21^st, 21^st, 21^st, 21^st, 21^st, 21^st, 21^st, 21^st

Mark 21 May in your diary
because its time for the
Darling 1/2 Marathon!
Yes! It IS definitely happening!!

Hi there

It is time again to grab Ouma, the dog and the family and high tail it to Darling.

The Darlingers are getting ready to welcome you. We have our traditional favourites; Farmer John, from Waylands Farm , will be doing the start with his antique replica black powder rifle (he has his South African colours in long range black powder shooting) and Lydia will be doing our popular starter prayers. However, this year she will be armed by wearing ear muffs.

Lydia flinches as John shoots

All those who have been requesting a 10km - your luck is in. Our local Darling Meat Market is a sponsor of our new Darling 10km race. It is essentially an off-road race and is hilly so "May the Wors be with you." But hurry up because this popular family run butchery closes at 13h00. For Darling Meat Market Biltong and Droë Wors lovers the Snoepies stalletjie will be a firm favourite. Gavin Wright on his trusty bicycle officially measured the new route and then joined us afterwards for a well deserved Darling Brew. He certainly deserved it.

Our 2Ikm route stays the same popular route. We run past Duckitt Nurseries, who have kindly donated Orchid Spikes for our first three ladies winners, and on through Waylands Farm. By the way they have delightful, comfy accommodation where family heirlooms sit cheek by jowl with the modern. Watch out for the geese that are rather indignant at all these strangers running through their territory!!!

Don’t forget to wave to the Russouws of Rooihoogtevlei who so kindly allow us to run through their farm and past their home. Their cows have to be some of the happiest looking cows you have ever seen.

The FAMILY FAVOURITE is the 5km Fun Run that winds through our village. It is quite a social affair so bring your friends and don’t forget junior in his pram. All finishers get a special badge donated by our very own Darling Spar.

With the distemper outbreak in 2010 a thing of the past we are happy to announce that our DARLING DOGGIE DAWDLE is again a prominent feature of our event. A big thank you to Amazing Vouchers for their sponsorship and prizes.

There is a lot to do on the weekend. The Darling Museum is having an open day i.e. free - for all athletes and supporters and their families on the 21 May 2011. Many of our businesses are giving specials especially for you. Be sure to get your copy of The Moooooving News Route Maps as there are some very special discount vouchers.

A big thank you to Cloof for giving each participant over 18, a free bottle of Daisy Darling or Rosy Darling wine provided you have a meal at a participating restaurant to the value of R80 per voucher. (Make sure you have a designated driver). And for those of you who like a bit of jam on their bread, Vyge Valley has a freebie for you if you spend R30 at their Farm Stall. Be quick to take up these offers as availability is dependent on stock.

Our B & B's are filling up fast so go onto the Darling Tourism website and find your perfect accommodation (We do have dog friendly places as well.) or telephone our friendly Tourism Representatives on 022 492 3361 between 9h00 and 16h00. Saturdays and Sundays as well although hours may vary.

If you would like an entry form please email back with entry form in the subject line.

We look forward to seeing you.

Warm Darling regards
Mary Ashford
082 684 5575
mary@toucancape.co.za

Come to Darling, darling,
and take part in one of the
prettiest races in the Western Cape!

"Once again thank you for a superb event on Saturday morning. The organisation was great, the marshalls friendly and the weather perfect (by pure luck). Please try and keep the route for next year, as it was very pleasant running through the farmlands and especially past Evita's place!!! So nice to get back close to nature.

We are 4 friends who travelled up from Cape Town just for the race and will definitely do it again."

~ Yvonne Perry