EVENT DESCRIPTION

The Rock Ultra is a rugged gravel run in a mountain environment, set on the slopes of Paarl Mountain and starting and finishing at the iconic Afrikaans Language Monument.

Defined by granite terrain, fynbos, and open mountain slopes, this event offers a fast-moving trail running experience across a mix of jeep track, singletrack, and technical sections. The routes are designed to flow, climb, and challenge — rewarding runners who can adapt to the rhythm of the mountain.

From accessible short distances to a demanding overnight ultra, The Rock Ultra creates space for every level of runner to engage with the mountain in a meaningful way.

Celebrate your best year on the mountain at TRU, 4–5 December 2026.

DISTANCES

• 100km – The Rock Ultra (TRU100)
  An overnight ultra across exposed mountain terrain requiring endurance and resilience - 25 hour cut-off
• 44km – The Rock Marathon (TRU44)
  A full marathon distance across the granite slopes of Paarl Mountain - focus, rhythm and consistency - 11 hour cut-off
• 22km – The Boulder Challenge (TRU22)
  A bold and rewarding mid-distance challenge, this route balances effort and flow across the slopes of Paarl Mountain - 6 hour cut-off
• 12km – The Boulder Lite (TRU12) (New distance) 
  It’s a chance to move freely, take in the landscape, and enjoy the mountain, hiking friendly - 4.5 hour cut-off
• 5km – The Klippie (TRU5)
  A meaningful motivation to move with the Anna Foundation's young athletes and your favourite people - 2 hour cut-off

WHAT’S INCLUDED

TRU100 – The Rock Ultra (100km)

• Finisher medal
• Event socks
• Event short sleeve t-shirt
• Event running cap
• Meal voucher (Race village)
• Finish line beer / non-alcoholic drink
• Massage voucher (Recovery tent)
• Drop bag service

TRU44 – The Rock Marathon (44km)

• Finisher medal
• Event socks
• Event short sleeve t-shirt
• Light meal voucher (Race village)
• Finish line beer / non-alcoholic drink

TRU22 – The Boulder Challenge (22km)

• Finisher medal
• Event socks
• Event running cap
• Finish line beer / non-alcoholic drink

TRU12 – The Boulder Lite (12km) - New Distance

• Finisher medal
• Event socks
• Finish line beer / non-alcoholic drink

TRU5 – The Klippie (5km)

• Medal
• Fun giveaways
• All proceeds go to the Anna Foundation

THE EXPERIENCE

The race village at the Taal Monument creates a central gathering point on the mountain.

Expect:

• Fast, runnable sections combined with rugged terrain
• Community-crewed aid stations bringing energy and support to the route
• A clean, open mountain setting
• A grounded, authentic atmosphere with a strong celebratory feel

This is a trail running event shaped by terrain, community, and shared experience.

WHO IT’S FOR

• Families, walkers, and young runners — The Klippie (5km)
• New trail runners and short-distance runners — 5km & 12km
• Intermediate runners — 22km & 44km
• Experienced ultra runners — 100km

ADD-ONS

Optional items available during entry:

• Event short sleeve t-shirt
• Event long sleeve shirt
• Event running cap
• Event socks
• 100km pacer entry
• Anna Foundation donation

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Spectator access to the race village at the Afrikaans Language Monument is subject to a R20 entrance fee
• Spectators will receive an event wristband
• Runners gain access with their race number

Entries are limited and priced in phases:

• Early Bird (closes 30 June 2026 or at 25% capacity)
• Standard Entry
• Late Entry (from 22 November 2026)

ITRA-LISTED

The Rock Ultra is an ITRA-listed race, meaning it is officially recognised by the International Trail Running Association. Runners who complete the longer distances can earn ITRA Performance Index points and qualifying credits used for entry into other major international trail events. This recognition reflects the quality of the course, organisation, and mountain environment, and places The Rock Ultra within the global trail running landscape.

ETHOS

The Rock Ultra is built on respect:

• Respect for the environment
• Respect for the community
• Respect for the landowners

Participants are expected to follow a leave-no-trace approach at all times.

FINAL NOTE

This is a mountain-first event — rugged, honest, and rewarding.

If you are looking for a fast, natural trail running experience on Paarl Mountain, and a chance to celebrate the journey, you’ll find it here.

RACE RULES AND INFO ARE NOW AVAILABLE HERE

SCHEDULE IS AVAILABLE HERE