This is a three day stage race over 100 kilometres.
FACILITES
A race village accommodates runners in tents. The catering during the event includes dinner from Thursday evening to Sunday breakfast.
Distance: 32 kilometres. There are three water tables and checkpoints. The first day starts off with an open road. This allows you to jostle for your position and settle into a comfortable pace before reaching the single track sections and the uneven surfaces. There are two major hills in this stage and just after five kilometres the first climb takes you through some misty forests to the top of Mbona Nature Reserve.
Once at the top you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the whole reserve. The descent takes you through the Bushbuck Trail and Mbona Game Reserve before hitting the main road and heading back onto gravel roads. The final descent takes you through pristine magical forests, but watch out for slippery rocks and overhead branches.
Distance: 42 kilometres. There are three water tables and checkpoints. Not only does the second day have the longest stage but the climbing starts right from the word go. The opening salvo is a six kilometre grind to the top of Mount Gilboa. At the summit you will encounter the first water table of the day and the most magnificent view over the Karkloof Valley. From the top the balance of the route is a doddle in Gilboa with forestry roads meandering in and out of pine forests taking you past crane breeding grounds and allowing you to really stretch your legs. Get into a solid rhythm and clear your mind for there is beauty in this day. The final stages are a cool treat in the green forests. Oh, beware the sting in the tail will bring you back to reality.
Distance: 32 kilometres. There are two water tables and checkpoints. The final day starts off with some wide gravel roads just so you can get your composure and sort yourself out into batches. Within five kilometres you start the climb onto the escarpment first by meandering through scenic grasslands and then a steep open road climb to the top. Once on top the going becomes easy and ahead is a route that gives you easy running through Mondi and Misty Forests while the sun warms your face. Easy does it all the way to the finish.