The Best Running Trails in South Africa

2016 The Growler

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near Yeoville, Gauteng (Republic of South Africa)

doppierunner

Distance: 14.30mi
Elevation +: 971f
TrailRank: 27

Johannesburg's World Class African Athletic Event No comments about the route, no marshals, no prizes, no timekeeping, no drinks tables, no t-shirts, no whining! A jog through the parts of the city that you would norma...

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Inaugural Hartbeespoort parkrun

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near Schoemansville, North-West (Republic of South Africa)

doppierunner

Distance: 3.12mi
Elevation +: 20f
TrailRank: 27

Mostly on dirt road with one section through mowed bush. Flat run. Watch out for the wildlife, zebras, impala & hartebees.

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Noordhoek-Chapmans-Suikerbossie run

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near Wattle Park, Western Cape (Republic of South Africa)

guidodg

Distance: 9.85mi
Elevation +: 2402f
TrailRank: 27

Photo ofNoordhoek-Chapmans-Suikerbossie run

very scenic road run , probably the best way to fully experience the stunning views along Chapmans Peak drive....end off with an excellent breakfast at Suikerbossie restaurant (I recommend the scones)

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Bainskloof Half Marathon 2012

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near Wellington, Western Cape (South Africa)

doppierunner

Distance: 13.03mi
Elevation +: 1352f
TrailRank: 27

Nice run up the Bainskloof pass and then back down. 10.5km of climbing followed by the same route downhill.

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2012 Sabie XTrail Stage 3

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near Sabie, Mpumalanga (South Africa)

doppierunner

Distance: 12.47mi
Elevation +: 1903f
TrailRank: 27

Fairly cool running conditions. Mostly single track and some jeep tracks. One huge climb up to the top of the waterfall.

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Golden Gate Challenge 2011 Day 3

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near Glen Reenen, Free State (South Africa)

doppierunner

Distance: 10.91mi
Elevation +: 2628f
TrailRank: 27

Photo ofGolden Gate Challenge 2011 Day 3

Up to the radio mast above Glen Reenen camp to see the sun rise. 4am start to the day. Ultra number 86 completed.

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2017 Modern Athlete half marathon Irene

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near Kaalfontein, Gauteng (Republic of South Africa)

doppierunner

Distance: 13.22mi
Elevation +: 558f
TrailRank: 26

Photo of2017 Modern Athlete half marathon Irene

Some gradual climbs on this route. Although the climbs are gentle you do most of the climbing in the second half of the race. Starting with the ultra the roads are pretty congested so its difficult to get into a decent ...

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2016 Rustenburg 25km Mountain Race

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near Protea Park, North-West (Republic of South Africa)

doppierunner

Distance: 15.72mi
Elevation +: 1804f
TrailRank: 26

Photo of2016 Rustenburg 25km Mountain Race

This race has been moved from winter to spring. You now have to contend with the warmer weather as well as the HILL. The first 7km are very tough but once you are into the reserve it is fairly easy running. The waterpoi...

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2016 Zwartkop half marathon

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near Eldoraigne, Gauteng (Republic of South Africa)

doppierunner

Distance: 13.23mi
Elevation +: 650f
TrailRank: 26

A race that requires some sensible pacing and you can run a good time. Take the first lap easy so that you have enough energy to negotiate the hills in the second half and once you get to about 14km you can stretch your ...

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2016 Run for Bibles half marathon

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near Clubview West, Gauteng (Republic of South Africa)

doppierunner

Distance: 13.30mi
Elevation +: 410f
TrailRank: 26

Photo of2016 Run for Bibles half marathon

The Wally hill at the end of each lap near the finish is a bugger. Lots of little bumps throughout the course. Too many loops and out and back sectors so the first lap is very congested with the 10km runners. The last 1...

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2015 Kruger Park 21km

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near Skukuza, Mpumalanga (Republic of South Africa)

doppierunner

Distance: 13.06mi
Elevation +: 394f
TrailRank: 26

Run mostly on dirt roads around the Skukuza staff village. There is some running on tar roads. The run is monitored from the air by rangers in a helicopter. Rangers are stationed every few hundred meters along the route ...

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2012 Sabie XTrail Stage 2

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near Sabie, Mpumalanga (South Africa)

doppierunner

Distance: 7.17mi
Elevation +: 394f
TrailRank: 26

Night trail run. It rained heavily during the afternoon after stage 1. The road from the start to Merry Pebbles was flooded and there was a lot of mud on the way out of the car park. But that did not dampen the enthusias...

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Secunda parkrun 2nd birthday

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near Secunda, Mpumalanga (Republic of South Africa)

doppierunner

Distance: 3.15mi
Elevation +: 39f
TrailRank: 26

We did the section around the dam in a clockwise direction. Normally they go anti clockwise. Quite a pleasant fairly easy run mostly on dirt paths. There is a slight climb to about half way and then its downhill on the ...

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Hillcrest marathon 2015

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near Hillcrest, Province of KwaZulu-Natal (Republic of South Africa)

doppierunner

with

Distance: 26.71mi
Elevation +: 1453f
TrailRank: 26| 4.0

Not the easiest marathon. Fortunately they start this run at 5am. The heat and humidty are the major problems here. Fortunately there is lots of shade on the route. The two laps are identical so you know what is coming w...

My first marathon at 4:09. The hills on the second lap appear to grow!

Rhino and Hedgehog

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2015 Aspen PE City marathon

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near Lorraine, Eastern Cape (Republic of South Africa)

doppierunner

Distance: 26.47mi
Elevation +: 545f
TrailRank: 26

The name is a bit misleading as there is no city in this marathon. It is run outside the city in the smallholdings. Fortunately it is not in the city otherwise then there could be some monster hills. It is one of the fla...

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Mafikeng Marathon 2012

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near Mmabatho, North-West (South Africa)

doppierunner

Distance: 26.32mi
Elevation +: 223f
TrailRank: 26

Do this run if you are an experienced marathoner. Once you out in the country there are not many people. No km markers. First one at halfway and then a few until the last 10km which is counted down. If you enjoy running ...

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2016 Donald Mellors Remembrance training run

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near Parkrand, Gauteng (Republic of South Africa)

doppierunner

Distance: 13.23mi
Elevation +: 295f
TrailRank: 26

Photo of2016 Donald Mellors Remembrance training run

A well organised charity run from Boksburg City Stadium. There is a 10km and a 21km option. The same out and back route is used for both runs. A fairly easy flattish route through the Boksburg suburbs. Plenty of marsha...

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Cannibals Cave parkrun

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near Bonjaneni, Province of KwaZulu-Natal (Republic of South Africa)

doppierunner

Distance: 3.16mi
Elevation +: 39f
TrailRank: 26

If you ever make your way down to this trail run then take along your old running shoes. There is always someone who can use them here. Don't be afraid to see barefoot kids beating you on this parkrun. Lizzie teaches th...

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2013 John Korasie 30km

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near Seaforth, Western Cape (Republic of South Africa)

doppierunner

Distance: 18.91mi
Elevation +: 1529f
TrailRank: 26

Race from Simonstown up Redhill to Smitswinkel Bay and then back to Simonstown along the coastal road. Awesome views of False Bay for the last 10km. Beware of the bump at Millers Point and at the golf course. This is not...

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parkrun Root44

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near Jamestown, Western Cape (Republic of South Africa)

doppierunner

Distance: 3.19mi
Elevation +: 174f
TrailRank: 26

A parkrun through the vineyards of Audacia wine farm on the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West.

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Drumblade parkrun #219

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near Walkerville, Gauteng (Republic of South Africa)

doppierunner

Distance: 3.13mi
Elevation +: 187f
TrailRank: 26

An offroad trail around a farm south of Johannesburg. One long hill just before the finish. Some sections of the trail need eyes on the ground.

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Pongola #parkrun

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near Pongola, Province of KwaZulu-Natal (Republic of South Africa)

doppierunner

Distance: 3.15mi
Elevation +: 52f
TrailRank: 26

Run through the residential estate of the Selati sugar mill. Run on well paved roads with a short section on grass and another short "downhill" section on dirt. Lots of shade and a route that could produce your PB parkru...

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Napier #Patatfees half marathon

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near Napier, Western Cape (Republic of South Africa)

doppierunner

Distance: 13.35mi
Elevation +: 745f
TrailRank: 26

Run mostly on dirt roads through the surrounding farms. The toughest climb is at about 12km and then the last climb up to the finish. An excellent run in the country.

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John Korasie 30km 2012

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near Seaforth, Western Cape (South Africa)

doppierunner

Distance: 18.79mi
Elevation +: 1572f
TrailRank: 26

A great race around the end of the peninsula. The opening climb up Redhill wakes you up and gives you great views over False Bay. The last 10km from Cape Point down to Simonstown provides one with great views across the ...

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