When you take on this race there is a contract that you must make with yourself. If ever you are reduced to a walk; you will do this with dignity and with pride. For here you will need this contract. The opening stages of the run are pleasant enough, run along the dam towards the wall. One needs to take care here; if the dam is full the high water may have you splashing through unseen obstacles that may cause problems later on. This is a good time to collect your composure for the task that lies ahead. The route crosses over the river and takes you into the welcome shade of the mountain on a well maintained gravel road. There is a gradual yet steady climb for about six kilometres. Before you lies the fearsome Thaba Diafella. ‘Klaar Gepraat’, the mountain that silences all argument. The climb is brutal, over 200 metres in just less than two kilometres. Here a tradition is born. Pick up a stone, look the monster in the eye and make your way to the summit.

At the top is an ever growing pile of stones placed there by the brave souls that took on “Thaba Diafella” and did not lose their nerve. Deposit your stone on the pile and promise the mountain that you will return next year. On the top of this notorious hill is beautiful scenery with the Loskop dam down below on your right and the Loskop Valley on the left, stop running, or shuffling and enjoy this scene. This is a run with a difference and the testing hills are easily forgotten.

Here you may encounter buffalo, giraffe, warthog and various other species. Here, game warden replaces marshal; here you run free. You return the same way below the dam and run towards the dam wall. Once more one needs to take care here; if the dam is full the high water may have you splashing through unseen obstacles that may cause problems later on and with the last unexpected surprise of Hill Forever with less than a kilometre to the finish. For the observant, admire the magnificent hand built stone wall. An experience, what an experience!