KK50
Experience the thrill of the Karkloof Trail Run's 50 Miler, set in the breathtaking Karkloof Valley of South Africa. Join us from 19-21 Sept 2025 for a race that's as beautiful as it is challenging. This 50 mile adventure promises an unforgettable journey through some of the most stunning trails. Get ready to weave your own tale of endurance and exhilaration in every mile.
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Beyond a race, the Karkloof 50 Miler is a celebration of trail running camaraderie, uniting runners globally in a shared passion.
Experience the enchanting Karkloof forests, rolling hills, and the iconic Karkloof Falls, offering a race course that is as beautiful as it is challenging.
In the 50 Miler, participants can have one pacer, enhancing the race experience with teamwork and support.
Traverse Karkloof's enchanting forests and rolling hills to the iconic Karkloof Falls, offering a course that's as beautiful as it is challenging.
Race Specific Details
A Life-changing experience
50 Miles of Trails and land access
Fully Marked Course
4 Aid Stations
6 Additional water points (Water Only)
1 **Pacer Numbers (See details below)
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 pacer. As an added value, pacers also get:
Trails and land access
Fully Marked Course
Medical Services
Race Village and MC
Hot Showers
Race Photos
Drop Bag Services
Pacers are allowed from the final loop at the Karkloof Country Club.
Each participant is permitted one pacer at a time.
Pacers can be swapped at any major aid station or designated viewpoints accessible to crew and spectators.
Pacers must wear a 'pacer' number, issued at registration.
Pacer registration is open from 1st August 2024 to 1st September 2024.
Pacers must carry the same mandatory gear as runners.
While assisting runners, pacers cannot push, pull, carry them, or mule by carrying compulsory items or providing nutrition and hydration.
At Water Points, swapping pacers does not allow for runners to refuel or receive aid station support, and pacers cannot carry extra food for participants.
The Karkloof 50 Miler is a point-to-point trail race starting from the famous Benvie Gardens and ending at the Karkloof Country Club. The route makes its way through the Karkloof Valley and passes Karkloof Falls finishing at the country club. The race covers approximately 80 KM and 2200 m of elevation gain.
There will be 4 major aid stations. These include the Mbona Gate, Bushwillow Caravan Park and the Karkloof Country Club (X2) before the finish of the Karkloof Country Club. 50-miler participants will pass these well-stocked aid stations and will be supported by self-help water points in between that will be stocked with water. For more information on the aid stations, click below.
50Miles | 80km with 1143M
There are 4 major Aid Stations (AS) that serve the 80 Milers once each 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.
Benvie Gardens - Start
Mbona Offices - WP
Mbona Game Reserve - AS
Msomi Crossing - WP
Bushwillow Caravan Park - AS
Gatmore - WP
Karkloof Country Club - AS
Airstrip - WP
Karkloof Country Club - AS
Karkloof Falls - WP
Cut-off Times:
All Karkloof 50 Miler participants must reach each of the following cut-offs within the allotted time to complete the race successfully.
These are:
Karkloof Country Club – Depart by 20:00 on Saturday)
Karkloof Country Club – Finish Line – 80km: 23:59 on Sunday)
The finish line is a hard cut-off. If you finish the race 1second later than 00:00 on Sunday, you will not be awarded a medal.
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:
Mbona Game Reserve - AS
Msomi Crossing - WP
Bushwillow Caravan Park - AS
Gatmore - WP
Karkloof Country Club - AS
Karkloof Country Club - AS
This gives you 6 places access points along a 50-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.
80 Miler Runners are permitted to have 1 drop bag for UMDABU Forest Aid Station.
You need to supply your own bag.
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 80Miler finisher who completes the race within the 17h30 cutoff will receive a Finisher Medal. This has a strict cut-off at 00h00, with no exceptions.
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 07 August.
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.
