You’ve probably seen the proud Instagram posts of many runners bragging about ringing a bell after their run. And you’re probably wondering what on earth it’s all about.
Versus Socks is currently hosting a challenge called the Out & Back Challenge that is running (pun intended) from 16 June until 31 August. The challenge consists of runners (and ambitious walkers) starting at the Versus shop in Dorp Street and then running a scenic 9km route to the Jonkershoek gate and back.
Runners can join by purchasing a race pack on the Versus Socks website for only R150. This price includes a pair of Versus socks with a unique Out & Back design, a funky key ring, two energy gels, an energy bar and a voucher for any medium Plato coffee – a real bargain considering that a pair of Versus socks alone usually sells for R199!
As someone who has done the challenge myself, I was amazed at the number of people running this route early on a Saturday morning. Large groups of runners were out and about, determined to complete this challenge. The vibe was amazing!
If you’re after that “race vibe”, but don’t want the pressure of a competitive run, this is for you! However, if you are a person who is competitive no matter the occasion or task at hand, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a leaderboard that gets posted weekly on social media.
The Out & Back Challenge is available for you to do in your own time, although I highly recommend doing it over a weekend, since this is when the route is buzzing with runners, making it so much more fun! The Versus shop is open from 09:00 to 17:00 on weekdays, but opens at 07:00 on weekends if you want to get an early start. Simply show them the registration confirmation email you received to pick up your race pack in-store. I would also recommend running in a group. 18km can feel pretty far if you’re tackling it alone!
The Jonkershoek route is truly stunning, especially in the morning when the sun is rising over the beautiful Stellenbosch mountains. You’ll run past winelands and stables, dams, and farmlands. The challenge is worth doing for the views alone!
And the best part of this challenge: you get to ring a bell! And we all know that there are few things more satisfying than letting the world know that you just conquered 18km!
Now that you know what it’s all about, buy your entry today. You really don’t want to miss out on this one!
By Chelsy Rickard
