Chokka Trail Run 2026 (10 Year Anniversary) Sat 8 Aug - Sun 9 Aug 2026 @ St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape

The 2026 event marks the 10th edition of the Chokka Trail Run. What began as a simple idea shared at a braai with friends, and later developed by Esti and Eric Stewart to showcase their slackpacking route in a trail running format, has grown into something truly special. Over the years, the event has expanded in both scale and reputation, with the 2025 edition attracting a record number of entries.

As we approach this milestone year, we believe the overall experience should be elevated to reflect the growth and significance of the trail itself. To celebrate this occasion, the 2026 event weekend will feature a weekend of fun activities at the Cape St Francis Resort.

Please remember that there will be water on all the routes.  If you are running the Chokka Experience, consider bringing dry shoes for Sunday and take dry clothes with to change after the race at Dune Ridge.  If you are doing the 62km or 42km, consider putting dry socks and even pants in your drop bag at Dune Ridge.  The Sand River is beautiful but you will get wet.

Chokka Trail (one day race, standard format)

Sunday 9 August:  62km Ultra, 42km Marathon, 23km Half Marathon and 10km events all starting and finishing at Cape St Francis Resort.  

In addition, we are excited to introduce two new multiday options that allow participants to experience more of the route across two days.

Chokka Experience

Day 1, Saturday 8 August: 28km starting and finishing at Dune Ridge
Day 2, Sunday 9 August: 23km Main Race starting and finishing at Cape St Francis Resort

Chokka Experience Lite

Day 1, Saturday 8 August: 12km starting and finishing at Dune Ridge
Day 2, Sunday 9 August: 10km Main Race starting and finishing at Cape St Francis Resort

These new formats allow runners who may not typically enter longer distances to experience the beautiful Sand River section, widely regarded as one of the most iconic parts of the Chokka course.

The popular kiddies races, offering 1km and 3km options, will also return on Saturday 8 August as part of the weekend’s activities.

Join us on Sunday for the afterparty giving runners the opportunity to celebrate their achievements and enjoy an unforgettable weekend together.

Race briefings, starting times and other info for the weekend:

Friday 7 August

18h00 – 20h00:   Restaurant specials, Cape St Francis Resort

Saturday 8 August

07h30:  Number Collection Experience & Lite, Dune Ridge Country House

07h45:  Race briefing Experience & Lite, Dune Ridge Country House

08h00:  Race starts, Dune Ridge Country House

08h00 – 14h00:   Refreshments & Bar, Dune Ridge Country House

15h00 – 18h00:   Registration, number collection and bag drop off, Cape St Francis Resort

16h00:  Registration Kids Races (1km & 3km)

16h30:  Kids Races starts

18h00 – 20h00:   Restaurant Specials:  Cape St Francis Resort

Sunday 9 August

06h30:  62km & 42km Number and Tracker Collection

06h45:  62km & 42km Race Briefing

             23km Number Collection ONLY

07h00:  62km & 42km Starts

07h15:  23km Race Briefing

             10km Number Collection

07h30:  23km Starts

07h45:  10km Race Briefing

08h00:  10km Starts

13h00:  10km & 23km Prize Giving, Joe Fish, Cape St Francis Resort

15h00:  42km & 61km Prize Giving, Joe Fish, Cape St Francis Resort

19h00:  Chokka Trail Run After Party