The Bat Run

The Bat Run is an epic 30km nightime trail run up 3 peaks of Table Mountain, held annually on a full moon night in February. Its been on my wish to-do list for ages but with 1700m of climbing, I thought it was way out of my reach. Somehow one thing led to another and I managed to do the training and get an entry (and one for Chris too, who was busy training for ironman anyway).

The race starts at the bottom of Tafelberg Road at dusk and winds up to the very top of Devil's Peak, any route you like. There is a check point at the top where you can see the whole of Table Bay, the setting sun and the rising moon. Then it's head torches on and a scramble back down the mountain.


The next leg is a little easier with the high moon and we even ascended Platteklip Gorge with our head torches off. This is the very reason I wanted to do this race, and not any others; because this race makes something possible which would otherwise not be accessible: Table Mountain at night.  At the top of Platteklip you hang a left and cross a seep towards Maclear's Beacon - the highest point on Table Mountain.

Back down at the bottom of Platteklip (exactly 4 hours after starting) we had a double surprise to see our friends there to cheer us on and a table full of snacks. With legs of lead, and some serious doubts about our sanity, we ran on towards Lions Head - the last peak. If you're a runner you'll understand this, but I was running a secret race against another girl who would beat us on the ups and we'd pass on the downs. I was determined to trump her on the up this time - who knows why really! Anyway, Chris and I ended the race together and well satisfied at around 30th place in a time of 5:44.

I'm not much of a competative runner but do love the mounatins and trail running. Come to think of it, my first race ever was the Bat Run! If you want to get involved in the sport the best place to start is with a group called CRAGS. The beauty of this group is that there are no membership fees, you rock up when you can, they are very organised and always meet, and its a very exciting way to get to know the mountain. There is a walking group too, if you prefer. Email crag-subscribe@yahoogroups.com if you want to be added to their list or visit the CRAG facebook page.