Some years ago we lived on a small farm in Drummond, on the western side of Durban, South Africa. It is about 40 KM inland from Durban.
It is a beautiful area situated in the well-known Valley of a Thousand Hills.
It so happens that the route of the Comrades Marathon which attracts athletes from all over the world also runs through that area.
The marathon takes place every year and is run over a distance of 89 KM. According to Wikipedia, the Comrades Marathon "is the world's largest and oldest ultramarathon race".
We could stand in our living room and see the activities from a distance across the valley.
Although I love an active lifestyle and I've been involved in sports for the bigger part of my life, I am not really into marathon running but...
While we were living there, we would go out every year and join in the fun, supporting the runners, and just enjoy that special atmosphere.
Where we lived was at the halfway mark of the marathon.
Screenshot is taken from the WIKIPEDIA article about the Comrades Marathon
I just took a screenshot from the Wikipedia article about the Comrades Marathon to indicate where the halfway mark is where I took today's photos (the circle and arrow added by me).
The Wikipedia article makes for some interesting reading, especially if you are into running I would think.
We decided to revisit that area and went for a walk at several points, starting at the Comrades halfway mark, which is marked as can be seen here...
Here the road is running parallel with the old railway line which was used to travel between Johannesburg and Durban many years ago.
Today this line is only used for a recreational steam locomotive train entertaining tourists and holidaymakers on a short little trip between Kloof and Inchanga. You can see some awesome fun videos and photos on their website about this train.
Going towards Johannesburg...now only to Inchanga.
Going towards Durban...now back to Kloof
On the other side of the road is a friendly little pub for the locals...
Behind the pub is this beautiful view of the valley...
Going towards Durban, just after the halfway mark, is Arthur's Seat. Legend has it that 5-times Comrades winner, Arthur Newton, made this his favorite "resting spot". You can read more about it here.
About 150 meters further on you will find the Comrades wall of honor. Comrades runners who complete the marathon can purchase a block in this wall. Their names then go onto an attractive plaque that is mounted onto the wall. You can read more about the wall here and some more here.
This is at the beginning of the wall...
And looking back from the opposite end...
And another view, looking out over the valley, standing at the Comrades Wall of honor...
I plan to go back there soon and get some more photos.
But for now, that's it from me. I hope you enjoyed my photos.
Thank you for reading my post.