Troysta Run 2026

The second edition of the Troysta Run was held on 22 February 2026 and I was one of the 200 runners lined up at the start. 

I ran Troysta last year. It is a local event that was created by Shaun and Michelle Schofield to celebrate the life of their son Troy. In late 2023, Troy died from bacterial meningitis. He was 18 and a few months away from writing matric exams. Troy and his dad shared a love for mountains, trails and running. The 10km race route is one that Troy won when it was the MUT Lite route. 

This race is a wonderful George Trail Running (GTR) community event to celebrate running, and being able to run. Funds raised go towards trail maintenance.

The route is tough. The first three kays go almost straight up on the Vertical Kilometre route to the The Cross and onto the Thunderbird trail. I had a superb climb to the Cross. From last year, I knew what was ahead so I climbed strong but within what I could do.

Then, it is steep dropping into the Powerstream and just as steep up Henry's Hill on the other side to the well-stocked aid station at halfway. I remember feeling really tired here last year; this year I even ran parts of the hill.

From the aid station the route is very runnable and it is an opportunity to make up time. 

On the open contour road is was roasting hot. The weather that week had been cooking and I was surprised at the 8am start. Out in the sun I really felt the heat. I did two small walkies of less than 30 seconds to catch my breath, and each time I asked myself:

"How do your legs feel?" Great

"How do your lungs feel?" Great

"How is your heart rate?" Fine

"Then what is your excuse for walking? Run!"

And so I did.

Passing a 5km runner/walker

I felt great reaching the finish - and I was very relieved to be there. It was really hot by then.

I'd hydrated well on the run but chased two cups of cold water at the finish, sweat running off me.

I was super pleased with my run time of 1:27:54. 36th overall, 11th woman and 6th in my age category (40-49, I'm at the top of the age category at 49).

Lots of PRs (personal records)

I seem to think I ran about 1:45 last year. My Strava shows an elapsed time of 1h48; real time could have been a bit more or a bit less. 

Taking off a good chunk from last year and feeling so good throughout was a win. The day after I was none worse for wear either, another win.

Pictured with Shaun Schofield at prize giving with a lucky draw prize of a necklace and coffee vouchers.

With thanks to Troysta Run and the photographers (Emma, Charl, Jacques) for these photos.

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As I didn't blog about Troysta last year, I'm popping in photos from the approach to the halfway aid station to save them.

Troysta Run 2025

Troysta Run 2025

I have the crown (and course record), for now

Every Thursday, we have a trailrunning community time trial at 17h30. Our George Trailrunning (GTR) announced a special for this past Thursday (5th) and in two weeks time (17th) with Roccomamas, a burger restaurant. You run the route, log it on Strava, and then show evidence to the manager. You can then order a cheese burger for R50 instead of R99, a great saving.

You have to run the route on the same day that you claim your burger. There are also prizes up for grabs of an entry for the MUT 25km route and a R1000 burger voucher for the local legend (person who runs the route the most). 

I knew I wouldn't make it to time trial with a hang-out with friends planned. Instead, I headed out at lunchtime. I left Rosy-dog at home so that I could really focus on the run. I've been running well and strong and I wanted to see what I could do on the route - a mix of road and trail. 

I had a great, smooth run. I felt good throughout and I enjoyed pushing myself. 

When I got back to Roccomamas, I saved my Strava and took a photo outside the store before going in to order. I showed the waitress my phone and asked if they'd been busy. No, she said. I was the first to come in. Strava showed too that I was the first person to run the course.

I took my burger home to share with my mom - a really delicious burger.

Being the first and only person on the course, I automatically had the crown as the fastest runner. That was nice but I knew it wouldn't last past the evening's time trial running.

I went out to see my friends. Getting home a few hours later, I checked my Strava to see where I was on the ranking after the evening's time trial.

I still had the crown! And I wasn't just the fastest woman, I was fastest OVERALL!

Charmaine ran again on Friday to log 26:47.

I know that there are lots of people faster than me so I can't figure out why I haven't been beaten on Strava. Probably because the faster runners didn't log their runs to claim a burger and they are not interested in the prizes? 

Another lady ran the route again yesterday. She improved her time but she hasn't caught me.

The problem with having the crown is that now I want to keep it. I like having the crown. That competitive flame burns strong. 

For now, I'm owning the crown and relishing having it - for as long as it may be.