Restaurateur Guy Cluver chooses an active lifestyle, running, cycling and paddling whenever he can.
Story by Hayley Dennyson
“We’re so lucky to live where we do,” says Guy, “with two dams nearby, sugar cane to run and cycle in, we’re right on the Comrades route and we have great local sports clubs.”
He doesn’t take these things for granted, having completed 10 Comrades Marathons, eight Dusi’s, the Iron Man, as well as various other triathlons and trail runs.
“You have a choice in life – you can either stay for beers after work or you can get up early to run. It’s important to me that I live a balanced life and it’s important for my kids too. Do as I do, not as I say!”
For the Cluvers, exercise is a family affair. Sisters Sarah (17) and Amy (14) have swum numerous Midmar Miles and are set to swim their tenth in Grade 12. In 2013, Guy and wife Shelley ran the Mont-aux-Sources Challenge and started the Sky Run together before it was called off due to bad weather.
The latter is a unique race that takes participants 100km across the ridge of the Witteberg Mountains in the Eastern Cape.
“The first time I did it was in 2010,” says Guy. “It took me 20 hours 40 minutes and I hated it! Two weeks later, I had registered for the next year. It’s difficult to explain, but I wanted to understand it. Trail running takes you to spectacular places that you can only get to on foot.”
So, what is on the cards for 2014? “I’m doing the Dusi with Sarah, who is in matric at St Mary’s, then it’s Iron Man South Africa in April and Iron Man France in June.”
In 2015, Amy will be in Grade 10 and Guy plans to do the Dusi with her. “Shelley is dying to get in the boat but we need a second!”
For more trail running inspiration, visit trailrunning.co.za
You’ll find Guy at Bellevue Cafe, Kloof and Lupa Osteria, Hillcrest.