A good turnout of 37 runners met at the Silvermine North gate in a surprisingly strong chill wind.The three group leaders were briefed on the variations on the route and lead the way up the River Walk - the Slower group taking a very minor detour right off the bat...
This route is a winner in every way. A gentle gradient for the first couple of kilometres means that the usual initial huffing and puffing is absent and cheery conversation can be maintained until the zigzags are reached. The trees along the boardwalks provide a shadowy canopy that's pretty and sheltered. A few of the Medium group decided to run up the zigzag jeep track, others simply took the short cut up the steps, but all arrived at the top of the first section feeling pleasantly warm and slightly breathless.
The Medium group's return route was the Crassula Path, so we climbed up the single track ably lead by Theo, albeit slightly less chatty than we had been earlier, and enjoyed the stunning views on either side of the crest.
The Fast group did the route in reverse and popped up to Elephant's Eye for a quick look-see on the way back. All of us enjoyed a dip in the dam at before heading back to the cars down the River Walk again.It was good to see so much water in the dam!
Distances & times were:
- Fast group: 14.2kms in 2h32
- Medium group: 12.2kms in 2h23
- Slow group: 7kms, time TBA
Thanks to Julian, Theo, Gae, Liz, Nora & Allison for leading, and to Liz for the beautiful photos.
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