The Trail
The Rhodes Trail Run is a popular trail for any and all trail-lovers. The terrain is rugged at over 2 500 m above sea level with numerous mountain streams that drain into sizeable rivers. The mighty Kraai River flows from the junction of the Sterkspruit and the Bell River at Moshesh’s Ford which is 1 724 m above sea level to eventually enter the Atlantic more than 1 000 km downstream at Oranjemund.
Sections of the route are through private property and there is no access outside of race day. The trail starts at 1 800 m reaches its highest point at 2 680 m and has an average ‘on top’ of 2 560 m.
Above the escarpment, narrow streams meander across remote plateaus eventually tumbling down waterfalls and rapids. They gradually descend into more readily accessible valleys. This remote corner of the Drakensberg boasts with a unique SA experience, including sub-alpine mountains, handsome Victorian villages and diverse nature reserves.
The Event
The idea of the race came during a discussion between Rhodes property owners over a couple of drinks one night in 1986. The intention was to put Rhodes back on the map before it followed the same fate as other small platteland villages which faded into obscurity. This vision led to the birth of a unique event on the South African sports calendar that continues to happen annually in Rhodes.
The atmosphere before and after the race is always extremely festive. It is common for the temperature at the start to be below zero, usually around -10 degrees Celsius!
The race is not recommended for unfit runners or for those who are not prepared to cover rough terrain. Competitors must expect to walk through snow-melt fed mountain streams and may have to contend with snow, icy conditions, wet roads and strong winds. Severe wind chill conditions must also be anticipated.