Helderberg Mountain Challenge (HMC) 2015

Our trail grading: BROWN 7C
Distance: 24.1km
Extremeness: A number of tough climb and very technical single track
Location: Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Joggers: Me and 200 other crazy runners

This morning I completed my first Helderberg Mountain Challenge! Since I've run parts of this route for years, it has been on my bucket list. Knowing the routes did help a bit, but nothing can prepare you for the relentless climbing! And when you eventually get down, jelly legs does not help. The route is fairly crazy and it takes you up Porcupine Buttress twice, onto West Peak twice and also to the Dome. We had amazing weather and views... what more can an extreme jogger ask for?!

West Peak - the first time

More runners coming up West Peak

The view form West Peak

The first down-hill

View towards Somerset West, Strand & Gordon's Bay

Hitting traffic the second time up Porcupine Buttress

View towards Cape Town and Table Mountain

The final climb... the highest check-point visible!

On the Dome

Looking towards Lourensford

Dome Checkpoint Staff!

2nd time up West Peak!

HMC 24km map

HMC 24km Altitude profile


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