Saturday 17th September – sunny, 23 deg, not a breath of wind: a perfect day for running around, up and over the most picturesque mountain in Africa. What’s more, a designer day to showcase Cape Town to visiting world class international trail runners as the most beautiful city on the continent.
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| Kilian Jornet rockhoppin’ down Kasteelspoort |
The Crazy Store Table Mountain Challenge 2011 did exactly that: it displayed Table Mountain at its best. For those not in the know, the TMC takes trail runners in front, along the side, across the back, up the furthest corner, over about 10 of the Twelve Apostles (well, Seventeen actually*) on the top, and down the far side of the mountain back to the starting point at Kloof Nek.
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| Ryan Sandes making cliffs look easy |
And who knows how he does it, but every year race organiser Trevor Ball somehow manages to wangle a deal with the weather gods for the sun to shine on race day – and pelt down with rain the day after.
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| Will Robinson hauling up Llandudno Corner |
As if that was not enough, this 6th running of the TMC was graced by the current kings and queen of international trail running, two of whom travelled thousands of miles to race on our iconic Table Mountain.
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| Anna Frost about to leap off a ledge |
(photos courtesy of Eric Tollner/Red Earth, Jacques Marais and Chris Hitchcock)
Not too shabby, Doke – given that you've been injured for so long. Take it calmly, girl. I know you don't understand that word… but take care of yourself. You won't eat dust for much longer.