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TTrail running and Mountain Biking in South Africa is extremely popular, and a growing sport for many South Africans and visitors alike. When you consider the awesome variety of natural terrain to conquer this only makes sense? Whether you’re a competitor or seek your trails for recreation, come and see what all the hype is about.
Trail adventures are particularly popular in the Western Cape, where competitive and fun-filled events take place almost every week. Table Mountain, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, is home to several hundred trails on its own and what’s more, these routes start just a few kilometres from Cape Town city centre. You have no excuse if you are in the area – the mountain and its trails await you.
If you’re visiting Johannesburg, you could take a drive out to the Magaliesberg to escape the big city lights and try out some of the trails in this area, such as the routes at Van Gaalen Cheese Farm.
Did You Know?
SSouth African trail runner, Ryan Sandes is the first person to have won all four of the six- to seven-day, 250km-long 4 Deserts races – through the Atacama Desert in Chile, the Gobi Desert in China, the Sahara Desert in Egypt, and in Antarctica.
KKwaZulu-Natal isn’t far behind. Parts of the Midlands, such as Karkloof, offer peaceful trail runs through lush forests and beautiful scenery. If you fancy getting a little extreme, head up to Underberg and conquer the unforgiving route up Sani Pass. A well-deserved beer awaits you when you get to the highest pub in Africa at the top of the pass.
SSome of the big national annual events to consider taking part in include:
Table Mountain Challenge, Western Cape
The Table Mountain Challenge takes place in September. The route for this event is approximately 37km long and is seriously tough going. The scenery from this iconic landmark, however, will make all the pain worthwhile.
Wild Coast Run
This 112km run from the Great Kei River to the iconic landmark, Hole in the Wall in the Eastern Cape is a must for anyone wanting to get a feel for rural South Africa. Along the Wild Coast you will see amusing sights such as cows and goats relaxing on the beach, while enthusiastic locals cheer you along the way. This also takes place in September.
Kalahari Augrabies
Extreme Marathon, Northern Cape
This race involves covering approximately 250km in nine days, in sweltering conditions. Do you have what it takes? It’s a very impressive achievement to tick off the list if you do. This event generally takes place in October, after the two events listed above.
TThere are many great races and routes and not much can compare to the enormous sense of achievement you’ll experience when you complete one of South Africa’s scenic trail runs. With options in every province, you can even join a growing community of runners who find connecting with nature and testing their limits an addictive combination.
South Africa’s scenic trails will take you places few people ever go. They will test your limits and capture your imagination with their promise of beauty and adventure. They will make you work harder than you thought you could. And they will fill you with joy and pride as you complete each one.
TThere are many great races and routes and not much can compare to the enormous sense of achievement you’ll experience when you complete one of South Africa’s scenic trail runs. With options in every province, you can even join a growing community of runners who find connecting with nature and testing their limits an addictive combination.
South Africa’s scenic trails will take you places few people ever go. They will test your limits and capture your imagination with their promise of beauty and adventure. They will make you work harder than you thought you could. And they will fill you with joy and pride as you complete each one.
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