From serious endurance athletes to families looking for an outdoor adventure, the Merrell Tsitsikamma MTB Race and Trail Run is set to once again bring riders and runners together in one of the Eastern Cape’s most spectacular natural settings.
Established in 2012, the event has become a familiar fixture on the local mountain biking and trail running calendar, drawing participants from both the Eastern and Southern Cape.
Its Tsitsikamma location is a big part of the appeal.
Competitors don’t just have their fitness and skills put to the test. Routes take them through forest and coastal terrain, with mountain scenery and views from rugged cliffs high above the Indian Ocean.
And while there are certainly options for those looking for a serious challenge, you don’t have to be an elite athlete to take part.
The event caters for experienced competitors, weekend warriors, beginners, younger riders and families looking to make a day of it.
Four MTB distances to choose from
Mountain bikers can choose from four distances, with e-bike categories also available on the two longer routes.
The 60km MTB and 60km E-bike routes provide the day’s longest cycling challenge, taking riders through diverse forest and coastal terrain.
The 40km MTB and 40km E-bike options offer a mid-distance challenge accompanied by impressive ocean views.
For riders who aren’t quite ready to tackle the longer distances, there is a 19km MTB route aimed at providing an accessible but enjoyable ride.
The 12km MTB is the shortest cycling option and is suited to newcomers and younger riders.
Prefer running? There are four trail options too
Trail runners have their own selection of distances, ranging from a beginner-friendly 6km to a demanding 30km.
The 30km Trail Run is the flagship running challenge, taking competitors through some of the area’s scenic trails.
A 19km Trail Run provides a strong middle-distance alternative, while the 12km route combines a manageable distance with Tsitsikamma’s forest and mountain scenery.
Those looking for something shorter can opt for the 6km Trail Run, making the event accessible to beginners and participants who simply want to enjoy a morning on the trails.
Something for the serious and not-so-serious
Part of what has helped the Merrell Tsitsikamma MTB Race and Trail Run remain on the calendar since 2012 is its ability to cater to very different types of participants.
You can arrive looking to test your endurance over 60km on a mountain bike or 30km on foot, or choose one of the shorter routes and simply enjoy being outdoors in one of the Eastern Cape’s most beautiful areas.
For Nelson Mandela Bay riders and runners, it also offers an opportunity to turn race day into a Tsitsikamma weekend away.
What you need to know
Event: Merrell Tsitsikamma MTB Race and Trail Run
Venue: Tsitsikamma, Eastern Cape
Starting time: 07:00
Entry cost: R120 to R460, depending on the event and distance
MTB distances
60km MTB and E-bike
40km MTB and E-bike
19km MTB
12km MTB
Trail run distances
30km
19km
12km
6km
Whether you’re chasing a time, testing yourself over a new distance or simply looking for an excuse to get out into the Tsitsikamma landscape, there’s a route designed to get you onto the trails.
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