The Stanley
Run – Ladismith – May 2010

Was a little worrying on the journey to
Ladismith to see snow on Du Toits Kloof Mountains on the way out, to be
repeated on the mountains over Ceres and again at Ladismith, but I believed I
had enough kit (as being an AR Wannabee we cater for every eventuality and
generally the longer time). We are known for getting value for money on events
(better Rand per hour rates than most).

The race instruction had been clear – if the
weather is good you need the emergency gear, if the weather is bad you need the
emergency gear and remember that it will be difficult to get you off the
mountain and it is cold up there.

Saturday morning arrived and off we set to
registration and race briefing. During race briefing Oom Stanley (the original
that the event has been named after and who’s path we used), provided some
feedback and history lessons (I think, as it was all in code for me).

Race briefing was closed in Ugene’s tactful
best - death being the worst case scenario - I think he was hoping that some of
us slower guys would back off and he wouldn’t have to spend as much time on the
mountain in the cold, but the tactic did not work and all entrants headed for
the start line.

The race was great – started with +- 4-5 km
run and then UP and UP some more (+- 900 m) – was in shorts and shirt at this
stage (the hands were taking the brunt of the cold, although I did have gloves
but those were for emergencies).

Met up with Trevor at the highest point to be
offered a hot cup of coffee which was well appreciated. This is the advantage
of not having to worry about a top three finish, one can stop and enjoy the
luxuries and scenery on offer (and there was lots of it).

On went the gloves and looking a bit
ridiculous (short sleeve shirt and gloves) we headed across the mountain face
in the snow. There was a definite change in mindset under the conditions; we had
to avoid the flat rocks to land on as you don’t know which ones are covered in
ice.

Met up with Ugene in the middle of a boulder
section and the way down. Straight down the mountain (900 m), knees and quads took
a pounding.

Some people reckoned they were heading home
now and set off – sorry for the sting in the tail on the way into town – oops
turn left and you see that kopie in the distance, off you go (you will enjoy a
bit more climbing – love from Ugene) for a 6km detour and home.

Heading for the end I even broke into a little
jog (although very nervous thinking something was going to give in), which is
almost unheard of in the AR Wannabee circles. Finished in time to be at prize
giving – this always shows that I have paced the race well.

This event is great for the people who prefer
a lot of variety in the terrain, great scenery, plenty of camaraderie (well
probably more amongst the back markers – we do actually talk to each other).

On top of a great event the Flashman clan got
a podium finish on the short course (great job Georgie).

From the race and a cleanup it was off to the golf
club that opened up its doors in the afternoon (30 of us basically took over
the clubhouse – most of the local left) for the rugger.

Group drank out a number of the brands of beer
and a bottle or 2 of tequila (luckily I avoided this, my history does not allow
we to “enjoy” this refreshment any more). I believe that most of this was for
anti inflammatory reasons only.

After rugger half the gang headed off to a
local bar and restaurant and there were definitely a few guys battling with the
after effects of the run and need more medicinal help (hang on half those guys
were marshalls
and didn’t even race – most of been in sympathy).

In conclusion - we had a really good time on
our first visit to Ladismith and the inaugural Stanley Run.

The locals went out of their way to help the
whole event, even to the extent of creating an amazing 6km trail to finish the
race on, opening up the golf club to watch the rugger and being entertained by
a rowdy group (some forehead slapping and t-bone moments will be remembered).

All in all a great weekend which will definitely
be repeated next year.

Cheers

Rob Flashman