The Outeniqua Marathon, starting at George Sports Club, and the half marathon, starting at the Garden Route Dam, must be considered hidden gems on the South African race calendar. Nothing can beat the vista of the soaring Outeniqua peaks mirrored in the tranquil water of the Garden Route Dam. The race is run mainly along one of Thomas Bain’s passes, dating back to 1867. It tumbles down from Saasveld just outside George and winds its way through magnificent indigenous forests.

You run past the deep gorges of the Kaaimans and Silver rivers along old tar and dust roads. There are stretches when it is just you, the forest and mountains around you, and the sound of running water in your ears. On this route you will find a rare gift in the closing kilometres. There is a secret beauty when the Indian Ocean, Garden Route lakes and the winding Serpentine River combine with a heady mixture of ocean mist to give you a running high that will stay with you long after you finish this race. A few 100 metres from the end you cross the bridge used by the famous Outeniqua Choo-Choo. Finally this little odyssey comes to an end on the grassy banks of the Touws River in the heart of Wilderness.

Buses are available from Wilderness to the starting points of both the marathon and half marathon, departing at 05h45. Bus transport back to George is available after prize-giving.