Ah, race day! The chilly breeze, the squawks of excitement, and the undeniable sense of penguin pride. On this fine day, 50 determined Penguins gathered for the start of the Crusaders 10km, their flippers flapping with anticipation. Meanwhile, a sensible group of 5 Penguins opted for the Helper’s Run last week, no doubt sipping warm fish tea and giggling at the thought of the hilly adventure awaiting their fellow waddlers.
Of course, we can’t start without a massive congratulations to Andile Nyoka, who waddled his way to an incredible 3rd place finish in the Men’s 50-59 category! Rumor has it, Andile was so fast, some spectators thought they were witnessing a race between a penguin and a jet ski.
The Course:
The Crusaders 10km wasn’t just a race, it was an expedition through a land filled with treacherous hills, deceptive downhills, and the occasional startled seagull.
- KM 1: The Penguin Plummet (-8m)
The race started with a nice downhill, luring the Penguins into thinking they were gliding smoothly to victory. Little did they know, this was just the course’s way of saying, “Welcome! Now prepare to suffer.” Flippers were flying, beaks were grinning—it was the calm before the storm. - KM 2: Mount Waddle (+22m)
Just as the Penguins began feeling overconfident, the course threw in Mount Waddle, a +22m climb that had even the toughest of Penguins huffing and puffing. Some were seen giving motivational squawks to their comrades, while others resorted to bribing their legs with promises of post-race fish snacks. - KM 3-4: The Rolling Waddle-Coaster (-9m to -18m)
Then came the Rolling Waddle-Coaster, a series of uphill and downhill swoops that left the Penguins waddling like they’d never waddled before. Down one moment, up the next—it was like the course was playing a mischievous game of “Penguin Pong.” The -18m drop had some Penguins practically sliding downhill on their bellies (unintentionally, of course), while others were heard muttering, “Whose bright idea was this?” - KM 5: The Hill That Wouldn’t Quit (+8m)
By the time the Penguins hit km 5, the +8m hill felt like Mount Everest in flipper-sized proportions. With their beaks pointed determinedly upward, the Penguins soldiered on. Those who weren’t crying out motivational squawks were quietly wondering if it was too late to join the Helper’s Run. - KM 8: The Big Squawk (+28m)
Just when the Penguins thought the worst was behind them, the course delivered The Big Squawk, a brutal +28m incline that left even the bravest waddlers gasping for air. Penguins squawked, encouraged one another, and used every ounce of energy to conquer the hill, determined to reach the top and feel like the kings and queens of their icy domain. - KM 9-10: Freefall Finale (-19m)
After the gruelling hills, the Penguins were finally rewarded with a downhill plunge (-19m) toward the finish line. Waddling with joy and relief, some Penguins threw caution to the wind, belly-sliding their way down like true champions of the Antarctic. Others just tried to keep their flippers steady as they coasted toward victory.
Post-Race Highlights:
As the Penguins crossed the finish line, flippers raised in triumph, it was clear that this race was one for the books. Not only did they conquer the Crusaders 10km, but they did it with style, squawks, and maybe a few bruised feathers. Cheers erupted as Andile Nyoka accepted his well-earned 3rd place medal, and the rest of the Penguins waddled off to enjoy well-deserved snacks (fish, naturally).
Looking Ahead:
Next up is the Bay Run 21.1km and 10km—a race promising just as many hills, thrills, and, of course, waddle-worthy moments. But for now, the Penguins can bask in the glory of their Crusaders 10km conquest, knowing they gave it their all on the hilly battlefield.
Until next time, Penguins—tie those laces (or, you know, whatever it is Penguins do with shoes), stretch those flippers, and keep waddling toward greatness!