6th Edition | 9-11 October, 2026
20KM | 30KM | 40KM

Kleinrivier Wilderness, Eastern Cape, South Africa

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Are you ready to take on the 2026 Kleinrivier Mountain Trail Challenge?

If you want to be immersed in pristine wilderness, while being challenged with big, lung busting climbs and heart stopping vertical descents along awesome single track trails, then come and join us for a spectacular mountain trail running adventure!

Sharing 2 borders with the Groendal Wilderness Area, the private Kleinrivier Wilderness Area is situated just 30km outside of Uitenhage in the remote Winterhoek Mountains. We are incredibly lucky to stage an event in such an incredible environment.

With more than 95% of the route on single track trail, this course promises to test even the toughest of trail runners, with climbs that will make your heart pump, and descents that will push your adrenaline levels into the stratosphere! 

30km & 40km MTC runners will also get a chance to bag the peak of Strydomskop.

Event Itinerary

This event will be held over 3 days.

More than 95% of the course is on technical single track mountain trail.
A prologue seeding race and batch starting program will be used to manage the main races to avoid congestion on the trail.

If you can't make the prologue race, then you will be placed into the next available starting batch after you arrive.

Day 1 - Friday 9th October


10:00 - 16:00 Race Registration & Kit Check

Race registration will take place from 10am in the morning, giving you time to arrive and register, pass your kit check and get ready for the prologue race.

15:00 - 16:00 - Prologue Races

15:00 - 20km Prologue Start

15:30 - 30km Prologue Start

16:00 - 40km Prologue Start

The prologue races are used to seed runners into starting groups for the main events.

Each prologue race is a single mass start race over a short 4.5km course, with the seeding based on the final overall individual times.

The top 8 men and the top 8 women in each distance will then start first as a single group on the main races, with the rest of the field leaving in groups of 4 every 30 seconds afterwards.

17:30 - Communal braai fires lit

Communal braai area at Soetdorings campsite is available for all who wish to braai.

18:00 - 18:30 - Race Briefing

This will take place in the Soetdorings campsite area and is mandatory for all runners to attend.

Day 2 - Saturday 10th October


06:00 - 40km MTC Start

07:00 - 30km MTC Start

08:00 - 20km MTC Start

11:00 - 30km CutOff - Stone Mountain Checkpoint

Any 30km runners that haven’t reached this point by 11:00 will be short-coursed onto the 20km route.

12:00 - 40km CutOff - Stone Mountain Checkpoint

Any 40km runners that haven’t reached this point by 12:00 will be short-coursed onto the 20km route.

12:30 - Podium prize giving - 20km

Prizes will be awarded for the top 3 men & women in each race.

14:00 - Podium prize giving - 30km

Prizes will be awarded for the top 3 men & women in each race.

16:00 - Final Race Cutoff - 20km

16:30 - Podium prize giving - 40km

17:00 - Final Race Cutoff - 30km

18:00 - Final Race Cutoff - 40km

Any runners that don’t complete the official course will be marked as DNC - Did Not Complete.

Any runners that haven’t finished by the relevant race cutoff will be listed as MFC - Missed Final Cutoff in the final results.

18:00 - later

Communal braai and beers around the fire

Day 3 - Sunday 21st June


6:00 - late

Coffee / Tea available at Soetdorings lapa.

Athletes pack up and leave, or spend some time exploring the trails you didn't get to see during the race.

10:00 Live Adventure team breakdown and pack up

Live Adventure team will do final clearing, breakdown and pack up.

 

40KM Mountain Trail Challenge

40km Route Stats

Course Record Men
Mvuyisi Gcoco
06:03:08
2021
Course Record Ladies
Rebecca Jordaan
Theresa Buchner
09:18:47
2021

Kilometers

Hours

Waterpoints

+ m

Elevation Gain

30KM Mountain Trail Challenge

30km Route Stats

Course Record Men
Petros Chigomararwa
04:03:12
2021
Course Record Ladies
Nadia Jooste
04:24:08
2022

Kilometers

Hours

Waterpoints

+ m

Elevation Gain

20KM Mountain Trail Challenge

20km Route Stats

Course Record Men
Sebastian Oliver
02:40:01
2025
Course Record Ladies
Morgan Watson
03:08:22
2025

Kilometers

Hours

Waterpoints

+ m

Elevation Gain

Required Gear

As this is a mountain trail event, we have a list of required gear that all athletes will be required to carry.

You will be asked to present various items of this list at registration, and you will not be allowed to start if you are missing any of the items.

Item

Required

Buff/BeanieYes
Waterproof jacket (taped seams & hood)Yes
Thermal base layerYes
Space blanketYes
WhistleYes
CupYes
Hydration pack (min. 1.5l capacity)Yes
Fully charged cellphoneYes
Emergency food ration (200 calories)Yes
Headlamp & batteries (30km & 40km MTC only)Yes
StrappingYes
Basic first aid kitYes
Navigation unit/phone/watch with route pre-loaded (30km & 40km MTC only)Yes

Recommended Gear

The following items are highly recommended extras:

Item

Required

Sunscreen No
Cap / Hat No
Hiking Poles No
Sunglasses No

Race Rules

  1. Only official participants displaying their race numbers are allowed on the route. The race numbers must be worn on the front at all times and must be clearly visible.
  2. It is compulsory that participants run with drinking bottles or bladder and carry a minimum of 1.5 litres of water between Checkpoints.
  3. It is compulsory to run with a small waist pack or day backpack. These water bottles and bladders will be filled at the Checkpoints.
  4. Water will be provided at the checkpoints. Athletes must carry their own cup.
  5. The route will be clearly marked. Where required at any intersection there will be a marker board with an arrow to show the way. The entire route must be completed to finish the race.
  6. If for any reason a participant leaves the marked route, he/she must return to the point of departure by foot. Any participant deliberately running off the route will be disqualified.
  7. This event is a foot race and the entire route must be traversed by foot. Any participant with a disability of any kind that would require a form of mechanical device is to bring this to the attention of the race organisers for approval. Walking poles may be used.
  8. Except in an emergency, no assistance may be accepted by any participant between checkpoints.
  9. If any emergency assistance is required/received between checkpoints, this must be brought to the attention of the checkpoint Captain at the next checkpoint.
  10. Each participant must make sure that he/she has been checked in and out of each checkpoint.
  11. Any form of litter or destruction of the natural habitat will result in immediate disqualification. Nothing at all may be discarded between checkpoints i.e. food wrappings, empty gel packs etc.
  12. Any interference with another participant will result in disqualification.
  13. Should you miss your cutoff, you will be short coursed - this is non-negotiable.
  14. ONLY Bone-conductor headphones will be allowed. You are running in a wilderness area, and the chances of you encountering wild animals is possible. You must be aware of your surroundings at all times. If caught with any other form of headphone, participants will be disqualified and removed from the course.
  15. Smoking is not permitted for the duration of the event.
  16. Any athlete not abiding by the race rules will be removed from the course and banned from any future Live Adventure events.
  17. Right of admission to this event is reserved.
  18. Live Adventure reserves the right to update or amend these rules at any time.

Accommodation Options

There are limited fixed accommodation options available at Kleinrivier, and these will be made available on a first come first served basis.

All Kleinrivier fixed accommodation options (Black Eagle tented camp, Dassiekrans cabins, Peppertree Cottage) are self catering.

To book any of these, please contact Kleinrivier reservations on +27 83 991 7021 or via email on reservations@kleinrivier.co.za

Black Eagle Tented Camp

There are 4 tents available in the Black Eagle Tented Camp.

Black Eagle luxury tents sleep 2 people and each tent has its own en-suite bathroom.

Wake up to a chorus of bird calls and hear the owls and dassies call at night.

Black Eagle Tented Camp is a five-minute walk from the car park (so pack accordingly) but the effort is well worthwhile. Shaded by ancient Forest Elder and Tierhout trees, it is a cool oasis on a hot Karoo day.

All tents have a large glass sliding door with its own bathroom and water heated by a central wood burning “donkey”.

The central main lodge area has a kitchen fully equipped with fridge, freezer and a four plate gas hob. It includes a dining area and lounge with indoor fireplace and glass sliding doors leading off onto a main deck with outside braai and plunge pool.

The parking is accessible in a normal vehicle..

Dassiekrans Self Catering Chalets

Dassie 1 (sleeps 2) | Dassie 2 (sleeps 2) | Dassie 3 (sleeps 2) | Dassie 4 (sleeps 4)

The four chalets at Dassiekrans were built by nature lovers, for nature lovers. As they are situated apart from each other, the thick riverine bush ensures privacy.

The chalets either have views up the Kleinrivier valley or across to the cliffs on the opposite side where the dassies bask in the morning sun. Dassiekrans 1 and Dassiekrans 2 overlook a stream fed by a perennial spring which has shallow pools where you can watch the dragonflies hover in the morning sun. All linen and towels are supplied. Most units have a king bed which can be separated to make two single beds.

The ensuite bathrooms are powered by gas and look out onto their own natural gardens. Dassie 1 and 3 have an additional outside bath and shower. Dassie 2 has an additional outside bath and Dassie 4 has a submerging pond.

Each unit has its own kitchen with a 12V camping fridge/freezer. Lighting is supplied by solar powered batteries and there are USB and C port charging stations. Braai facilities are paramount. Some units have a choice of two outside fireplaces and all have an inside fireplace. Dassie 4 is larger than the others with an extra room which allows it to sleep 4 guests.

Peppertree Cottage

Peppertree Cottage is situated close to the reception area and overlooks the vast Karoo landscape in the background. It is one of the best spots to sit and watch the sun set as the fire blazes and a glass of red wine rests lightly between your fingers.

There are three bedrooms, one has a king bed, one a queen bed and the other two single beds. There is an indoor fireplace, fully equipped kitchen with 5 plate gas hob and large fridge/freezer. The large sliding doors lead off to two separate braai areas. Swimming in the recently upgraded farm dam is reminiscent of childhood memories and an experience itself.

The living area is large enough to accommodate a larger group than the 6 that can sleep in Pepper Tree, so if you are planning a celebratory weekend with a few friends book in here and make this your rendezvous point.

The electricity is 12V for the lighting and fridge and hot water for the separate bathroom is supplied by a wood burning ”donkey”. Complimentary firewood is provided for this.

Gwarrie Tree Lodge

Enjoy a private, luxury unit accommodating one group of up to 4 people.

The lodge has 2 bedrooms with a separate bathroom and additional outside shower.

The large living area is equipped with clear glass sliding doors opening up to a 180 degree view and leading off to a choice of outdoor fireplaces and a splash pool.

Camping Facilities (Race Weekend Only)

Camping areas are available for athletes on race weekend only.

You can choose from our provided tents that accommodate 2 people per tent, with mattresses.
You must provide your own bedding. These are available for either 1 or 2 nights.

You can also camp with your own tent. Sites are for 2 people per site.

We will provide serviced shower and toilet facilities.

Camping spots can be booked online when you enter.

A communal area will be available to all runners to braai on Friday and Saturday night.
Race briefing will be held here at 6pm on Saturday night. Fires will be provided.

Meals are your own responsibility.

Coffee, tea and rusks will be provided on race morning.

Choose Your Mountain Trail Challenge

Entry rules, cancellations & deferrals

YOUR ENTRY WILL ONLY BE SECURED UPON RECEIPT OF FINAL PAYMENT.

Payment is due with submission of your entry form

The entry fee is fully inclusive of all the items laid out in the race itinerary and the Kleinrivier Mountain Trail Challenge rules.

The entry fee DOES NOT INCLUDE travel to and from the start, meals or accommodation.

Online entries close at midnight on 4 October 2026 or when we sell out - whichever comes first.

Limited late entries will be taken on the day if there is still availability, so its best to pre-register.

In the event of cancellation:

Before 1 September – 50% Cancellation Fee

After 1 September - 100% Cancellation Fee - No Refund

Deferral Of Entries

Entries CAN be deferred before 1 September.

There is a R200 deferral fee, plus the difference in price between this year and next years entry fee (to be paid before the event).

Transfer Of Entries

Entries CAN be transferred before 1 September. There is a R200 substitution fee.

Contact Us With Any Queries Or Questions

Should you have any further questions you can contact us on info@liveadventure.co.za, or call Sheena on 072 293 4974.

Directions To Kleinrivier

Previous Results

2026 KMTC Results - Click here to download

2025 KMTC Results - Click here to download

2024 KMTC Results - Click here to download

2023 KMTC - Cancelled

2022 KMTC Results - Click here to download

2021 KMTC Results - Click here to download

2020 KMTC - Cancelled

2019 KMTC Results - Click here to download

© Live Adventure (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved. The Kleinrivier Mountain Trail Challenge is a Live Adventure event.