All three routes traverse sections of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, Orangekloof, Llandudno, Hout Bay, the Constantia Winelands, upper slopes of Kirstenbosch Nature Reserve and Devil's Peak, which form part of the iconic natural world heritage site and one of the new Natural Seven Wonders of the World. All three consist of technical terrain, with big climbs and tough descents. They are the utlimate test of a trail runner's abilities and the 100km is a bucket list kind of thing.
We caught up with last year's 65km winner, Megan Mackenzie, who will be taking on the 100km for the first time this year and found out what makes her tick.
[Discoverctwc]: You in a nutshell. Who you are, what you do and where you come from.
[Megan]: I’m a trail runner and part time remedial therapist living in Cape Town. I am originally from Natal where I grew up with my family. I was lucky enough to enjoy a very outdoorsy childhood, attending boarding school in the Midlands allowed me to try every sport and be outside with friends a lot.
Where did your running journey begin?
I’ve been running pretty much all my life! I ran cross country all through school and never really stopped. Running is in my family, I never thought about not being a runner! I began running competitively about five years ago and although I compete now, I really run for the love of mountains and adventure.
Who are you influenced by?
My family are a big influence in my life. My mum and dad have instilled fun-loving, happy and adventurous values in my brother and myself. My husband is another incredible influence, he turns every day into something fun, he makes me see the lighter side of life! I’m also very inspired by our trail community in South Africa. Kane Reilly and Robyn Owen are constant voices in my head – I follow their lead a lot of the time!
How important is it for Cape Town, and the Western Cape, to have an event like Ultra Trail Cape Town?
Oh wow, very important! Cape Town has the resources to be a trail running Mecca! It’s an up-and-coming sport, booming all over the world, and Cape Town is the perfect place to host such an incredible race on the World Tour. It’s really special for our community to be involved. Very uplifting indeed.
What is your favourite training route in Cape Town and the Western Cape?
That’s a tough question, there are so many! I love Kloof Corner Ridge, and a host of other ‘scrambly’ routes on Table Mountain. I also love the ‘big mountain’ feel of Jonkershoek and the adventure it provides. For regular weekday training, my usual route is up Pats Track (which is 200m from my home) and onto the mountain from there.
This will be your first 100km race? How are you approaching it?
Indeed it is! I’m approaching it as I approach most challenges, with a brave smile and a ‘no matter what it’ll be one big long adventure’. I’ve never done this distance, but everyone has to start somewhere right? And for me, there’s no better way to start than in my own backyard with my friends and family to cheer me on.
Discoverers never cease to seek out the inspiring, they are hungry for new experiences and leave no stone unturned. What makes you a “Discoverer”?
I don’t often say no to experiences. I think that sums it up.... In addition to seeking out my own challenges and pursuing dream destinations and races, I also hop onto other people’s ideas without a second thought. That’s gotten me some pretty darn cool experiences! I’ll try anything (apart from something silly like squirrel suit flying!)
Finally, what is your hope for the future?
Another good question... More adventure, more travel, more exploring and more mountains!
For more on the UTCT: https://www.ultratrailcapetown.com/
