SOX 3 Day Trail Run 2026

SOX Trail Run: The most diverse 3-day trail run in South Africa, held in the Garden Route

Embark on an adventure through pristine hiking trails in the mountains on the first day, immerse yourself in the serene, indigenous forest on the second day, and conclude your journey along the breathtaking coastline of the Garden Route on the third day.

DATE: Friday, 7 August 2026 - Sunday, 9 August 2026 VENUE: Fairy Knowe Hotel, Wilderness, Western Cape

DISTANCE OPTIONS

SOX Full

• Day 1: 25km Mountain Stage on single track in the Outeniqua Mountains
• Day 2: 25km Forest Stage in Knysna
• Day 3: 16km Coastal Stage in Wilderness

SOX Sport (same experience, shorter distance)

• Day 1: 13km Mountain Stage on single track in the Outeniqua Mountains
• Day 2: 15km Forest Stage in Knysna
• Day 3: 12km Coastal Stage in Wilderness

Note: The Event Organiser and Route Director may alter routes at any time for safety reasons.

ENTRY FEE INFORMATION

Payment Plan Available:

A 20% deposit is required, followed by four equal installments. Please be aware that the initial payment is non-refundable.

SOX Full and SOX Sport entry fees include:

• Participation in a 3-day challenge showcasing the untouched beauty of the Garden Route, with each day offering a unique route: Day 1 in the Outeniqua Mountains, Day 2 through stunning forests, and Day 3 along the spectacular coastline.
• Three stages of pure trail running on well-marked routes in pristine areas typically inaccessible to runners.
• Memorable trail running experiences through the scenic Outeniqua mountains and picturesque Wilderness area.
• Finisher Medal.
• Sedgefield Brewery Finishers beer each day.
• Lunch at the finish venue daily.
• Bus transport on Day 3.
• Race Village setup, including massages available for booking at your own expense.
• A sweeper each day.
• Well-stocked water tables daily.
• Sedgefield Brewery Bar for purchasing drinks.
• Lunch available for purchase at the race village for non-competitors each day.
• Medical and emergency services on standby.
• 24-hour security in the Race Village.
• Professional photographers on the route, with slide and video shows in the evenings.
• A goodie bag containing an Event T-shirt and Buff.

Entry Fees Exclude:

• Accommodation
• Massages
• Dinner Package (R800 per person for three dinners at the Race Village)
• Registration Dinner (R250 per person)
• Breakfast Package (R500 per person for three buffet breakfasts)
• Event Jacket
• Event Fleece
• Event Socks

Entry Fees:

• SOX Full: R5,450.00 (early bird) or R5,700.00 (full price)
• SOX Sport: R5,450.00 (early bird) or R5,700.00 (full price)

Additional Merchandise

• First Ascent Branded Race Jacket – R1,100.00
• First Ascent Branded Fleece - R550.00
• Event branded Wonky Tom Socks - R180.00

CUT OFF FOR ORDERS: 1 JUNE 2026

Registration and Late Entries:

Pre-entries will close on 25 July 2026. Late entries or entries on the day will not be accepted. Registration will occur on Thursday, 6 August 2026, from 16:00 to 21:00.

Cancellation / Refund Policy

• No substitutions will be accepted after 31 July 2026.
• No refunds of your deposit or entry fees unless the event is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, in which case your entry will be transferable.
• Entries are not transferable to 2027.
• NO EXCEPTIONS (INCLUDING MEDICAL).

This event will proceed regardless of bad weather and will only be canceled, rerouted, or stopped for safety reasons, acts of nature, or any reason beyond our control. In such cases, entry fees are NOT refundable but will be transferable to a future event.

ACCOMMODATION

FAIRY KNOWE HOTEL (Race Village)

The Fairy Knowe Hotel will serve as the Race Village, offering accommodation as follows:

• Riverside Rooms: Sleeps 2 - Double or Twin. Check-in Thursday, check-out Sunday. Price: R4,000.00
• In-House: Sleeps 2 - Double or Twin. Check-in Thursday, check-out Sunday. Price: R4,000.00
• Rondawels: Sleeps 2 - Double. Check-in Thursday, check-out Sunday. Price: R4,000.00
• Family Rooms: Sleeps 2 or 4 - Double + bunk bed. Available in Riverside, Rondawels, or In-House. Check-in Thursday, check-out Sunday. Price: R6,000.00

Additional accommodation options in Wilderness, near Fairy Knowe Hotel:

The Wilderness Hotel

Ebb and Flow Restcamp (SANParks)

PROGRAM

Thursday, 6 August 2026

14:00 Arrival and check-in at Fairy Knowe Hotel

16:00 Registration Desk opens

19:00 Race Briefing and Welcoming

19:30 Dinner at Fairy Knowe Hotel (pre-bookings only)

Friday, 7 August 2026

06:00 Breakfast

Race Start/Finish: NMU Campus, George

08:00 Start of Day 1

11:00 onwards Light Lunch at Finish Venue

12:00 Sport Massages open at Race Village

18:00 Slide Show of Day 1

18:30 Dinner (pre-bookings only)

Saturday, 8 August 2026

06:00 Breakfast

08:00 Start/Finish: Quinta da Montanha, Rheenendal

11:00 onwards Light Lunch at Karatara (coffee, beer, and boerewors rolls for sale at Karatara)

18:00 Slideshow of Day 2

18:30 Dinner at Race Village (pre-bookings only)

Sunday, 9 August 2026

07:00 Breakfast

08:30 Bus transports runners to Start of Day 3

09:00 SOX Start

11:00 onwards Finish at Race Village

11:00 onwards Light Lunch at Race Village

12:00 Prize Giving

FANCY DRESS

Dress up as your favorite character for a chance to win one of two free entries to SOX 2027!

SPONSORS