Healthy Habits Race Reports

Land Rover Centurion Mountain Monster Trail Run #2 : Hakahana Trails

Sep 13, 2017

by Jani du Toit

Comments: 0

Event Name: Land Rover Centurion Mountain Monster Trail Run #2

Date Held: 27 Aug 2017

Distances: 20km / 10km / 5km

Venue: Hakahana Trails

Website: Hakahana Trails

On 27 Aug 2017 we took part in the Land Rover Centurion mountain monster #2 at Hakahana Trails. Hakahana Trails is located approximately 15km west of Pretoria, next to Gerotek and on route to Hartbeespoort dam. This ex-horse farm is a truly tranquil setting, consisting of huge paddocks, riverine ecology and pristine bushveld koppies. The Hakahana Trails Network traverses over 40 properties enabling a unique, safe and diverse riding/running experience, mostly on custom-built single track in pristine bushveld surrounds.While Hakahana will give you a super outing and running experience for the family, Hakahana trails is particularly recommended for its challenging trails and technical terrain.

It was a nice and early morning with the sun shining and not too much wind – It’s nice that it’s finally moving into spring and summer. I was even able to run without any long sleeves or a jacket – felt nice and free.The set up was really nice and the venue beautiful. There were good clean bathrooms, and food stalls – Kellogg’s where even there giving out nice Muesli and yogurt to everyone before and after the race.

It was still a little chilly as the race started, and I was unsure about my decision to leave my jacket in the car, but luckily I did, because it heated up really fast.

We started the race nice and flat with a few dips and loops along the track as we made out way into the wild. The music started to disappear as runners made their way into comfortable paces.

The previous Mountain monster was very flat, the track was vet and it was freezing. Sunday’s race was quite the opposite. It was nice and hot, the track was very dry and the route was anything but flat.

I found this route to be amazing, I was doing the 10km and I was enjoying it so much, My pace was perfect and everything seemed to be working out. I had energy that I haven’t had in months which was very nice.

I stopped at the very well stocked Water point. Juice, cold drinks, water and yummy sweets! Perfect, I stopped and had a chat with Marianne after which she gestured to me to get going as I wasn’t too far behind the leading ladies! I couldn’t believe it! This was my first race in weeks and I hadn’t bargained on doing too well, let alone maybe getting a place?

Of I went, up hil, up up up. Again feeling full of energy, stuffing my face with the yummy jelly sweets I grabbed at the water point.

My legs were actually challenged by the uphill, but luckily the race had a lot of up and downs so I could recover on the decents. I kept peeking over my shoulder to see if there was someone behind me. There were horses on the farm, and at some point they started to get a little spooked, and trotted in circles, it was quite amazing to see. There was a few technical parts and I reached a steep up hill and overtook a young girl, still feeling strong the up hill dropped into a decent, really was amazing and lots of fun.

As you come closer to the end we merged with the ladies and gents of the 5km, they all looked pretty fresh as the music at the finish line started to come back.

I ended my race 10.6km in 59min, I was very impressed, tired but it was a good tired. A feeling I haven’t felt in a long time. I had some Back to Basics Recovery drink and waited for familiar faced to come in.

A few people said they got lost and ran a shorter route, but the directions and indication to me was perfect, I wasn’t unsure on where to run at any point. All in all it was a very fun race, I felt amazing again, and I think I needed this race to get me back in the game.

I also met a another Instagram follower Anika from @1framepausebutton she is an Mother of 5 and Loves Trail running – I hope to still be running when I have that many kids! I also saw allot of old friends and fellow trail runners, it truly was a great race, well organised and good value for money!

Looking forward to the next race taking place on the 26 November 2017 at Modderfontein Reserve.

Below is all the race information, also follow links to online registrations!

MM#3: at Modderfontein Reserve 26 November 2017

Organized by Trail Hunter Events

Pre Entries (Closing 24 Nov 2017):
30km – R 210,00
13km – R 150,00
5km – R 100,00

Venue:
Central Park Trails Modderfontein

Start Times:
30Km: 07H00
13Km: 07H15
5Km: 07H30

Late Entries:
Available on the day at R30 extra fee

Registration:
05H30 at Moderfontein Reserve on race day

Medals:
All Finishers will receive a Land Rover Finisher Medal

• Limited To 800 Entries

Route Information

Hidden amongst the green rolling hills and savannah-like grasslands, lies the beautiful free flowing trail of the 275-hectare Modderfontein Reserve, perfect for Trail Runners

The event venue offers unbelievable views, superior trails that caters for all fitness levels and is well known family friendly venue — just a short drive from Sandton!

Terrain:

Hard Pack Single Track, Jeep Track, Savannah, Grasslands

General Information

Water Points:
Runners can look forward to amazing water points including: