By: Landie & Christiaan
1. The Thread of Whale Through Our Lives
Landie:
I first ran the Whale of Trail 53km in 2017, and it immediately captured a piece of my heart. It’s more than just a race, it’s a soul-stirring journey along one of the most pristine coastlines in the world. I came second that year, but the trail lit a spark in me. Since then, I’ve returned again and again, winning in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
This year, still recovering after Comrades, I shifted gears and ran the shorter distance, and found a new kind of joy and freedom in doing so.
Christiaan:
My journey with Whale also began in 2017 alongside Landie. The combination of challenge, reward, and the untouched beauty just a few hours from Cape Town had me hooked.
Over time, my relationship with the race has evolved; from chasing a sub-5 in the 53km to embracing the 37km for the pure enjoyment and breathtaking views. These days, our greatest joy often comes from celebrating with our athletes, watching them cross the finish line with sand in their shoes and smiles on their faces.
2. Our 2025 Experience
Landie:
Returning to De Hoop always feels like coming home. There’s something grounding about the wide skies, the roar of the ocean, and that first glimpse of whales offshore. It’s not just the route, it’s the people, the race village, the organizers.
Running the 35km this year allowed me to truly soak in the beauty and to move through the trail, not just over it.
Christiaan:
Defending the title and record was meaningful, but this year was more about presence than pressure. I’d recently recovered from a back injury and unexpectedly had one of my most enjoyable runs. Sometimes, the best races happen when you let go of expectations.
Both:
This year stood out for its stillness — maybe from experience, or perhaps the joy of watching our athletes find their own breakthroughs. There was a shared sense that we were part of something far bigger than a race.
3. Training Others to Find Their Own Journey
Both:
As Alpasfit coaches, helping others prepare for Whale is one of the most fulfilling parts of our work. We know how tough the trail can be; the sand, the technical sections, the ever-changing terrain. But we also know the transformation it can bring.
In 2025, we watched our athletes reach that tipping point we both know so well: when the body wants to quit, but the mind keeps pushing. Witnessing those moments reminded us of our own early days on this trail.
4. Reflections from the Trail
Landie:
The trail speaks; Not in words, but through wind, silence and shifting light. “Somewhere between the salt air, sand and singletrack, I found what I was looking for. The beauty. The stillness. The joy. The fire. And time with Jesus.” This was the post I shared after the race, which came from a place of deep gratitude. After so many competitive races, this year I felt I ran with joy, not striving. I found stillness, and with it, a fire to live fully, not just win. That’s the true gift of this place.
Christiaan:
The 35km has become more than a race, it’s a personal checkpoint. Each year, I return not just to test my fitness, but to recalibrate my mindset. My legacy here isn’t just on Strava; it’s in the memories, the quiet victories, the camaraderie.
A moment I’ll always carry: standing at the highest point just after sunrise, looking down toward the valley, wind on my face, utterly alone on the beach and feeling exactly where I was meant to be.
5. What We Carry Forward
Both:
What keeps drawing us back is the wildness; raw, untouched, and honest. There’s a purity here that strips away the unnecessary. Each return feels like a reset.
To future Whale runners, our hope is simple: don’t just race the trail. Let it move you. Train hard, respect the elements, but leave space for awe. Because this isn’t just about crossing a finish line — it’s about discovering parts of yourself you didn’t know were there.
Find out more about Landie and Christiaan’s coaching programs at alpasfit.com
