Three Peaks Challenge 2011 |
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Three Peaks Challenge: Saturday November 5, 2011
** Final Results 2011 **
Three Peaks Challenge (the classic event):
A classic Cape Town event combining the mountain and city in a unique, tough and fun challenge.
First done by CW Schneeberger in 1897, the challenge starts from 108 Long Street and runners ascend Devil’s Peak, Table Mountain (Maclear’s Beacon, via Platteklip Gorge) and Lion’s Head, returning to Greenmarket Square after each peak.
- Distance: ± 50 km’s.
- No qualification necessary.
- Read the History
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THE ROUTE
Note: There are no direction marshals on route and entrants are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the route or must walk/run with somebody who does. A hand-drawn map can be accessed here. However, it is not a topographical map and n0ot drawn to scale. The following description is a brief one, but gives a good idea of the basic route.
Peak One:
Start at 108 Long Street (just off the corner of Longmarket Street). Proceed up Long Street, turn into Orange Street, head up Upper Buitenkant/Highlands Road, up Deer Park Drive and enter Van Riebeeck Park (Deer Park). Zig-zag through Deer Park to Tafelberg Road (note Pine tree at the top). Turn left at Tafelberg Road; the path to Devil’s Peak is less than a kilometre along the road. Zig-zag to the saddle and head in the general direction of the peak. The path eventually ‘flattens’ out and you will soon reach a fairly distinct large rock, where you turn right (don’t go left). Start looking for the firebreak path that climbs to the left and leads more-or-less directly to the peak. The top of the peak is the second beacon, which is not more than about 100m from the first. Return to Greenmarket Square.
Peak Two:
As for Peak One, you run up to Tafelberg Road. Turn right at the Pine tree – the start of the route up Platteklip Gorge is several hundred metres along the road. Follow the signs – turn left at the contour path and look out for the sign that indicates the main ascent up the gorge. Zig-zag up the gorge (stay on the path) and turn left on reaching the top. Follow the yellow footprints to Maclear’s Beacon (At 1086m its the highest point on Table Mountain). On leaving the beacon for the return, ensure that you are on the correct path – if you are too far left or too far right, you could land up in trouble! When you get back down to Tafelberg Road, you may, as a welcome alternative, want to turn left and enter Van Riebeeck Park less than a kilometre along the road (opposite the toilets). Note: it is also an option on the way up and on the first leg, but is definitely steeper and can be more energy-sapping at that stage. There is more than one option but you can exit Van Riebeeck Park at Bridle Rd. and approach Orange St via Upper Orange St. If you don’t know this route, stick to the tried and tested.
Peak Three:
The start of Lion’s Head (at Signal Hill Road) can be reached by going all the way up Kloof Nek Road or taking the more direct route past the Deutsche School. For the latter, leave Kloof Nek Road at St Michaels Road and turn left at the stop street, into Upper Albert Road – the path begins at the top of the short, steep hill. Scramble up to Signal Hill Road and turn right. Access to Lion’s Head is via the parking lot next to the Kramat (a refreshment point is also positioned there). The path winds ‘gently’ up to the contour path from where two sets of chains, a couple of ladders and some scrambling leads to the summit (do not use erosion paths). There is a slightly longer alternative route that avoids the chains. There is some exposure on the final ascent – be careful at all times, particularly on the way down, when the excitement of getting to the finish at Greenmarket Square might threaten to break your concentration.
PENSIONER’S PEAKS:
A ‘privilege’ given only to those who have previously completed Three Peaks at least five times. Start from 108 Long Street; ascend Devil’s Peak, Table Mountain (Maclear’s Beacon) and Lion’s Head; return to Tafelberg Road after the first two peaks; return to Greenmarket Square after the final peak.
Important: In completing the Pensioner’s Peaks, you will obviously not be credited with having completed the ‘classic’ version of the Three Peaks Challenge. You may not (for admin purposes) change from one event to another after 31 October 2010 i.e. one week before.
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SAFETY FIRST
Safety, your own and that of others, is a priority! Besides being physically demanding, the Three Peaks Challenge requires a great deal of concentration. Weather conditions can be extreme; dress appropriately. Be well prepared!
ENVIRONMENT
The event takes place in an ecologically sensitive area. In the interest of Table Mountain National Park and the continued existence of the Three Peaks Challenge, please respect all rules: do not use erosion paths; do not litter; do not damage or remove indigenous vegetation; respect other TMNP users and visitors; respect the cultural value of the area.
MORE IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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Date: Saturday, 5 November 2011
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Start: 5am. Meet at Greenmarket Square – the actual start is around the corner, at 108 Long Street, from where CW Schneeberger started his challenge in 1897.
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Cut-off time: 7pm (14 hours) for both Three Peaks and Pensioner’s Peaks. There will also be a cut-off on the second peak – you must reach Greenmarket Square and have completed the Table Mountain leg by 3pm (10 hours) in order to continue.
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Number of entrants: limited to 120 (total for both events).
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T Shirts and “Hartley” mini mountain trophies: awarded to each finisher on completion.
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Permanent numbers: awarded to those who have completed five Three Peaks Challenges – 36 have been awarded thus far.
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Seconding: Participants must be self-sufficient. However, refreshments will be provided at Tafelberg Road (for the first and second peaks), on Signal Hill, just below the Kramat (for the third peak) and at Greenmarket Square (between peaks).
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Clothing: There will be no kit checks on the day – it is your responsibility to wear appropriate clothing.
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Tog bags: can be left on the verandah of The Famous Butchers Grill, at Greenmarket Square.
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Vehicles: can be parked at the City Car Park (Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital) in Longmarket Street (recommended). Enter via Bree street. A fee of R25 must be paid on exit. Vouchers will be sent with final instructions and will also be available at the Thursday evening registration.
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Photographs: will be taken on the first peak (details to follow).
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Wine: a limited number of bottles of Three Peaks wine will be available for sale at registration (first-come-first-served)
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Registration: a pre-event check-in (allocation of numbers) and briefing will take place prior to the event. The venue and time will be confirmed in final instructions.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Email: capepeaks@telkomsa.net
Gavin Snell: Tel: 021 761 4438 (evenings),Cell: 082 792 9380
Don Hartley: Tel: 021 790 0298 (evenings), Cell: 083 508 1017
Postal Address: P.O. Box 2822, Clareinch, 7740
Fax: 021 790 8322
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