Antibodies. Sometimes the hardest part of the race is the preparation and mind shifting that comes as a result of knowing what lies ahead. This was no less true for the Tsitsikamma Ultra, the running of this linear, six day, sixty-kilometre hiking trail. No less true, not only because it was a first time anyone was to run of this trail in a day, but also because I had to take antibodies for up to eight days to counteract a horrible strain of flu that ravaged my body two weeks leading up to the race.

Anticipation. When we hiked this trail exactly 2 years earlier, I knew I had to run this trail. 23 April 2016 was anticipated in great earnest, and it was time to change that hike into a run…

Kitting up the compulsory kit which was mandatory to start and survive this trail due to its extreme remoteness.

This post tells that Tale in what can be described as an adventurous, technically challenging, yet fun day out in the Tsitsikamma mountains (some photographs credit: glenn murray photography):

The trail started under a large Outeniqua Yellowwood, aptly named the Big Tree, near the Storms River Bridge in the Eastern Cape, and finished at the coastal holiday resort village of Nature's Valley in the Western Cape.

The terrain varied from lush forests to rolling hills of Fynbos and numerous river crossings as we made our way through the technical course.

Rushes Pass.

Nearing the finish at Nature's Valley.

From antibodies to anticipation, whether hiking or running it, the Tsitsikamma Ultra will always hold a special place in my heart!

Every competitor receives a hoodie, and each finisher a hand made wooden trophy and an Outeniqua Yellowwood to take home.

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