Kaapsehoop Mountain Ultra 2026

FRESH Kaapsehoop Mountain Ultra on 09 August 2026

KAAPSEHOOP

Quaint, cloudy and calm – this is Kaapsehoop .  Set atop a mountain pass on the Drakensberg escarpment above Nelspruit, it comes slowly into view, as if appearing out of the mists of time.

The gravel streets are lit by lantern-style lights and the town has a series of quaint shops and eateries.  It has a lovely moderate climate- making it a lot cooler up there during summer whilst the Lowveld bakes.

Most appealing though is a herd of wild horses that makes the plateau its home.  The village is particularly regardful of their horses (there are about 200 of them) that range at will among the houses and on the plateau beyond.

Their blue swallows are unique, as well as a series of ancient stones, known as Adam’s Calendar, that suggest an ancient and mystical history of mankind.

Blue swallow are rarely seen in South Africa. Part of the escarpment is declared a blue swallow natural heritage site.

From up here there are incredible views over the Lowveld, particularly of the Baberton valley, known as De Kaap Valley. It was also known as the ‘valley of death’ because of the prevalence of malaria, which Kaapsehoop evaded (and continues to do so), because of its altitude.

Kaapsche Hoop, the original Dutch spelling of the town’s name, came into existence as part of the 1873 gold rush. It’s very name means ‘hope of the Cape’!  This refers to the prospector’s hopes for gold.

What a great setting to present a Fresh Trails experience of pristine trail running!!!!

1. DATE AND DISTANCES

09 August 2025 (Sunday):

69km, Elevation gain 2750m, 6 x Aid Stations (Entries close 31July)

45km, Elevation gain 1800m, 4 x Aid Stations (Late Entries available on the day at extra R100)

17km 540 Elevation gain 1 x Aid Station (Late Entries available on the day at extra R50) Dog on Leash Friendly

8km 235 Elevation gain 1 x Aid Station (Late Entries available on the day at extra R50) Dog on Leash Friendly

Province: Mpumalanga

Town: Kaapsehoop

Race Village: Kaapsehoop Pear Orchard Picnic Site

Trail Description: Plantation jeep track and flowing single track;  Kaapsehoop rock formations;   grassland escarpment with misty mountains and plantations.

• TIME

08 August 2025 @ Kaapsehoop Race Village:  

Registration, compulsory kit checks and late entries 16h00 – 18h00

09 August 2025 @ Kaapsehoop Race Village:

Late Registration 05h00-05h30 69km Kaapsehoop  (no late entries 69km)

Late Registration & Entries 05h00 – 06h30 45km, 17km & 8km (07h30)

Race Start Time:

69km 06h00 (race briefing 05h45)

45km 07h00 (race briefing 06h45)

17km 07h30 (Race briefing 07h15) Dog Friendly

8km 08h00 (Race briefing 07h45) Dog Friendly

Prize Giving (17km, 45km & 8km) 13h00 at Race Village

Prize Giving (69km ) 19h00 Saturday at Race Village

• COSTS

69km = R1800 (Entries close 31Jul)

45km = R950 (late entry R100 extra) 4 x Aid Stations

17km = R380 (late entry R50 extra) 2 x Aid Station

8km = R250 (late entry R50 Extra) 1 x Aid Station

Race Shirt = R400

Race Cap = R380

• INCLUDED

TRUCKER CAP or Buff 69km

FINISHER MEAL 69km

FRESH MOUNTAIN HOSPITALITY

GREAT TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

WATER POINTS ON ROUTE AND FINISH

MEDAL OR CRAFT BEER FOR FINISHERS

WELL MARKED ROUTE

MEDICAL STAFF

ABLUTION FACILITIES

FOOD AND REFRESHMENT STALLS