23 February 2008 - What a night! - And I wasn't even running...

Getting our runners to the start took careful logistical planning and it was an eventual round trip of about 6 hours but it was worth it.
Well done to Lynn and Mark Tolsma for getting it all together. Grant has been running the trails for almost a year now but it has been a rather abstract activity for me as I am not a runner and cannot even begin to imagine running in the terrain that these races cover.
Saturday night changed all that. The sheer gradient of the climb, the grandeur of the valley they ran through, the luminous full moon and the sense of camaraderie, determination and infectious sense of fun amongst this small band of Satori runners was inspiring.

We wished them all good luck and Jenny and I set out to navigate our return journey out of the valley, but I must admit that I was anxious and convinced that our runners would only get home way after the sun was up. Jenny navigated the return drive to the end point with skill and patience and I am grateful that she was the one at the wheel!
We then left one car at the end point for our runners and set off home with Lynn and Di. These two ladies had run the Cango Marathon in the morning but they still came out to support their fellow runners, Was I ever wrong about this team of runners?

They finished well before sun up, and returned tired but victorious full of tales of their race, the fun they had and the hills they conquered not to mention the search for the car keys at the finish but that is another story. Mark, Darren, Grant, Andrea, Lee-Ann and Jacky - you guys are awesome and I am so proud of all of you.

See you in Oudtshoorn next year!!
Moira Oliver