Milky Way Marathon 2026

🌌 The Milky Way Marathon 2026

We are heading to Drie Kuilen Nature Reserve for this year's Milky Way Marathon on 11 July 2026. At an altitude of around 1 100m, Drie Kuilen offers an extraordinary view of the night sky that is nearly free from light pollution. From this vantage point at 33°S latitude, you will be able to see the beautiful constellations, stars and galaxies of the southern hemisphere, and marvel at the Milky Way spanning overhead.

Both the start and finish take place at Drie Kuilen, with routes showcasing the vast, rugged landscapes of the reserve — a mix of jeep track and flowing singletrack designed to immerse you fully in this remote Karoo wilderness.

🤔 Why this race?

In our rushed lives we just don't slow down enough to enjoy our surroundings. We are too busy for sunset drinks. We don't stop for a sunrise — segments, meetings, phone calls all chasing us to keep BUSY.

The Milky Way Marathon will slow you down. It will force you to turn off your headlamp and look UP at the night sky.

The race starts in the afternoon, so you'll run with the sun setting in the distance and finish under a blanket of stars — an experience you won't forget. Approximately 10km will be run in the dark as the sky comes alive above you.

There will be a "Dark Zone" where you switch off your headlamp, follow fairy lights, and run guided only by the stars.

🏃 Race Details

Marathon (42km):
Scattered start from 13:00 to 15:00. Your start time is determined by your marathon pace — faster runners start last.

Half Marathon (21km):
Group start at 16:00. A later batch at 17:00 is available for faster runners who want to maximise time under the night sky. Walkers are welcome on the 21km route.

The goal is to finish by 20:00. Cut-offs are flexible — as long as you start early enough, you'll be fine. We'll help with your recommended start time closer to the event once you know your own fitness and pace.

⭐ What's the Scattered Start?

This is the best part of the race — you choose when you start. Different groups set off depending on your estimated pace. The aim is for all runners to witness the sunset as you move through the mountains and valleys of Drie Kuilen, before transitioning into night running under the Milky Way.

📈 Route Profiles

42km Marathon
Distance: 42.1km  |  Elevation gain: 1 043m  |  Elevation loss: 1 043m
Lowest point: 942m  |  Highest point: 1 425m  |  Start/Finish: ~1 022m

21km Half Marathon
Distance: 22.3km  |  Elevation gain: 631m  |  Elevation loss: 630m
Lowest point: 1 011m  |  Highest point: 1 425m  |  Start/Finish: ~1 022m

Full interactive elevation profiles and GPX downloads available at runventures.co.za.

🏅 Included with entry:

• Medal
• Headwear

🏕️ Accommodation

Drie Kuilen Nature Reserve — the primary option, with cottages and campsites available.
📧 bookings@driekuilen.co.za  |  📞 +27 71 388 6735 (WhatsApp)

Huizen Cabins — for something more premium. Limited availability, book early.

Gecko Rock Private Nature Reserve — cabins and camping just down the road.

🎒 Compulsory Kit:

• Headlamp (strip headlamps not allowed — these have proven unreliable at night events)
• Rain jacket (with hood)
• Beanie
• Gloves
• Fleece / warm top
• Space blanket
• Whistle
• Water / hydration pack
• Charged phone

💡 Recommended: Hiking poles (helpful on technical sections). Extra warm kit — when the sun sets at Drie Kuilen, it is COLD. Come prepared.

🍷 Post-race fire, wine and hot chocolate at the finish line. Meal options available for those staying for dinner.

⏰ Entries close at noon on Friday, 3 July 2026.
No substitutions or changes will be allowed after entries close.

More info & interactive elevation profiles: www.runventures.co.za