 10km 

Elevation: 160m

Time: 1:03:24

Yes, I don't remember this run...