Sunday 21 November 2010

Niel Joubert Plaaswedloop

November in the Western Cape has some fantastic runs one of my favourite races of the year is the Niel Joubert Plaaswedloop a 13km race.



A person can approach this a race in several ways. Too seriously and as a jol. Having just completed the Winelands Marathon a few days before I am leaning towards the later. What this race has going for it is that is at that time of year when summer has set in properly, a unique route, the wine tasting during the race and the party afterwards.

 

For the last few years the finish medals were glued to a full bottle of wine, looking at the race flyer this still is the case. The first year I ran the race never got a medal because they were limited to the first 1000. I guess that is what you get when you run injured against medical advise.

There are two hills that you really need to experience for yourself.  In previous years they had signs on the route, I missed them last year.The first is a Bultjie and the second is a Moerse Bult, with signs posted saying "Real runners walk here".


Get there early as arriving late means you will not be able to park until everyone has run past after the race has started.
Last 3km - high Tripping Potential
Bring picnic or buy food there but staying afterwards is what is is all about.

Route:Distance: +-13.0km
Grade: Extremely steep
Climb: +437.5 / -454.9
Surface: Jeep Track: 100%
Technical: 2/5
Organized by: Sanlam Running Club
Flyer: Neil Joubert flyer - PDF
Route Elevation Profile

KML: Google Map of the Route.


View Neil Joubert Plaaswedloop in a larger map

To find out more about Neil Joubert wines go to Neil Joubert Wines

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