If you’d asked me three months ago if I’d fancy an eight kilometre run around Cape Town on a Thursday afternoon, you’d probably have got raised eyebrows in response.
That was before the CTE.com team took on The Colour Run, before I discovered the joy of pounding the Sea Point Promenade, before I (somewhat ambitiously) bought a Two Oceans ticket … and before I knew about Run Cape Town.
This unique tour company does pretty much what it says on the box: ‘sightseeing on the run’. Sign up for a day, time, route and pace and you’ll be led by an accredited Western Cape Tourist Guide to see our city, its mountains or its surrounds like you’ve never seen them before.
My Thursday afternoon jaunt was a historical tour of the CBD. Let me tell you that even having grown up in Cape Town – with all the attendant school tours – this was the most informative and invigorating afternoon I’ve ever spent getting to know my home town.
Our route started in Bo-Kaap, curved through De Waterkant, the V&A Waterfront and the recently constructed marina, took in Adderley Street and the Parade, and finished in the Company’s Garden, the city’s green lung. Along the way our guide Philippa Jephson kept up a fascinating commentary on Cape Town’s history, landmarks and places of interest.
A non-athlete, I also found it fascinating how she managed to talk, run and breathe for eight kilometres while barely seeming to break a sweat. But that’s just me…
I learnt so many things about my city I had no inkling of before. Like the fact that Adderley Street – one of our main thoroughfares – is named after a man who never set foot on South African soil. Or that the statue of Maria van Riebeeck (the wife of Jan van Riebeeck) on that same street is the only statue of a woman in the whole of Cape Town.
Philippa is the brains behind Run Cape Town. While working as a running tour guide in Buenos Aires, she realised how well the concept would translate to the Mother City, with all its natural beauty and historical city landmarks. She wasn’t wrong – we can’t think of a better way to get up close and personal with the people, culture and street level of this magical city of ours.
As well as the city tour there are scenic coastal and mountain routes, and township runs. Each is tailored to your group based on your accommodation, preferred distance and pace. They’ve got you covered for water and memento pics too, as well as providing tours in English, Afrikaans, Spanish, French and German.
OF NOTE
Where From the city centre to further flung spots such as Darling and Guguletu
Cost From R250 pp
Need to know Your guide will carry water, a camera and a small backpack for personal items such as keys and phones
Contact +27 72 920 7028, www.runcapetown.co.za
Photography Courtesy
