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RACE INFO
THE SHORT TRAIL RUN ROUTE
The race starts at the UCT Rugby Fields, heading south through the UCT entrance road and on to the Old Zoo. As you head out at the top of the Zoo, there’ s a gentle climb up grassy tracks before you turn left onto the single track. You’ ll pass below the SANParks Offices before ascending the Oak Tree Trail to the main gravel Forest road.
THE LONG TRAIL RUN ROUTE
Starting at the UCT Upper Campus Rugby Fields, you’ ll set off towards the Old Zoo, then swing left and enjoy an easy, tree-lined trail to the upper Newlands Forest picnic area. The fun comes to an abrupt end and the real race begins with a sharp ascent through bushy trails to the main Forest gravel road. Beware of gusty winds around the Pine Plantation, and don’ t trip on the treacherous tree roots!
Next, a short downhill section awaits. You’ re on your way to the start of the Orchard Trail, a magnificent stretch through a canopy of time-honoured trees, set alongside historical ruins. Ready for another climb? You’ ll have to be, in order to reach the first hydration station at the end of a steep gravel road ascent. Then it’ s onwards and upwards to the Fernwood Track – a short, enticing escapade into indigenous forest, climbing to the Contour Path.
An undemanding descent follows before you hit a gnarly, short single track. This will take you past the Newlands Forest helipad zone. Cruise through a flat course in the forest, where you’ ll be sure to encounter dog walkers before the road swings sharply up and up. Here you’ ll reach the first hydration station, before turning onto the meandering Hiddingh Trail and climbing Woodcutters Trail – a scenic, rocky stretch. Soon you’ ll be on a jeep track, beginning a tough ascent to the King’ s Blockhouse. Here you’ ll find medical and hydration support.
Follow the Lower Traverse Trail while taking in spectacular city and ocean views, to a hairpin turn which takes you onto Tafelberg Road and hydration station three. After a relaxing stretch on tar and then gravel, the course descends steeply to Plumpudding Hill, where your final hydration station awaits. The last stretch follows the jeep track above Rhodes Memorial, looping back past the Old Zoo to finish at the UCT Upper Campus Rugby Fields.
Click here to download the GPX file of the Short Trail Run Route
Take a right towards the King’ s Blockhouse, where you’ ll find a medical and hydration support stop. Be sure to utilise it before your next challenging stretch of trail, making your way up to Mowbray Ridge and its cliffs. This will lead you to the Middle Traverse of Devil’ s Peak, a contour path saturated with scenic, panoramic views of the City, Robben Island, Table Mountain and Lion’ s Head.
You now pass Oppelskop and Saddle Rock, then descend the steps to the Lower Traverse. Cross Tafelberg Road( Hydration Station 3), and continue your descent via the Old Cannon’ s Trail, below the Queen’ s Blockhouse. Proceed onto a single track towards Lone Pine Hill, then start the tough climb up to the final hydration station at Plumpudding Hill. The finish is beckoning now! Follow the jeep track above Rhodes Memorial and finally, it’ s downhill all the way as you loop back past the Old Zoo, towards the UCT Upper Campus Rugby Fields.
Click here to download the GPX file of the Long Trail Run Route
Handy tips for the trails
Further advice from the course designer, Trevor Ball, is that runners should keep this 10-point checklist in mind: 1. Keep expectations realistic – mountain running times are much slower than road running. 2. Don’ t go out too hard on the first hill. 3. Walking is OK. 4. Good hydration is often key to enjoying a trail run. 5. If possible, train on the trails and in the forest to get used to the ground underfoot. 6. Plan your nutrition carefully, and stick to it. You’ ll be on the trail for a few hours, and will need energy to keep going. 7. At the hydration stations, don’ t just charge past – fill up with water and enjoy the fruit. 8. If you’ re passing someone, be polite – karma moves fast in the mountains, so be lekker! 9. Always look good- there are cameras everywhere … 10. Compulsory gear is not optional!
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