Magalies Trails
About 20 km west of Hartbeespoort Dam, nestled within mountains more than a million year old, you will find the Van Gaalen Cheese Farm. The farm boasts a network of custom-made single-track of varying difficulty, all starting from a comfortable base camp. A good restaurant, conference centre, children's playground, accommodation and cheese-tasting add to the attraction.
The three routes on offer increase in technicality and difficulty with each increment in distance. Expect flowing single-track along streams, through gullies and dongas, past a scenic Greek Church, and winding through typical Highveld grasslands and rock gardens. A definite highlight would be the challenging sky-running terrain awaiting runners who take on the long route. The terrain caters for runners of all abilities.
Trailhead
The trailhead is situated at the Base Camp on Van Gaalen Cheese Farm. All trails start here and are accessible to the public six days a week (closed on Tuesdays). Park at the restaurant and get your day permits here.
A range of routes will suit runners of varying abilities; all of these are permanently marked with predetermined distances and difficulty ratings. The Magaliesberg Challenge consists of a 10 km river meander, a 20 km intermediate route and finally a challenging 30 km option to take you beyond your comfort zone.
The 10 km route crosses a low river bridge and then meanders along a network of streams for the entire route, so you can expect it to be flat. Entertaining terrain suitable to any and all runners traverse riverine forest, reed tunnels, donga trails and a wobbly floating bridge.
The 20 km route heads out along the same route, but then climbs away from the river near the 5 km mark into the foothills of the Magaliesberg. A gentle ascent takes runners to the quaint Greek Church set within an acacia thorn thicket, before dropping down to the valley below toward the finish. The tough 30 km route has a satellite start and competitors are bussed to a neighbouring farm. A short bout of gravel road and jeep track quickly morphs into single-track winding straight to the summit of the Magaliesberg. From here, the route follows a rugged ridgeline eastwards along a spectacular divide for a riveting ‘sky run’. A technical descent takes you back down to the 20 km route into the finish.
Directions: From Johannesburg, follow the R512 from Randburg all the way to the south side of Hartbeespoort Dam. Continue past Pecanwood Estate and turn left on the R560, then right immediately to Van Gaalen.
Om die Dam
Om die Dam is not only the largest inland ultra-marathon in South Africa, but also one of the most scenic. Over the past years, this race has achieved the distinction of becoming one of South Africa’s favourite road ultra-marathon events.
This ultra marathon is 50 km, with a 21 km offering too, Om die Dam is known for its high standard of organisation and is perfect timing for the build-up of the Comrades and Two Ocean Marathons. Being set in Hartbeespoort, it is also great for a family weekend break.