RACE REPORT- Red Hill Classic Marshalls Run by our first runner in – Bronwyn Kloppers

STBB Redhill Classic 36km Marshall’s run……my second longest distance so far. If someone had said to me early last year that I would be doing these distances, I would NEVER have believed them. Having said that, this run is most certainly on the top of my list of favorites. Every single step was absolutely breathtaking.

The week leading up to the race, I was TERRIFIED to say the least, so I really tried to focus on my hydration and diet to give myself the best change of completing this distance. I kept an eye on the wind and knew that it was going to be a very windy run.

As we made our way to the start in Kommetjie Road, I opened a Hammer Nutrition Gel (I needed all the help I could get). We set off down Kommetjie Road, making our way towards Kommetjie and I could feel the tension starting to ease. I looked to the left and saw the clouds turn orange as the sun began to rise and just knew it was going to be a good day.

The only goal I had in mind was to complete the distance. I had made the decision to run my own race, at my own comfortable pace, not really focusing on time but more on how my body was feeling. Passing Masi was a lovely experience. Everyone on route was cheering us on, which really helped and before I knew it, we had reached the first water point and I was feeling strong.

I headed past Kommetjie, entertained by a baboon monitor trying to control a group of baboons and had a little giggle at the sight of it all. I made my way up Slangkop, towards Scarborough and it was at this point that I really started noticing the wind. My legs and head had to work a little harder. Kind of like a hamster on a wheel. Running but not really getting anywhere.

Thank you so much to everyone supporting on this route, standing next to the road, following by cars and just making sure that we were all safe. You guys rock, this of course includes my amazing husband, Fanie who was there every step of the way. Reaching Scarborough was an absolute highlight. Loved seeing all the familiar faces.

I made my way towards the Classic /Marathon Split (start of Redhill), again the support was phenomenal. I could hear Wendy cheering even before I reached this point. Even though I was eating at regular intervals I felt that my reserves were quite low. At about 16km (can’t remember exactly where on route) I started struggling a bit with my energy levels, and as I started making my way up Redhill, Fanie handed me a baby potato….. Let’s just take a moment to say…. Potatoes are THE BOMB!!!!

My energy levels stabilized and I immediately started running at a comfortable pace again. I reached the top of Redhill and WHAT A VIBE!! Robbie and his family were rocking that water station. Making my way down Simon’s Town Road the wind was definitely back in full force. I even managed to get a full body exfoliation, thanks to some sea sand along this route. Close to the circle in Fish Hoek, I saw Andre, who pointed me into the right direction and down Second Avenue I went, Zig -Zagging my way back to the club. The Marshall’s on route were incredible and it really gave me that final much needed push. Thank you so much for taking the time to be there. Thank you so much for the encouragement and support. The last 2km’s felt long but as I crossed that bridge, I felt so incredibly proud. 36km’s done.

Well done FHAC – This is one amazing race!!