Did whispers of an ultra boost Kimberley Harriers Tuesday run?

Could it have been the perfect winter’s day? The stillness in the air? Or perhaps – just perhaps – the cheeky whispers of a possible Northern Cape ultra-marathon finally becoming a reality?

Whatever the reason, turnout at this week’s Kimberley Harriers time trial saw a welcome surge, with runners and walkers trading their afternoon slippers for running shoes and hitting the streets in numbers.

And why not? After all, with talk of a flat, fast, locally hosted Comrades-qualifier-type race floating around, even the most relaxed runner might suddenly feel the urge to pick up the pace. Just in case. Just for training. You know … just because.

But for most, Tuesday’s time trial wasn’t about future ultras or glory. I believe that runners run because they enjoy the moment. Under pleasantly temperate skies and a gentle breeze, who wouldn’t want to be outside gulping in gallons of cool air?

And that same air will be there next week, so whether you’re secretly training for that rumoured ultra or simply showing up for your own wellbeing, the Harriers will be back again next Tuesday – same route, same rhythm. All that's missing would be you.

Having said all that, here are this week’s times:

(4 km walk): Sebabs Mohapi, Alex (both 46:00)

(4 km): Alfonzo Jantjies 16:12, Deandré Smith 17:02, Hayden Pinetown 19:30, Jan Greeff 23:06, Monique Hugo 23:54, Sonja Herbert 25:00, David Janse van Vuuren 25:10, Farrell Moses 25:16, Sakkie Herbert 26:40, Micke Stroebel 27:00, Lemeh Stroebel 30:00, C Cloete 30:00, Sammy Louw 32:50

(7 km walk): Anita de Villiers, Doreen McLaren (both 1:00:07)