The Dryland Traverse has long been a semi-secret, core, trail running event. It boasts three full stages and a Prologue through the iconic Cango Caves, with the renowned warm hospitality which defines Dryland Event Management along with its loyal partners, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all participants. Plus, it features one of the wildest Saturday night parties in any stage race, ahead of the final stage. For years, however, it remained an event the Southern and Eastern Cape locals raved about, but which never quite hit the trail running mainstream\u2026 until German star Marcel Ho\u0308che and New Zealand\u2019s Daniel Jones were invited into the African hinterland by Capetonian and their fellow TERREX teammate, Bianca Tarboton.<\/p>\n
Once they were in the Klein Karoo, the Swartberg Mountains worked their dark magic, intoxicating the visitors with their beauty. It was not just the internationals who were wowed by the jagged peaks, deep green gorges, babbling brooks, and pristine fynbos. South Africans were blown away too, reminded repeatedly how spectacular this country\u2019s natural beauty truly is.<\/p>\n
\u201cStarting at the Cango Caves is incredibly special,\u201d mountain biker turned trail runner for the weekend, Nicola Freitas noted. \u201cAs you run into the cave it feels like you\u2019re in another world, with the dim lighting softly illuminating the rock formations. It\u2019s incredible to see, I slowed down to take it all in and I loved it. Where else do you get to run into a cave like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Cango Caves are a cultural and natural landmark, as well as the biggest show cave system in Africa. It is however just the beginning of the Dryland Traverse adventure. Stage 1 started atop the Swartberg Pass and included a jeep track traverse of a high ridgeline before descending on a technical trail to the De Hoek Resort race village. The next day took in a more undulating, 25.6 kilometre route, with numerous stream crossings.<\/p>\n
Due to the heavy rainfall earlier in the week the streams were swollen to rivers and some of the crossings became more adventurous than they typically would be. The Karoo sun was out in full force though and the opportunity to cool off was appreciated all round.<\/p>\n
Jones was equally impressed. \u201cI had a really great time here at Dryland Traverse,\u201d the Kiwi drawled. \u201cThe people, the trails, the atmosphere\u2026 to be fair this whole event has just been unreal. We had some good racing too with Underson [Ncube] and John [April], they pushed us hard every day.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve done more than 10, I think,\u201d April acknowledged. \u201cAlmost always with different partners, and I\u2019ve always been on the podium. But my favourite part of the event is the people. Being able to rest and recover with your fellow trail runners, to chat about the day and about life in general. It\u2019s not like a marathon or a single day trail run where everyone runs and goes home straight away. It\u2019s a whole weekend of running and enjoying the camaraderie.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI think the big thing about this event is not the performance aspect, but rather the community aspect. It has atmosphere in spades,\u201d Jones pointed out. \u201cWe\u2019ve had lots of good yarns with the other runners and the food has been amazing. We\u2019ve had great local, traditional, foods. And of course, we had the fancy dress party last night\u2026 which is why I sound a little bit dusty. But, hey, I had a great time getting hooked in to the old brandy and cokes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite sampling the local drinks as well as the local foods Jones and Ho\u0308che were able to maintain their stage winning streak and add a fourth victory to their haul from the Dryland Traverse. The TERREX team\u2019s winning margin over the Oudtshoorn locals, Ncube and April, was 7 minutes and 1 second after the four days. They were joined on the podium by Louis le Grange and Johardt van Heerden.<\/p>\n
In the mixed category Tarboton cantered to the title with her boyfriend, Robbert Tweddle. \u201cI\u2019ve had the best weekend at Dryland Traverse, it exceeded all my expectations,\u201d Tarboton grinned. \u201cEverything from the food, to the runs, the after party, and just the general atmosphere was amazing. I felt very privileged to be a part of it and I\u2019ll definitely be a part of it again in years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
South African\u2019s Landie and Christiaan Greyling made their Dryland Traverse return after a 7 year absence and won the solo women\u2019s and men\u2019s competitions, respectively. \u201cIt\u2019s great to be back at Dryland Traverse and to be welcomed like family by the Dryland crew,\u201d Christiaan Greyling praised. \u201cI think more elite athletes should come and run here ahead of Ultra Trail Cape Town, not just the locals but also the internationals who could then blend a good race with some sight seeing too.\u201d<\/p>\n
For more information on the spectacular Dryland Traverse visit www.drylandtraverse.co.za. Recap on all the action from the Cango Caves and the trails of the Swartberg Mountains on the event\u2019s social media handles, Dryland Traverse on Facebook and @drylandtraverse on Instagram.<\/p>\n
Photo: Daniel Jones (leading) and Marcel Ho\u0308che descending to victory on Stage 1 of the 2024 Dryland Traverse.\u00a0 by Oakpics.com<\/em><\/p>\n 2024 Dryland Traverse Results:<\/p>\n Men\u2019s Teams:<\/p>\n TERREX: Marcel Ho\u0308che & Daniel Jones (4:49:45) Women\u2019s Teams:<\/p>\n Zebras: Nadia Enslin & Karen Wentzel (7:23:21) Mixed Teams:<\/p>\n TERREX: Bianca Tarboton & Robert Tweddle (5:54:04) Solo Men:<\/p>\n Christiaan Greyling (5:39:20) Solo Women:<\/p>\n Landie Greyling (5:46:48)
\nOudtshoorn Locals: Underson Ncube & John April (4:56:47 | +7:01)
\nVert.co \u2013 Xplorers: Louis le Grange & Johardt van Heerden (5:37:42 | +47:56)<\/p>\n
\nTwinzees: Elrita Blignaut & Hanri Wagener (7:29:37 | +6:16)
\nTough Cookies: Britt Milne & Diane Jonker (8:02:56 | +39:35)<\/p>\n
\nLast Minute: Julius de Clercq & Rose de Jonge (6:43:24 | +49:20)
\nNet 1 Bier: Andre Gerber & Eugenie Lombard (7:14:42 | +1:20:38)<\/p>\n
\nJacques Mouton (6:45:12 | +1:05:52)
\nMichael Strauss (6:50:10 | +1:10:50)<\/p>\n
\nChantel von Saint Ange (6:56:38 | +1:09:50)
\nDonnae Broeksma (7:07:39 | +1:20:51)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"