What a run this is! Starting in Middelburg before the town begins to stir; there are some twists and turns through the sleepy suburbs before the route spills out onto the Loskop Road. On the way out of town there is a dip and a small river, and a blanket of mist for the first few kilometres. Somehow it is always there and adds a touch of mystery to the morning’s proceedings. Suddenly you find yourself in a different world; distant from city life, in total contrast to the noise and clatter of the start. The first 20 kilometres or so are run through typical Highveld terrain with open spaces, crisp morning air and cosmos. These are magical miles, to be sure, but they will also provide a deceptive challenge to the unwary. At the 22-kilometre mark stands the infamous Post Office Tower. This tower will have been taunting and tantalising you for quite a few kilometres by now, silently waiting in the morning haze. But it is the highest point of the race. Raise your arms here and know that it is downhill from this point. Or is it?
The following stretch will provide great relief as you settle into an easy pace and enjoy the forgiving run of more than 10 kilometres down to Buggers Hill. This tester stands as a bastion to the Kranspoort Pass, and at the 36-kilometre marker it is time to shoulder in and grind your way up the back of this notorious hill. There is work to be done here, but there is a great reward on the other side of this testy challenge. Here lies the special appeal of the Loskop. The Kranspoort Pass, at the 38-kilometre marker, is simply breathtaking and is sure to impress even the most widely travelled runner with its sheer splendour. Beware; running down the pass can prove punishing on tired legs. After the pass, the road becomes easy, forgiving and quite pleasant.
Loskop Dam is finally in sight. But before this race leaves you, it has one final, demanding gift, Varaday's Hill. It stands in wait at the 46-kilometre marker and it is here that the runners are separated from the joggers. At the end of every great race lies a great hill. Varaday's is the one at Loskop. Be warned, it is long and tiring and even the most seasoned athlete can be reduced to walking. If you failed to show sufficient respect up Buggers Hill or were too excessive through the Kranspoort Valley, you will pay for it at Varaday’s. Once over this difficult obstacle the final run into the resort is pleasant and welcome. The Loskop Dam now spread before you tells you that you are at last home, here lies the finish. This is a race well worth the effort.
FACILITES
The finish at the Forever Resort at Loskop is superb and there is a swimming pool to cool your aching muscles. Bring your own braai or picnic basket and make a day of it.