PHOTOS: Runners sweat it out in the Merrell Autumn Day Run at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden

Runners meant business when they took part in the Merrell Autumn Day Run, going up, over, around, back and down the mountain.

Hosted by Mountain Runner Events, the trail run featured 20km, 12km and 6km routes that went through the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Poortview, up the mountain and then climbed the ridges adjoining Hobby Park, in Muldersdrift, before coming back down past the iconic waterfall and back to the start.

Twenty-three marshals were spread across the course to ensure that no one got lost and all injuries were attended to.

To everyone’s pleasure, the run on 12 March even attracted the interest of the pair of black eagles that have made their home in the botanical garden, and once or twice the pair circled above the runners, perhaps curious as to what was happening.

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“The day was a major success,” said event organiser, Graham Bird. “We had 600 runners pull through for the different events. We cannot wait for the next run in August.”

With beautiful scenery, a crisp, clear morning, pumping music and coffee, there was something for everyone. A 2km run was also held for children.

“It was a good run, I really enjoyed it,” said 20km run winner, Tranquil Gumbo, who won in 1:30:57.

Christopher Conroy (18) who finished second in the 12km run, joked that he was part of the lead pack that, when they reached the first steep uphill, just looked at each other and silently agreed to all walk that part.

“It was one of the most scenic runs I have done, but hard. By the end you feel like you’re running on marbles,” he said.

For Thea-Mari Franken, the run was well marked and very organised.

Phiweonkosi Mokoena won the 12km run in 0:58:55 and Ntokozo Mokwane won the 6km run in 0:29:08.

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