The race celebrates its 22nd birthday in 2019. For the fifth time the organisers open a charity entry for 30 athletes. The race sells out each year but if you raise R5,000 you could be allocated one of these rare slots. All proceeds go directly to the Khaya Lokukhanya Charity. This event is certainly not for the faint-hearted and the organisers insist that you are adequately prepared and that you participate at your own risk. Runners should be ultra marathon fit, 100% medically fit, experienced, capable mountaineers and environmentally responsible. It is essential to be well versed in map reading and equipped with navigation skills for extreme weather changes.

You must also carry three litres of water and enough sustenance for two days. To qualify for this event you need to have completed at least one ultra marathon in the six months prior to the race. This is an ultra-mega-adventure. The closest sport related to the Skyrun is Fell Running (‘fell’ is the Viking name for hill), which was pioneered by farmers and shepherds in the Lake District of England. Just imagine running 100 kilometres at more than 2,000 metres above sea level with a 360° view of Herschel, New England and Wartrail.