LESS THAN A WEEK!! CAN YOU SMELL THAT MOUNTAIN AIR YET?
Your training is done (or not as the case may be, but it’s too late to change that) and there’s nothing left to do but enjoy the taper, drink lots of water, eat lots of greens/carbs/fat and relax.
1. Weather & Compulsory Equipment
For a deep mountain race we have largely been very lucky with the weather, and it looks like 2025 is setting up to be no exception. As we all know, in the mountains things can change in minutes, but as things stand the weather forecast for the Race Weekend is clear, dry and warm! The likelihood is that the Weather Call for the weekend will be “Good”. This can obviously change should conditions / forecasts change, but for now see what this means here COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT (PLUS HEADLAMPS – compulsory for the Ultra 65km and recommended for the Marathon 42km). Remember that we apply a Zero-Tolerance principle to Compulsory Equipment compliance and reserve the right to spot check at the Start, Finish and along the course. In the conditions expected this especially refers to hydration.
2. Carry-Your-Own
Remember cups / flasks / something to pour into / drink out of. There are no cups at Aid Stations. Also, the streams are quite full for this time of year with the snowmelt, so for those of you partial to that kind of stuff a chance to scoop and drink some icy cold mountain runoff!
3. GPS Tracking
Remember that the 42km & 65 races are not marked and are self-navigated only. A functional, charged GPS device with the relevant routes loaded is compulsory. If you’re using a smartphone to navigate rather than a dedicated GPS device, a power back-up is also compulsory. Tracks can be accessed and downloaded here MAPS & PROFILES
4. Sundowners @ Montusi
An old favourite Runtheberg feature! We will once again be having Sundowners on the front lawn at the wonderful Montusi Lodge from 16h00 on Saturday afternoon. This will also be just 100m away from the last Aid Station on both the Marathon 42 and Ultra 65 routes, making trail running a spectator sport! Bring cash, cards and cameras!
5. Lunch Vouchers
All runners will be given Lunch Vouchers for delicious signature Runtheberg Gourmet Burgers (including vegetarian options) redeemable after your run at the Race Village.
6. Massages
Silondile and her team of miracle workers will be on hand to work on those tired muscles and aches & pains at the Race Village. Therapy slots will be 30min & R300 /session. Slots will be allocated on a first-come first serve basis.
7. Community Shoe Drive
Don’t forget to pack those previously loved trusty trail companions – shoes and/or any other kit or clothing that deserves a home.
8. Race Village Activities & Kids
For non-running family, Runtheberg is the event with a difference! Take advantage of the exhilarating and super-fun activities on offer at the brilliant All Out Adventures Adventure Centre. Most activities will be available over the course of the Race Weekend, including the kingswing, ziplines, and paintball. There will also be access to All Out’s legendary MTB trails, perfect for your friends and partners who are not yet brave enough to run while they wait for you to finish. Rental bikes will be available.
The Race Village and the entire area is heaven for active kids and we love seeing them there with you. However, to answer some of your questions, we do not have any dedicated child-care facilities or any controlled area at the Race Village where you will be able to Drop & Go.
9. Previous Pre-race Briefings
Please make sure you are well acquainted with all of the info in all of the Pre-race Briefings. That’s why we number them! This is #4!
https://runtheberg.co.za/race-briefing-1/
https://runtheberg.co.za/race-briefing-2/
https://runtheberg.co.za/race-briefing-3/
10. Training Tip #5
Hydrate, Stretch and Drive Safely!
As always don’t hesitate to shout with questions. Keep your eye out for the Race Briefing video and please drive safely. See y’all shortly!
YOUR RUNTHEBERG TEAM
