Old Fishermen’s Trail Challenge – 26 June 2004

Getting up early on a cold, dark morning is not that much fun, but the thought of reaching the top of a mountain just as the sun rises to warm me is motivation enough to get through the cold times. It was quite a relief though when the predicted ‘mother of all storms’ didn't materialise for the inaugural running of the Old Fisherman's Trail Challenge. A trail run from Fish Hoek to Hout Bay over the mountains.

We must have made quite a sight at the start, the 90+ colourfully clad trail-runners making our way noisily along Fish Hoek Beach in the light pre–dawn drizzle, waves threatening our ankles. Duck under the railway line, hop over the Main Road, and attempt to run up Boye’s Drive and before you knew it we were on the moutains heading for Hout Bay. Now warm enough to shed a layer or two and start to enjoy the calm but overcast day. No sun (it threatened but couldn't break through the low clouds lining the morning sky), but temperatures stayed constant and with very little wind, conditions were quite pleasant. Over the Kalk Bay Mountains we went, onto the Old Fishemane Trail and into Silvermine Nature reserve along the free flowing river and eventually some rest at the reservoir, the halfway checkpoint and refueling station.

We finally arrived at the top of Blackburn Ravine with its spectacular views of Hout Bay. The descent down the precipitous ravine is an interesting and very scenic one, keeping one eye on various waterfalls cascading down the cliff face and the other on the Hout Bay Yacht club, our destination, now within
eye-sight, all while trying not to slip off the very wet path as light but steady rain was now falling.

Soon I was at the bottom and for the second time this year found myself running down Chapman's Peak Drive in the rain. A quick run/walk across Hout Bay Beach including an ankle deep river crossing and I was finished, in just under 3 hours, an hour behind the winner.

A stunning run, which is tuff enough for a good work out but not so tuff that I couldn't walk properly afterwards - loved every moment and can't wait for next year's, which will be run in the opposite direction.

See www.sports4u.co.za for more on the Old Fishermen's Trail challenge

cheers