KK100 - 10th Edition
Join us for the 10th anniversary of the Karkloof 100 Miler, a race that has defined South African trail running for a decade. From 24–27 September 2026, take on 100 miles through the forests, farmlands, and valleys of the Karkloof — a journey where every mile tells part of our story, and yours.
UTMB Index
Here, no one runs alone. With pacers, friends, and strangers-turned-family, the trail becomes a thread that ties us all together.
Support, teamwork, and shared resilience, it’s the Karkloof way.
Every climb, every stride, every sunrise, the Karkloof trails test your endurance and feed your spirit.
It’s not just about distance; it’s about discovering what you’re made of.
Run beneath towering forests, across open farmlands, and beside the iconic Karkloof Falls.
A course carved by nature itself, equal parts beauty, grit, and quiet awe.
The Karkloof isn’t just a race, it’s a gathering of souls who love the wild.
A celebration of community, courage, and the magic that happens when we move through nature together.
Race Specific Details
A Life-changing experience
100 Miles of Trails and land access
Fully Marked Course
9 Aid Stations
9 Additional water points (Water Only)
1 Free Pace Number (See details below)
The allowance of an additional 3 Pacers (Paid)
Medical Services
Race Village and MC
Hot Showers
Race Photos
Race Garment
2 Nights Self-Camping Accommodation
Drop Bag Services
Finisher Medal
**Pacers Each participant is allowed 1 free pacer. Participants can pay for additional pacers at checkout. Pacer Get:
Trails and land access
Fully Marked Course
Medical Services
Race Village and MC
Hot Showers
Drop Bag Services
Pacers
Pacers are permitted from the turnaround point at Benvie Gardens (checkpoint 5) For the 100miler participants.
Participants can have a total of 4 pacers. Only one pacer may accompany a runner at any given time.
Pacers can be swapped out at any major aid station, after Benvie.
Each pacer must run with a "pacer" number supplied at registration. This number must be exchanged when pacers swap out.
Registration for pacers opens on 1st August 2026 and closes on 1st September 2026.
Pacers must carry the same compulsory gear as runners, detailed on the runner's compulsory gear list.
Pacers can assist their runners, except by pushing, pulling, or carrying them, and cannot mule, meaning they cannot carry compulsory items or provide nutrition and hydration for the runner.
When swapping pacers at Water Points, runners cannot refuel or receive 'aid station' type support. Pacers also cannot start their section with extra food for the participant.
The race is an out-and-back course starting and finishing at the Karkloof Country Club.
The route ventures through the Karkloof Valley to its turn-around point, the famous Benvie Gardens. The course is very runnable and there will be aid stations at approximately every 10 Miles to support runners and their pacers. In addition to the Aid Station, we have self-help water points (water) between each aid station.
There will be 5 major aid stations. These include the Karkloof Country Club, Karkloof Country Club 2, Bushwillow Caravan Park, Mbona Gate, and Benvie Gardens. 100-miler participants will pass these well-stocked aid stations twice and will be supported by smaller self-help water points in between that will be stocked with cold water.
100Miles | 159km with 2542D+
There are 5 major Aid Stations (AS) that serve the 100 Milers twice with water points (WP) between. A description of what they will be stocked with will be shared in the event guide published on the 6th of September.
Karkloof Falls - WP
Karkloof Country Club - AS
Airstrip - WP
Karkloof Country Club - AS
Gatmore - WP
Bushwillow Caravan Park - AS
Msomi Crossing - WP
Mbona Game Reserve - AS
Mbona Offices - WP
Benvie Gardens (The Turn) - AS
Cut-off Times:
All Karkloof 100 Miler participants must reach each of the following cut-offs within the allotted time to complete the race successfully. These are:
Benvie Gardens – 18 hours (Depart by 14:00 on Saturday)
Karkloof Country Club – 25 hours (Depart by 21:00 on Saturday)
Karkloof Country Club – 32 hours (Depart by 04:00 on Sunday)
Karkloof Country Club – Finish Line – 160km: 36 hours (08:00 on Sunday)
The finish line is a hard cut-off. If you finish the race 1second later than 08h00 on Sunday, you will not be awarded a buckle.
Mandatory Equipment and Race Requirements
Always Be Prepared: Carry your mandatory equipment throughout the race to ensure safety and compliance.
Expect Spot Checks: Equipment checks can occur before, during, or after the race. Stay prepared!
Consequences for Non-Compliance: Missing any mandatory gear could lead to penalties, including time penalties or disqualification.
Mandatory Gear List
GPX Watch with file and navigation active.
Liquid carrying capacity: 500ml to 1L (weather dependent).
Waterproof Jacket (weather dependent).
Charged Phone.
Space Blanket.
Number (for runner and pacer).
Reserve food: 200 Calories.
Bandage/strapping (minimum size 5x50cm).
Headlamp for 100 Milers (not required during daytime).
The organisers may adjust these requirements based on extreme weather conditions.
2 nights of camping is included in your entry. Self-camping accommodation is costed at a per person per night basis and does not include a tent, mattress, or any other camping accessories.
Spectators, supporters and pacers are required to purchase additional camping, per person, per night.
Booking for camping will be done through the Karkloof Trail Run and not via the Karkloof Country Club. Additional Accommodation throughout the valley is available. Google and Airbnb have all the options. We do not suggest, offer or broker additional accommodation for anyone.
Crew form an integral part of the race, and many runners regard it as a team effort.
You can see your runners at the following places:
Karkloof Country Club - AS (X2)
Gatmore - WP
Bushwillow Caravan Park - AS
Msomi Crossing - WP
Mbona Game Reserve - AS
Benvie Gardens (The Turn) - AS
This gives you 12 places access points along a 100-mile route!
The access roads to checkpoints and viewpoints are a combination of tar and dirt roads but all passable with a standard sedan vehicle. Some dirt sections are in poor condition.
Please do not go in search of your own spectator points as you may jeopardise the future of the race by annoying local landowners.
Please drive as slowly as possible to improve the safety of everyone around you. There are sections of the course where the runners and crew vehicles share the course, although far fewer than before. There is a tendency to rush between points, but this is unnecessary as there is enough time to get between the points ahead of your runners on each occasion.
Please do not enter the Runners’ Only Area of the Aid Stations.
Food and liquids at each aid station and water point are for runners and pacers only. You need to be self-sufficient.
Please do not go onto any other private land whatsoever - this jeopardises the future of the race.
If you are found trespassing, or not abiding by the above, your runner will be disqualified immediately.
100 Miler Runners are permitted to have two drop bags: one for Bushwillow and one for Benvie Gardens.
You need to supply your own bags.
These bags will not be transported between points.
Drop bags will be collected at registration.
Please label your drop bag and ensure it's easily identifiable.
Only powders are allowed, no liquids.
Bags should be reasonably sized, no larger than a standard 'tog bag'.
Every 100-miler finisher who completes the race within the 36-hour cutoff will receive a Finisher Buckle. This has a strict cut-off at 08h00, with no exceptions.
Runners who finish in less than 24 hours (strictly) will receive a Silver Finisher’s Buckle. The Silver Buckle is made in Colorado by the same manufacturers as those for Leadville and Western States.
Every 100 Miler participant will receive a Finishers Cap.
Prize Money
Prize money will be confirmed closer to the event.
We will have a limited amount of elite entries. Elite athletes receiving complimentary entry who earn cash prizes will have the entry fee value deducted from their total prize amount.
Entry Policy
Registration Agreement:
By registering for the Karkloof Trail Run, participants agree to the event terms, including the Refunds and Deferral Policy, and acknowledge the inherent risks associated with trail running.
Non-Transferable:
All entries are personal and non-transferable. Participants may not assign or sell their entry or race bib to another individual.
Race Category Changes:
Downgrades: Participants may downgrade to a shorter race distance until 01 September, subject to availability. No refunds will be issued for downgrades.
Upgrades: Participants may upgrade to a longer distance until 01 September, provided space is available. The price difference must be paid at the time of the request.
Refund Policy
Refund requests must be submitted in writing to [insert email address] by the following deadlines:
80% refund for cancellations made before 01 June.
50% refund for cancellations made before 01 August.
30% refund for cancellations made before 01 September.
No refunds for cancellations made on or after 01 September.
Non-Refundable Items:
A 10% administration fee will be deducted from all refunds.
Refunds do not include additional purchases such as camping, merchandise, or shuttle bookings.
Deferral Policy
Eligibility:
Deferral requests must be submitted in writing to rd@karklooftrailrun.co.za by 30 July.
Deferrals are valid for one year only and are subject to event capacity for the following year.
Strict Conditions:
Deferrals will only be granted for pregnancy. No other reasons, including injury, illness, lack of training, work commitments, or travel, will be accepted.
A medical certificate confirming the pregnancy must be submitted by 01 September.
Additional Costs:
Participants are responsible for any additional entry fee costs if the event price increases for the deferred year.
Force Majeure Policy
Event Cancellation or Postponement:
If the event is canceled or postponed due to circumstances beyond the Organisers' control (e.g., natural disasters, extreme weather, or civil unrest), no refunds will be issued.
Entries will automatically be deferred to the rescheduled event date, if the event has not started.
Unforeseen Circumstances Include:
Acts of God (e.g., floods, earthquakes, snow, or fires).
Safety concerns for participants and spectators.
Acts of terrorism, war, or civil unrest.
On Route:
Event Guidelines and Etiquette for the Karkloof Trail Run
Rugged Terrain Alert: Our routes take you through some challenging, single-track hiking trails. By participating, you're acknowledging and accepting the inherent risks.
Race Bib Display: If you're in the 100, 50, or 30 Miler, ensure your race bib is in clear sight at all times.
Stay Alert and Trust the Markings: Our course is clearly marked, but some good old-fashioned trail-finding skills and a sprinkle of common sense are always a bonus.
Respect the Markers: Meddling with route markers isn't just naughty—it'll get you disqualified.
Trail Courtesy: Remember the golden rules—keep to the left, pass on the right, and always be vigilant about potential blind spots.
Exiting the Race: If you've reached your limit and need to bow out, please inform the nearest race official. This simple act ensures we don’t assume you're lost, and it keeps you in good standing for future events.
Compulsory Equipment:
Always Be Prepared: It's essential to carry your mandatory equipment throughout the race.
Expect Spot Checks: Be ready! We might conduct equipment checks at any point—before, during, or even after the race.
Don't Get Caught Short: If you're missing any mandatory gear, consequences could range from a time penalty to outright disqualification. Better safe than sorry!
General:
Run Clean: Performance-enhancing substances are a no-go. Be prepared, as we might conduct random tests.
Voice Your Concerns Promptly: If you have any protests, make them known within 60 minutes of crossing the finish line.
Play Nice: Unsporting behaviour or mistreatment of officials is not only frowned upon but can also get you disqualified.
Spread Positivity: Our volunteers are the unsung heroes of the event. A simple "thank you" and a smile can make their day. Let's show them some love!
Weather:
Be Over-Prepared: While distances may vary, we recommend having all items from the equipment list. It's better to have and not need than to need and not have.
Stay Adaptable: Please note, that organizers may adjust the list of compulsory items as circumstances dictate.
Rain or Shine, We're On: Unless Disaster Management steps in, the event will go forward.
Safety First: In the face of extreme conditions, organizers prioritize safety and may decide to cancel. Always stay informed!
Lost and Found:
Personal items left after the race will be donated. Items will not be shipped.
Vehicles to Spectator Points:
Spectators can travel to designated viewing areas.
Just a reminder that our organizers have the flexibility to modify the routing and format as the event unfolds. Adaptability is key! Stay informed and enjoy the race.