Today we finally did something we’ve been talking about doing for a long time. We ran from Lebowakgomo to Polokwane. In total we ran 56 kilometers ~ 35 miles. First, this wasn’t exactly a race- in that, there weren’t any corporate sponsors, no first place medals or prize money or anything like that. But I feel it’s important to document this run because it’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a really long time, and I’m happy I finally did it!
I’ll start from the beginning. There are two very rural townships called Lebowakgomo and Polokwane, with a small highway connecting the two, the distance being just over 50 kilometers. A friend and I thought it would be a fun experience to run from one town to the other. Finding the right time of year was a challenge, as was determining logical things like hydration plans, transportation and the most important question- would this really be safe? Just the two of us running in this rural area?
Suddenly, the running gods shined down on us.
A fellow runner I had met at many previous races is a member of Eskom’s Athletic Club and regularly invites me to runs they have. Eskom Atheltic Club consistently produces top performing South African athletes. If you take a look at major race results, such as Comrades, Eskom runners own the top 10 finishers every single year. These guys are fast. And inspirational.
One day I got an SMS informing me of a run Eskom was organizing from Lebowakgomo to Polokwane. Could this be any more perfect? – Running with a group, access to consistent hydration along the course, organized transportation and the general feeling of support – this is exactly what we wanted. I didn’t waste any time in saying ‘Count us in!’
Friday I ventured up to Nic’s place and stayed over, making it extremely convenient to only have to trek 5 kilometers to where we were starting the run.
We met other runners in Lebowakgomo and started running! Several Eskom cars followed us the entire run, providing aid whenever we needed it. The selection was sufficient- water, soda, bananas, oranges and potatoes. And the occasional muscle relief spray around the knees.
I tried to take some pictures along the way, although photos don’t really do it any justice. Running through the country is gorgeous.
This run had so many hills- I felt like I was back at Comrades.
We ran the first 10km and caught the sunrise just over the hill in time.
Although there were only a dozen runners, I felt really safe. I almost always had at least 1 runner by my side, and with the hydration cars following us around, I wasn’t worried about anything. In total we had 12 runners, I was 1 of 2 Americans, and the only female runner.
We ran through Chueniespoort, named so descriptively after all the wild baboons running amuck in this area. One local citizen noticed the name spelled wrong on the board and took it upon himself to spray paint in a correction. Crushed it.
I literally can’t even count how many times I’ve ridden in a car along this exact course, and I don’t think I’ve ever fully recognized the beauty of it as I did by running on the road. It’s amazing how being in a car can really dull your perspective of the natural beauty that surrounds you. We ran through mountains and lakes, over hills and through valleys, past coal mines and wild animals. If I had stopped to take photos of everything, it would have taken me a lot longer to finish!
By 11am the sun was high in the sky and I couldn’t wait to get to Peter Mokaba Stadium just so I could rest in some shade. Around noon, I could see the stadium and knew I was basically done. I sprinted into the finish and was overwhelmed with joy to finally have completed something that I’ve been looking forward to for such a long time.
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