NIGHT RUN: Rendezvous in the dark

RUNNING

Words: Mark Sampson, Thribe Media ǀ Photos: Mark Sampson & Peter Kirk

Rendezvous in the dark The spring edition of the Merrell Night Series powered by Black Diamond has come to a colourful end. Taking place over the first

three weeks of September – on Wednesday evenings – it proved very popular for those looking for a midweek sojourn. Due to logistics, the field is limited to 230 runners and each

week's capacity was reached, indicating the popularity of the series, which is what you would expect when combining military-like organisation, generous sponsors, and the great location of Simons Restaurant at Groot Constantia Wine Estate in Cape Town.

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Wednesdays also seemed to be the time when the fearsome Cape winter offered a respite from the torrential deluge and perfect evenings appeared for the runners as they lined up at the 6:45 p.m. start time. With headlamps glittering like miners about to enter the depths, race organiser, MC, and starter Tatum Prins set the runners off on a 5.5 or 8 km route. Each week the route changed to add some variety and allow the many return runners an opportunity to see the various corners of vineyards on the Groot Constantia Estate. Although relatively short distances, the hilly terrain offered an opportunity for some chest-burning hills on jeep and single track through the vineyards. A soothing glacéau vitaminwater greeted finishers at Simons Restaurant prior to settling in for a scrumptious burger special and the impending prize-giving.

For the more competitive at heart, the leaders of each distance are given points based on position over the three runs, allowing the more

consistent runners to rise to the top.

Overall log winners for the 5,5 km division were Devon Hansen for the gents and Paige Bolton for the ladies. The hotly contested 8 km log was snatched by Malcolm Hall in the men’s section and Anna Dubaniewicz ran away with it for the ladies .

It is questionable whether the sold-out tag was due to the run or the prize-giving, as this always proved to be a cacophony of laughter, clapping, and jeering. The free Groot Constantia wine on offer, supposedly for wine tasting, certainly had something to do with the excitable atmosphere. Those who didn’t manage to find a podium position were invited up by MC Tatum to embarrass themselves. Amused onlookers weren’t disappointed as various desperados emerged to add to their evening's exercise by doing a concoction of star jump and burpy variations for a free handout.

The series is ideal for those hoping to break the shackles of some well-earned winter weight and with a 5.5 and 8 km route, it caters for all level of runner.

But don’t be misled, it is not only for beginners, as the final race was graced by none other than Ryan Sandes, who won the 8 km division and added to add his seal of approval. Race organisers Graham Bird and Tatum Prins have certainly got it right with this recipe: Find 230 brave souls, give them a headlamp, and send them out into the darkness.

On their return journey, feed them great food, pickle them with wine, and douse them in prizes. The following week they are guaranteed to return!

The Merrell Night Series, undoubtedly one of the more unique trail running series in the country, has come to an end for this year. The next instalment is April 2014, see you there! •

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