VOB’s time trial can best be described as ‘challenging’. It runs mostly through the quiet, tree-lined streets of the neighbouring suburb, but has a number of 90? corners which slow you down fractionally. More importantly, it features a bit of hill work, so don’t expect the fastest times. It’s not all up, though, and one downhill in particular will have you reaching for the handbrake as you approach the bottom corner.
For a first-timer, it is essential to run with somebody who knows the route, because you’re likely to get lost or be led astray otherwise. The route includes a couple of loops with the course repeating one section where the faster runners will lap the slower runners. Also, as you come back to the clubhouse, you need to re-enter the sports grounds through the back gate. If you don’t know where this is, you’ll end up taking the long way round. Fortunately, with a group of up to 70 runners lining up each week, you should have somebody to follow the whole way. This is a route on which you need to look up at least once to take in the view. On a clear day, you can make out fine details of the iconic Table Mountain, and on windy days you’ll be treated to views of the ‘tablecloth’ of clouds rolling over the top of the peaks.
Times are posted on the club notice board and website within a week. And of course, like any decent running club, the bar is open for a cold one after the run!
Address: False Bay Rugby Club, Constantia Main Road (same turn-off as the Virgin Active Club), Constantia, Cape Town
When: Wednesday at 18:00
Distance: 5km
DIFFICULTY RATING: 3 OUT OF 5
