If results are determined as an indicator of performance, then traversing the inaugural 100 kilometre Pass2Pass Ultra-Trail was one of those races. But it is not always what one sees, as the marking on the finish sheet only indicates limited information. And other than finishing within a cut-off time, there is way more to any race than how fast one can do it in.

Driving the Bains' Kloof Pass enroute to the race registration - a particular section I would have to traverse in the last 10 kilometres of the race in the dead of night.

Known for his architectual feats in many a pass build in the mountainous South African landscape, the race traverses the magnificent Limetberg mountains between Bain's Kloof Pass and the more well known Du Toits Kloof Pass.

Starting and finishing at the Doolhof Wine Estate just outside Wellington, the route tagged the Groenberg Traverse in the clouds, left.

With a hiatus of 15 months since my last Ultra-Trail race due to some health challenges during 2024, there was an honest trepidation if I could pull this one off as so much in personal nutrition had changed. And the change seemed to produce fruit – not only in the finishing time! And then one cannot always compare one trail race another as there are so many variables to the variables.

With pretty much all underfoot type terrain that provided moments of giving the legs and feet some respite to those moments of relentless technical terrain that made running seemingly impossible, this race ebbed and flowed when it came to what it provided and one’s response to the challenge.

Add some unplanned for rain, wind, mist and more rain over some of the most beautiful Cape Fold Mountains of the Western Cape and it was a perfect mix of extremes to test that performance.

21 kilometres in and past Aid Station Welvanpas above and making my way through its winding mountain bike trails below.

Trail running through the biodiversitity of the Cape Floral Kingdom is always a privledge no matter the weather!

Scouts Hut below Aid Station Du Toits Kloof.

48 kilometres in and a needed clothes change at the windy, wet and cold Aid Station Du Toits Kloof with Josiah and Jethro above, and sock change below, on a very old, but effective cooler box!

For the next few hours it was about knuckling down (and unable to take many photographs) as the race became a little more serious and uncomfortable as heading into the higher altitudes with strong winds, very cold temperatures and becoming more and more saturated from heavy rain.

Aid Station Kromrivier Hut at 66 kilometres reminded me of the refugios of European trails - don't stick around too long or even dare to peak inside, as one may not be able to leave especially in this weather! Refuel and then just get on with traversing and cirumnavigating the rocky, remote and exposed Krom River Dome, top of photograph.

2025 introduced the 100 kilometre distance for the first time to the array of distances on offer.

Special, yet welcomed intersection to warm skin and heart: a break in the rain and clouds provided a brilliant sunset above as making my way to Aid Station Mcbains at 75 kilometres below, where warm soup awaits before the last 25 kilometres, part of which traverses the old Limetberg Trail.

Taking just over three hours off my last 100 kilometre Ultra-Trail race time some 5 and a half years earlier with similar elevation gain of around 4000 metres may not be enough evidence of improved performance as each and every trail race is beautifully unique and special.

Results (17th out of 26)