Preparation
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The 35th Rhodes Run is on 12 July 2025

GEAR FOR THE RUN

Conditions can be severe with temperatures well below -10 degrees, crossing streams, running in snow. Added to which the wind will inevitably blow.

Runners will be issued with a foil survival blanket at registration and are required to provide their own whistle and drinking cup (we are strictly disposable product free at our feeding stations to eliminate littering). These items are to be carried for the duration of the run with checks being made and penalties applied if not available.

Starting at the top, your Rhodes Run bandana is essential to protect your ears, neck and face from cold, wind and dust.... plus it'll protect you from comments by your fellow runners.

A brightly coloured and robust wind breaker is strongly advised to keep the sneaky wind with significant chill factor out and help identify you in the tundra-like landscapes. A good base layer with moisture management and long sleeves is also suggested.

Gloves will keep some feeling in your fingers in the early morning.  They will also protect your hands when you clamber up Mavis Bank or fall on an uneven surface.  

Warm tights  are good for more warmth at the start and in the higher, chilly parts of the run. They also give some protection from the rose-hip thorn bushes, sharp, spikey grass and the odd tumble.

Specialised trail running shoes are essential to give you the extra grip - in places you may wish you had crampons. One pair of socks should do it, although folk are known to change into a dry pair of socks, especially for the drop down the concrete strip.  

In you backpack - Hydration pack, grabber hand warmers and usual first aid kit. Hiking/trekking poles are permitted on the run. A camera - on your phone or 'old school' for the spectacular scenery is also a great excuse to stop and rest.....  

Runners may leave additional clothing at any of the feed stations on the route. It should be clearly marked. While every effort will be made to ensure all discarded clothing is returned to the finish, the organisers will not be held liable for any looses that may be suffered. Any clothing not collected on Saturday after the awards will be donated to the local community.

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Bandana
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SEARCH & RESCUE

Because of the remoteness of the are, and the extreme terrain, especially through the Kloof, it is essential that the Race Organisers know where everyone is at all times.

It is critical that runners ensure that the Time Keepers at each Check Point have recorded their entry and exit. If a runner retires from the race, the runner must make sure that their race tags are handed to the Time Keeper at one of the official Check Points or the Time Keeper at the finish. If a runner retires and does not in hand in their tags, OR if a runner does not hand in their tags at one of the Check Points, the runner will be regarded as lost. A Search and Rescue team will be dispatched to search for on lost runner and the cost of this Search and Rescue will be billed to the runner.

TRAINING TIPS

A FAQ, is what is an appropriate training regime for the Rhodes. Not an easy question to answer, as there are three ‘acclimatization' or ‘training' aspects which need to be worked on when preparing for the Rhodes Run:

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