You could go to Van Stadens for a trail run and come home with an indigenous plant. Or you could go for the plants, cheer on the runners and make a morning of it.
That is the appeal of the Green Flag Trail Run, which brings two routes to the Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve as part of the Van Stadens Flower Festival. Organiser Big O Event Solutions currently lists the event for Sunday, 25 October 2026.
For Nelson Mandela Bay runners, it is a chance to swap the usual streets for a morning in the reserve. The 15km starts at 07:30 for those keen to put in the distance, while the 5km starts at 08:00 and gives families and less experienced runners a shorter option. Children under 13 can enter the 5km at a reduced rate.
More than a finish line
The run is part of a wider day at the reserve that includes the Friends of Van Stadens Indigenous Plant Sale. That makes this an easy outing to share with someone who has absolutely no intention of running 15km. They can enjoy the festival while you earn your post-run browse.
Entry is R175 for the 5km, R50 for primary school children under 13, and R275 for the 15km. The organiser says pre-entries close at 13:00 on Thursday, 22 October. Late entries open at 06:30 on race day and cost an additional R50. Dogs are not permitted at the event.
Whether you are chasing a finish time, taking on your first trail run or simply looking for a reason to spend Sunday among the wildflowers, Van Stadens is offering more than a race and a quick trip home.
See the routes and event information on the Green Flag Trail Run page.
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