Race Report - Spring Trail Run, Knorhoek Wine Farm

Today we had the privilege of Running from Knorhoek wine Farm in the Stellenbosch winelands.

But first a bit about the farm and the area we are going to run in. Like I said on my weekly blog you need a special permit to run here and it does not happen very often that events do get held here. So jumped at the opportunity.

Knorhoek Wine Farm, located in the Stellenbosch region of South Africa, has a rich history dating back to the late 17th century. Originally established as a farm in 1692, it has undergone various transformations over the years. The name "Knorhoek" translates to "croaking corner," which refers to the frogs that inhabit the area.

The farm has been dedicated to viticulture since the early 1900s, with a focus on producing high-quality wines. Over the decades, it has evolved into a prominent producer, known for its diverse range of wines, including reds, whites, and blends. The picturesque landscapes, combined with a commitment to sustainable farming practices, have made Knorhoek a beloved destination for wine enthusiasts.

Today, Knorhoek Wine Farm is celebrated not only for its wines but also for its stunning scenery and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular spot for tastings, events, and relaxation in the heart of the Cape Winelands.

The Simonsberg Conservancy is a protected area located in the Cape Winelands of South Africa, near Stellenbosch. Established to promote conservation and sustainable land use, it encompasses diverse ecosystems, including fynbos, renosterveld, and agricultural landscapes.

The conservancy aims to preserve the unique flora and fauna of the region while balancing agricultural practices, particularly viticulture. It includes various wine farms and promotes eco-friendly farming methods, biodiversity conservation, and responsible tourism.

In addition to environmental protection, the Simonsberg Conservancy encourages community involvement and education, fostering a greater appreciation for the natural heritage of the area. It serves as a model for sustainable land management, highlighting the importance of protecting natural resources while supporting local economies.

RACE REPORT

Now that we know more about the area and where I ran lets get going on some of the race details and scenery.

For those that has done some of the races with Dirtopia Trail Centre, the organisers of the Spring trail run, knows that their routes are known for a wide variety of terrain and then hills. Yes hills.

What makes this part of the winelands different is the single track and the vast amount of it on this mountain.

With A chilly 9 degree start to the morning we all stood there ready to go. Anticipating a run that we are all going to love. Like normal the field speed off like a rocket taking us out the farm past some of the working buildings and into the bush just behind the one workshop, and surprize surprize, a our first hill within 500m.

With this being a workout and not just a race, the plan was to do my threshold and above intervals or HR running as I was planning on doing.

But as you can see it gave us a couple of seconds to actually enjoy the scenery we are going into. With it being a bit cloudy you couldn't see the mountain we are about to go in.

The normal bits of mud after our winter was on the menu for the next km or so as we passed the back end of the working farm while they are busy pruning vines. Friendly greetings and faces as we passed them.

Here we got to the split for the long and the short route and as you can see the start of the single track up the mountain. Not going to lie to you. My legs were SCREAMING at this stage. After Sunday's hike, my quads, calves and glutes were not happy with my current activity.

Experience has taught me though that you just have to keep moving because somewhere they realise the won't fall off and they go.

Winding up, up and more up between the tree's on the slopes of the mountain. I passed about 10-15 people on this piece of uphill, very happy with the stance of my body at this stage.

With a Short respite and some gravel road to just remind us that we are not at the top just yet and back into the single track we went.

This Carried on, vineyard, single track, vineyard, singletrack till we got to about 5km, maybe a bit more, we then went left on a semi 90 degree upward climb and there in the distance I could see the water point, that was at about 6/6.5km.

With some lefts, rights, some more ups and downs we made our way towards the dams.

I was not to phased about the waterpoint because the run was only 11km and I carry enough fuel of my own for a run like this.

Scenery and more scenery greeted us as we made our way down to the dam.

Just passed the dam and I looked to the left and could see that we are now going back up that hill to the house at the top, the one that looks like a ridgeline LOL.

With my legs mind and body now all having come to the party realising that we are having fun and they will not fall off. We were honestly going like a boeing...in my terms anyway.

This time more single track greeted us and the undulating terrain made it really easy to keep going to with my speed hike up the hills (legs still telling me you climbed 1000m on Sunday) and then running down and around the bends. This ensuring I keep my HR in the zones it needed to be for this session and I get some speed and pacing back from the slower start.

Honestly the pictures doesn't bring justice to the scenery, I am hoping though that I am giving you a glimpse of what we experienced.

Out up and over the hill we were treated to spectacular cloud formations and my soul was just so happy that I am able to by grace to this.

Now we were at about 8km and I knew now that we needed to start turning back to the farm to finish.

More lush greenery and soft under foot single track as we wound our way down to the finish line.

The race didn't go totally without its hiccups, at 9km, taking a quick water and walk break, I looked at my watch realising that I have just made up more than a minute per km average since hitting the single track after the water station.

My foot Clipped a tree stump and BOOM... yes hit the floor. Luckily no damage and just a giggle and self reprimand to look where I am going and not at the time.

Here the short route joined in on our route and I passed some of the back markers of the short route saying hallo to everyone as we made our way down.

10km we had to negotiate a fallen tree and the last 500m was pure mud. I loved every second of it.

With a happy heart and filled soul Crossed the finish line within my time goal. A bit on wine could be had with some boeries at the line.

Photo above from the official Photographer of the race.

GEAR:

Shoes - Brooks Cascadia 16 - Love love love my shoe's. They are fairly new and it took a lot of research before deciding this is the shoe I want to run in.

This is a highly personal thing and your running style, body weight, foot build all makes a difference.

What I can say is, if you are ever in the market for a sturdy, supporting neutral trail shoe, with decent traction. YOU will not be disappointed. Not once during the run today and the hike on Sunday did I wonder if my foot was going to stay where I planted it.

SHORTS - Funky Pants SA

PACK - Aonijie Trail hydration pack.

NUTRITION - Herbalife

RACE DETAILS - 11km - 8.5km single track, 300m ascent and 300m decent , Total Run Time 1:35 Pace Average 8:42/km. Session Aim - Threshold and above running, achieved.

Photo Credits: Myself with Iphone XR

Thank you for joining me on my adventures!