Race Review : CWTS 1 of 4 at Paul Cluver

The Facts

Race: Cape Winter Trail Series or CWTS Race 1 of 4 at Paul Cluver wine farm

Location: Paul Cluver Wine Farm near Grabouw just off the N2. The race is mostly on the De Rust Nature Reserve on the farm
Distance: 9.1km and 16km trail run
Surface: Mostly awesome single track and rough jeep track
Website:  Wild Runner or Trail Series
Organizer: Wild Runner
Cost: R60 per short course and R100 per long course. Discount for multiple entries

The Experience

Entry for the race was done from the Trail Series website and allowed you to enter either a single or multiple races in the series.
Registration was either on the morning of the race or at the Wild Runner office's in West Lake.

Once again, this race is a good example of why I love trail runner. The venue is simply spectacular. The start was between the orchards on the Paul Cluver win farm. Sponsored by Addidas and Spur restaurants by 8am Wild Runner had ensured that there was a good vibe going.

Especially at the toilets section. Not sure if they under anticipated the number of entrants or the need for loos but 6 loos were not enough for 600 odd people! So it wasn't long and there was a lengthy queue waiting to lighten up before the race. Interestingly enough, the race start then pointed towards the loo queue!

The route had it all, some farm track, some jeep track but mostly single track through the nature reserve.

We came from down there, up through some beautiful country side

The climb was taxing on my poor legs but I was determined not to walk. Unfortunately some slower runners held me up and I was forced to walk. No seriously, I am sure I would have run up that vertical wall called a path if they weren't there.

The climb. Is that Pauline there under the cap?

At almost exactly half way was the apex of the course with an awesome descent.

The top!

 Twisting and turning through the fynbos, over a weir and down the 'ropes'.

In the forest area the recent rains made sure that the condition were slippery underfoot.
The section that freaked me out the most though was the farm track about 5kms from the end. Steep descent on a clay road. Clay + steep + rain = soap slalom! Great fun. The last few kays were a trudge through the vineyards and orchards back to the start.

Wild Runner and their prime event sponsor, Adidas, had ensure prizes for the category (Juniors, open men and women, veterans and masters) finishers (first, second and third). Then a number of great spot prices. I didn't win anything this time which means I will have to do the other races.

Unfortunately, kippie here did not ensure that his faithful Forerunner was fully charged. Which is not cool. However, Wild Runner did release the race results the next day.
You can find my race results on my RunningAhead page here.

Credit for the photos must go to Nick who also finished the race in a credible time!