This is a two-day stage race.
Sani Pass Hotel to Castleburn Farm. Distance: 33 kilometres. Total ascent: 1,300 metres.
The trail starts off easily with a canter along the golf course before entering the Gxalingenwa Trail. From there the route climbs steadily for the next four kilometres. The going is pleasant enough once you are on the Giant’s Cup Trail. Sections are flat here before descending into the Cobham Nature Reserve and the first checkpoint at 13 kilometres. From here the route to the second checkpoint at Mzimkhulwana Hut features a difficult climb out of Cobham followed by undulating stretches and a two kilometre descent to the 22-kilometre marker. The final stage opens with a five kilometre demanding grind to the highest point at Crane Tarn. From here the route is chiefly a downhill run to the Drakensberg Gardens road where there is only a kilometre left for the day.
Castleburn Farm to Bushman’s Nek Resort. Distance: 29 kilometres. Total ascent: 1,500 metres.
Starting from Castleburn Farm the route starts with a short section along the Drakensberg Gardens road before re-joining the Giant’s Cup Trail. Look out for Wintershoek Hut, for ahead of you is a monster climb of 370 metres of vertical ascent over just two kilometres. The good news is that once over this edifice the going is relatively relaxed to the only checkpoint at the 13-kilometre marker. The second section of the route takes you south towards Bushman’s Nek and crosses the Mzimude River at the 18-kilometre marker. Brace yourself for the final assault, a five kilometre climb to the high point at the saddle in front of Langalibalele Peak. The closing stage features a continuous and welcome descent to the end where it intercepts the Bushman’s Nek Road at the 27 kilometre mark.