Xstrata Long Tom Ultra Marathon
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| Date: |
27 March 2010 |
| Time: |
06h00 |
| Organisers: |
Xstrata Longtom Steering Committee |
| Distance: |
56; ; |
| Province: |
Mpumalanga |
| Start: |
Sybrand Van Niekerk High School
Main Street Sabie
Lydenburg High School |
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| Enquiries: |
Contact 1: Loma v d Walt
(W) 012-3462400
(F) 012-3467725
(C) 082-5579604
(Email) loma@antsevents.com |
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| Entry Details: |
This race is strictly pre-entry and no late entries will be taken on the evening before the race or on race day. Faxed and postal entries must be accompanied by confirmation of payment. Registration of entries will be confirmed by e-mail or SMS. Race numbers can be collected from Lydenburg High School on the Friday before the race between 14h00 and 22h00 or from Sabie Town Hall from 05h00 on race day.
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| Route Description: |
Route Type: Point to point
From the start in Sabie, the climbing begins. The morning is cool, the mist is a carpet, and the St Joseph's lilies are in full bloom. This is a journey, not only of the body, but also back into the hazy, distant past. The pull out of Sabie must be taken at a relaxed and easy pace, for the climbing is relentless and unforgiving. The highest point at Mauchsberg is over 1000 metres higher than the start, and it is 37 kilometres away. Look back over your shoulder, and if the mist has not yet dissipated, Sabie lies below, enveloped in a shroud of mystery.
The first land-mark to aim for is the Long Tom cannon, placed about 20-kilometres into the race. Here we are reminded of the turbulence of times long since forgotten. The pass was named after the famous cannon the Boers used to try to dislodge the British from Lydenburg in a battle in September 1900. The British were out-gunned and out-manoeuvred by a cunning General Botha and his famous four-wheeled long range artillery. On 11 September 1900, after the battle was over, Botha passed successfully through the pass with his men and the Long Toms.
The sun beats down on weary bodies as the climb continues. The hills are silent and unforgiving as you start to dig deep. The challenge of the Long Tom lies on this slope. Just when tired limbs can take no more, a sign stating 2150 metres above sea level at Mauchsberg marks the end of an epic climb. It is a good time to raise your arms in victory, as you have overcome the most steadfast barrier. This is arguably the hardest climb in any South African ultra.
In the hazy distance below lies the town of Lydenburg. Founded in 1850 by a company of Voortrekkers under their leader Andries Potgieter, it still boasts some of the best-preserved Zuid Afrikaanse and old Transvaal architecture in the country. Aptly, Lydenburg means "place of suffering" and it is down these steep slopes one must pass with tired body and aching legs. Finally, the town welcomes exhausted, but happy athletes. All have passed over a mighty hurdle; all have overcome a part of themselves. All know themselves a little better. This is a run of exquisite beauty in every way possible.
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| Prizes and Give-Aways: |
| The first three men and women get cash prizes. The first 10 men and women home win gold medals; the next 50 men and 50 women win silver. All other finishers get bronze medals. |
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| Course Records: |
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Name |
Time |
Year |
| Men |
Simon Malinoi |
03:30:28 |
1999 |
| Women |
Ann Chester |
04:23:10 |
1998 |
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| Editor's Notes: |
The Xstrata Long Tom Ultra Marathon has been consistently ranked by the Runner’s World race judges as a well organised and well presented event. Over the last four years it achieved distinction as South Africa’s second best race overall. It was also voted the second best ultra marathon.
The Xstrata Long Tom Ultra Marathon will be run for the 23rd time in 2010. Both the organisers and sponsors are promising an extra-special race this year. Standards set in this race are consistently high, and it is an ultra that deserves its place among the top 10 races in South Africa. Tables are well appointed and the festivities at the end rival any big race on the calendar. Visit www.longtom.info for more information.
For Comrades runners, this is a training run like no other. The Long Tom is recognised by runners such as Deon Holtzhauzen, Chris Reyneke and even Nick Bester, as a course that is every bit as challenging as the Comrades.
Finishers: 454 Time Limit: 08:00 |
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