Race Review: Constantia Valley Trail Run

The Facts

Location: Constantia area
Distance: 21km, 11.5km (err ended up at8.16km) & a 4.5km fun run
Surface: Mostly farm road/jeep track
Website: www.cvtrail.co.za
Organizer: Richard Acheson
Cost: R140, R75 and R40 respectively

The Experience

Registration for the race was a simple two part process. Enter and pay online (using Credit Card or EFT)  followed by a visit to a Sportman's Warehouse of your choice to collect your race card and optional t-shirt.
Perfect weather conditions met the 750 odd runners, overcast but no rain. Things at the start were a little confusing with no clear marking about and no one clearly marked officials to be seen. It was comforting to see paramedics and traffic police on standby. The later most useful as the runners would have to cross Spansgemacht Road to enter the vineyards.
Then there was the last minute route change for the 11.5km race - forced on the organisers by the discovery of bees on the route. The 21km runners started first and a few minutes later the 11km runners and then the fun run crowd. The three races followed the same main route, which is were the confusing might have come in - more on that later.
The run through the vineyards is both unique and very scenic. Other than the Constantia Valley Grape Run, this is the only other occasion to run through the remarkable vineyards that are Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Buitenverwachting and Uitsig. BTW the restaurant at Uitsig is highly recommended. Even with the recent rains the route underfoot was mostly dry and stable jeep track/ farm road. The accents and descents mild with a total elevation gain of only 188m. With approx. 350 odd runners taking part in my race the course sometimes felt a little crowded – compared to single track races.
The organizers did provide two water points if required.

That’s me – way down at the end in red!
The race ended by re-crossing Spansgemacht Road (again safely controlled by traffic police) and turning into the grounds of the Cape Academy. Runners were given a card with a sequential number to add to their race card and leave in box for final times and results to be determined.
All runners were also given a medal for completing the race.
However, at the end race organisers also confirmed what my trusty Garmin FR305 was trying to tell me – the race was too short! By 3.5km. That was a little disappointing.
Nevertheless I enjoyed the race. My first for 2012 and hopefully also the first of many. The family and friends mostly did the 4.5km fun run and the kids loved it. Especially the fact that they all got medals at the end.
I will update the post with the ‘official’ results.
My time was 46.56 for the 8km. Too fast at 5:52 min/km as I am trying to pace myself for longer distances. Go here to see my race details on  http://goo.gl/Ykv8f