Saturday 5 May 2012, Magnetic South Course Director, Chris Crewdson, was joined by three members of the crack MCSA Mountain Rescue team (a committed bunch of absolute ROCK STARS) based in the Plett/Crags area who volunteer their services year on year to provide a super solid safety net for this special event. Andrew, Melanie and Gerrit from MCSA Mtn Rescue, worked on creating the foundations for this years RETTO ROUTE pace chart, while taking note of potential dangers along the trail. Chris focussed on safety management issues and in addition, as part of our on-going role to assist SANParks compiled our independant trail and hut audit that is used by SANParks to help manage their on-going maintenance required on the route and at the overnight huts.

 

From a training perspective, Chris prepared for his run, entirely within the confines of the Braamfontien Spruit and Westcliff Steps in Johannesburg.

“Being based up here from beginning of Feb until end of August, I have to say this was my most comfortable run out of the eleven I have done on the Otter to date. Living at altitude gives one a definite advantage when having to perform at sea level. We may not have the terrain up here, that I have been used to back home on the Garden Route, but the Westcliff Steps in combination with regular runs on the Spruit was no less ideal than what I have available in Knysna. A tip to those not having access to technical terrain – run on the traffic islands or pavements which are packed with loose rocks – this has kept my ankles nimble enough for another Otter and helping keep the momentum over uneven terrain !!”

 

Pic courtesy of Petrus Maree