Running the Fish river...the mere mortal way

On the 22nd of June +/- 50 normal people ventured into the canyon to 'run' the Fish River Canyon. There were 2 distances to choose from, 65km and 100km. Obviously I chose to do the 100km, because how bad can it be. The distance did not scare me, not even the terrain....but running in the dark was a whole different ball game. With a headlamp, GPS and a map. I had NO idea that I would be so useless in the dark and I  wasted a lot of time being 'lost' in that canyon.

ok, lets start at the beginning.

The night before the race we camped next to the canyon, WOW, what a view we had! Spectacular to say the least. We arrived at the campsite at about 3pm, so there was enough time to sort out food, kit etc that must go with on the 100km fun run the next day.

 

Mathilda

 

Tinus from AEP went through the route map step by step.....note to self: LISTEN to the race briefing. Don't think you will 'figure' it out when you get there....doesn't work like that. The minute that sun sets over the canyon, you are on your own. And it is scary.

In true Namibia style, we got treated to a meal good enough for kings. Mission: Stuff my face! and mission accomplished. I never do carbo-loading before a race...I prefer protein loading and then wash it down with some olive oil. Perfect fuel for a long day out on the trails!


The next morning we were all up early and ready to kick that canyon's ASS! The first 10km was a nice gravel road all the way to the hikers descent....and this is where the race really started. The descent into the canyon was my favourite part of the whole race. I just love technical downhills, it was touch and go a few times, but I made it into the canyon without falling on my face or breaking an ankle.

Canyon crawling

For the next few hours it was boulder hopping, rock hopping, sand shuffling and trying to find the quickest way to the next point. I ran with David for the first 40km, and it was good to have company. We got to a runnable section and all I wanted to do was go for it. It think it was the first time in hours that we there was a footpath. I felt strong, and David said I should go. If I knew that the canyon would be such a b#tch, I would have tried to move a bit quicker when the sun was still shining. Because when the darkness sets into the canyon.....I did lose my wonderful sense of humour about 10mins after it got dark.

That smile looks a bit fake!

 

 

Note to self: 100 lumens head lamp is NOT the way to go. Next time I will take a light that's got enough power to light a small country!


So, I got 'lost'. I knew that Willie was behind me somewhere, and thank goodness, I saw this light coming towards me....WILLIE!!! It's better to be 'lost' in the canyon with someone than on your own. After trekking spoor for what felt like forever, we found our way to the checkpoint where we could fill up on water.

We just got to the checkpoint, when 3 more headlamps came crawling up the single track. Right, so the furious five began the long march to Ais-Ais......I had no idea how many km's we still had to cover, but a least we were five now.  I prefer to fly solo when racing, but this time I was very happy to have some company!!

Between the five of us, we had 2 GPS's and a local. Pieter was our official GPS man! And he did a great job leading the way. Thanks meneer!!

17h41 later we saw Mathilda (the Windhoek Lager banner) and the finish line. It was a loooooooong day.

The Canyon might have won this round, but I'll be back to show her who is the boss!

This race is definitely a MUST DO for every ultra runner. The combination of terrain, navigation and running in dark made this the most brutal race I've ever done!

Be prepared for everything. If you are lucky, the Canyon will spit you out in one piece!

A BIG thank you to AEP (www.africanextremepromotions.com )for this epic event! You guys rock!!!

Namibia is nie vir sissies nie!

Until next time

Next stop Burkina!