The 2025 K-Way Sky Run will be remembered as the shortest ever, unfortunately missing most of the iconic mountain highs, because of the forces of nature.
The Sky Run bills itself as the beacon for mountain runners seeking the ultimate challenge, but this year the race director Adrian Saffy had some tough decisions to make, out of respect for the mountains, given the weather conditions. The first call was to move the start from Lady Grey to the Wartrail Country Club, where the race finishes. With this the100km route was shortened to 90km, which made Chad glad, while the 65km was increased to 71km, which made MJ sad. Then on race day the predicted weather arrived, and it was really bad. Thunderstorms. Lightening. Hail. Rain. Wind. Mud. And more mud. Making things treacherous underfoot, soaking and chilling all to the core; ensuring it would still be a ‘hell-of-a-run’.
Only the first 4 runners went over ‘The Wall,’ a brutal climb that defines both the short and long course. They were almost hypothermic, and a further decision was made to keep all the other runners in the valley and reroute everyone back to Wartrail, so in the end they all did the same short course of about 39km. While the race director noted the disappointment of the shortened race, he was heartened by the majority of the feedback being positive, that in the end the right decision was made.
First home from Dabs was Rob Crichton who made the top 10 in 5hours 22. Well done Roberto, sporting a bad Mo, like most of his running mates. Next home were brothers in arms Mark Garden and Ryan Rodda who finished together inside the top 20, then behind them was Rob’s friend Vicky, then MJ, and further back we had Chad finishing with Kate in just over 9 hours. Sadly we also had two DNF’s – sorry boys – next year. All have epic war stories to tell, but some are already saying they didn’t do the real thing; come-on Ryno, be nice….
As always there are the sideline critics when races are changed; or not changed. Most recently, the Cape Town Marathon was cancelled for winds that blew themselves away before the race started. In paddling we have had Umko’s shortened and SA Surfski Champs rerouted to go up river, where some breathed huge sighs of relief and others complained bitterly. Then we have had other races where wild life was seen at the start, but they still went on. For all the decisions there’s always the question: ‘was this soft, sensible or silly?’ Many will say that our roads are more dangerous than any of these forces of nature, that we must all make our own decisions towards living our best life – but spare a thought for the race organisers – and respect all those helpers who are out there for you. Next year will be the 30th running of this epic event. Will you be there?
Up next – it was supposed to be the Vaal Marathon, and it looked like there was going to be good water, but with 8 sluice gates now open and over 1000cumecs racing down the river, the organisers have had postponed this. A new date will be shared as soon as possible.
Till next time – Go Dabs!