Stanley’s Lighthouse Run

Dom Wills / 02.06.2011

Trail runners in South Africa recently took part in the extreme SPUR Stanley's Mountain Run, near Towerkop in Ladismith, Western Cape.

The race is described by adventure photographer and journalist Jacques Marais as “as the most technical mountain course on offer in South Africa ..” and was named a dynamo-driven light put up by 'Oom Stanley' to monitor the town of Ladismith's water supply high up in the rugged reaches of the Swartberg ranges.

The race is 24km long was won by defending champion Dom Wills in a time of 2 hours 36 minutes – a rapid time given that the distance includes 1410m of ascent. Race organiser Ugene Nel commented, “I’m not sure Dom even saw the tricky/technical/slippery/precipices/cliffs/rock slides/boulder fields - he moved pretty fast. Not easy for this tough mountain challenge and considering the conditions under foot! The back marker came in near on 6 hours...”

Here is Dom’s report on the race;

The 2011 Stanley’s run was preceded by some days of great rains which caused the rivers above Ladismith to run so fast that Oom Stanley’s hydro powered light was visible for more than 10km outside of the town.

There was a ‘warm’ berg wind during the night, which kept the temperatures from venturing too much below freezing. There was a little snow on the top peaks, but the morning was cool and conditions were great for the group of brave runners that lined up. I say brave, because anyone who is still up for conquering the mountain after Ugene Nel’s race briefing has truly had to consider whether their life policies are up to date.

The race got off to a brisk start. In my mind, Ugene designed the opening 3km of jeep track as a ‘yawn and stretch’ period, because as we all know, trail runners don’t do prior warm ups.

The main climb of the day begins early into the race and before long a brisk run becomes a brisk walk with hands on knees. Towards the top of the climb, one encounters Stanley’s light, which is a very impressive engineering feat and has survived everything from fynbos fires to baboon raids. But most pay little attention to the engineering nuances here, as spleen in hand, one tackles the toughest and steepest part of the course.

A roped section brings one over a slippery section to the top of the climb and one has to be prepared to face the famous ‘Trevor cam’ for an obligatory race comment. It was also an honour to have award winning Jacques Marais, doing sterling work behind the lens. These guys had to be up and hiking before dawn in minus temperatures in order to get there - but all the runners very much appreciate the little lift at this tough point in the race.