This is Helderberg's showpiece, run on a beautiful undulating route through the winelands of Stellenbosch and Somerset West. The race starts next to the Markotter Sports Grounds in Stellenbosch, moves onto the Strand Road (R44) and follows the Polkadraai Road towards Kuils River for about five kilometres. These early stages are undulating but easy. At the Vlottenburg turn-off lies the biggest hill of the route, a four kilometre climb to the top of Vlaeberg, 160 metres above sea level. The following three kilometres down the Vlaeberg Road could tempt you, so be careful. Do not run too fast down this section; rather save your legs for the hilly second half of the route. Just past the 15-kilometre mark the route turns left into Vlottenburg Road and two kilometres further on turns right into Annadale Road. Here you run to the well known ‘Mooiberge Farmstall’ near the 22-kilometre mark. This seven kilometre stretch is undulating. From the farm stall, the race is run on the double carriage Strand Road, almost to the outskirts of Somerset West. The turning point is near the 29-kilometre mark, at the Steynsrust flyover, after which you wind your way back along the same carriageway. The route once again passes the ‘Mooiberge Farmstall’ and goes past Louw se Bos, the caravan park and onward to Stellenbosch. The hills are rolling and challenging in these final stages, so is the incessant oncoming highway traffic.
FACILITES
There is a beer garden and food market.
PRIZES AND GIVE-AWAYS
Cash prizes go to the first five runners, the first five women and Veteran men, the first three Veteran women and Master men as well as the winning Master Lady and first Grand Master. Gold medals go to all category winners, the next 100 finishers get silver and all other finishers within the 05:00 time limit get bronze. There are incentive prizes for men finishing within 02:21, women finishing within 02:45 and Veterans finishing within 02:32. If you complete 10 runs you get a permanent number. The ‘Wingerdstompietrofee’ is awarded to those who have completed 15 successful Winelands. A double laurel permanent number goes to those who complete 20 runs. Medals go to all half marathon finishers. T-shirts can be ordered separately with early entries.