Luneburg Trail run '26

Lüneburg Trail Run 2026 – Route Details

All races commence and conclude at the race village, located at the Lüneburg church.

LTR 65

• Location: Peter-Paul Gemeinde Lüneburg, Coordinates: 27.314°S 30.619°E
• Registration: Friday from 3 – 5 pm, Saturday at 3 am
• Elevation: 2400 m
• Race Start: 10 OCT @ 4 am
• Cut-Off: 16 hours
• Distance: 65 km
• Checkpoints: 6

MANDATORY GEAR & GEAR CHECK (TIME PENALTY FOR MISSING ITEMS)

• Trail running shoes: 30 min penalty
• Running top: 30 min penalty
• Race number: 30 min penalty
• Spare socks: 10 min penalty
• Cap and beanie/buff: 10 min penalty
• Long-sleeve thermal: 10 min penalty
• Thermal leggings: 10 min penalty
• Cup: 5 min penalty
• Whistle & space blanket: 30 min penalty
• Charged cell phone: 60 min penalty
• GPS device with course loaded: 60 min penalty
• Headlamp: 30 min penalty
• Emergency rations (Energy bars, electrolytes, etc.): 30 min penalty
• Waterproof jacket with hood: 30 min penalty
• Running pack with 2L water capacity: 30 min penalty
• Basic First Aid: No penalty

ABOUT LTR 65

This challenging race features cattle trails, rugged terrain, and some 4x4 tracks or farm roads, offering stunning views throughout. The race begins with a steep 4 km climb to the Ncaga mountaintop, where a weather safety check will be conducted if mist is present. If conditions are clear, you can see the iconic Pongola bush beyond the Ncaga ridge. The next 16 km consist of rolling hills on jeep tracks with minimal elevation. The first checkpoint, CP 1 – Koppie Alleen, is located 9 km into the race, providing water but not enough to refill your bladder and soft flasks.

CP 2 – Paardeplaas is situated 19 km into the race. Shortly after, you'll encounter the first water stream, followed by several others, where you can refill your bladder and soft flasks. After CP2, a 12 km ascent leads to the race's highest point at 32 km, CP 3 – Mandlangampisi Towers, offering panoramic views. Ensure you fill up your bladder and soft flasks at the stream just before CP 3.

Following the highest point, a typical “dragon’s back” descent begins: 8 km of rocky, technical terrain. Proceed with caution. CP 4 – Skodini at 40 km provides water and a stunning view – a massive hole in the landscape. From here, continue on a 5 km rolling farm road beneath the eMhlongamvula mountain.

The subsequent 10 km consist of cattle trails and jeep tracks leading to CP 5 – Fantastic Turbine, the final checkpoint. The last 3 km are on a former tar road, offering easier running before reaching the finish line.

PACE CHART

• Checkpoint 1: Sub 8 hours at 5h15AM, Sub 12 hours at 5h40AM, Cut-off at 6h00AM
• Checkpoint 2: Sub 8 hours at 6h30AM, Sub 12 hours at 7h40AM, Cut-off at 9h00AM
• Checkpoint 3: Sub 8 hours at 8h00AM, Sub 12 hours at 9h55AM, Cut-off at 11h30AM
• Checkpoint 4: Sub 8 hours at 9h00AM, Sub 12 hours at 11h25AM, Cut-off at 14h00PM
• Checkpoint 5: Sub 8 hours at 10h50AM, Sub 12 hours at 14h10PM, Cut-off at 17h00PM
• Finish Line: Sub 8 hours at 12AM, Sub 12 hours at 16h00PM, Cut-off at 20h00PM

LTR 23

• Location: Peter-Paul Gemeinde Lüneburg, Coordinates: 27.314°S 30.619°E
• Registration: Friday from 3 – 5 pm, Saturday at 3 – 5:30 am
• Elevation: 860 m
• Race Start: 10 OCT @ 6 am
• Cut-Off: 6 hours
• Distance: 23 km
• Water points: 4

ABOUT LTR 23

The race begins with a steep 4 km climb to the Ncaga mountaintop, where a weather safety check will be conducted if mist is present. If conditions allow, you’ll enjoy views of the iconic Pongola bush on the far side of the Ncaga ridge.

Your first checkpoint is at 9 km, with water available. From there, you’ll descend on a jeep track to near the top of Koppie Alleen, marked by a large cross.

Continue along the jeep track. At 16 km, you’ll cross a stream with fresh water, ideal for refilling your soft flasks. After a 2 km incline, the descent begins toward the pothole road, which was once a tar road. The final 3 km offer smoother running up to the finish line.

LTR 10

• Location: Peter-Paul Gemeinde Lüneburg
• Registration: Friday from 3 – 5 pm, Saturday at 3 – 5:30 am
• Race Start: 10 OCT @ 6:30 am
• Distance: 10 km
• Elevation: 279 m
• Cut-Off: 5 hours
• Water points: 3

ABOUT LTR 10

The Lüneburg 10 km is designed for beginner trail runners or hikers eager to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The race starts with an ascent up the Ngaca Mountain, but does not reach the summit.

LTR 5

• Location: Peter-Paul Gemeinde Lüneburg
• Registration: Friday from 3 – 5 pm, Saturday at 3 – 6:30 am
• Race Start: 10 OCT @ 7:00 am
• Distance: 5 km
• Checkpoints: 1

ABOUT LTR 5

This short fun run is perfect for children or parents with young ones. Enjoy the beautiful scenery without any significant elevation.