Rattling the Spears, Rousing the Dragon
KWAZULU-NATAL / LESOTHO
23-25 APRIL 2021
Runners descend the notoriously rugged Sani Pass that links Lesotho’s eastern border to South Africa in this year’s Ultra-Trail Drakensberg. The 100km race plummets down the pass from the Lesotho border post, while the flagship 100 miler race challenges runners with 73km in Lesotho with altitudes often above 3,000m before partly descending the pass and wending nearly 100km more. Both are true mountain running giants.
Reflection Of The Soul
It gets quiet as reality sinks in during the shuttle ride to the 100 miler UTD160 start. You’re going to be taking on more than 160km of unknown. Of course you’re going to have your doubts. Kennedy Sekhuthe is lost in thought as he heads up Sani Pass.
It’s Nearly Go Time!
On the UTD160 start line at Sani Mountain Lodge, Andrew Erasmus and Linda Doke enjoy the warm morning sunshine and shelter from the wind they know is waiting for them on the exposed mountain flanks. Unfortunately, both runners withdrew: Andrew after falling onto rocks and injuring his hip, and Linda from altitude-related causes.
Two Tribes In The Mist
Mountain cultures vary around the world, but they all share a solidarity to look out for others. In the mist of UTD160, these two Basotho
