26 - 28 July 2024: Merrell Whale of Trail 53km and 35km

Date: 26 - 28 July 2024

Time: 14:00 - 10:00

Location: De Hoop Collection

South Africa’s iconic five-day Whale Trail hiking route is offered as a challenge to runners capable of embracing all 53km and 1900m elevation as a TRAIL RUNNING ULTRA, packed with spectacular mountain fynbos, technical rocky ridgelines, sandy beach stretches and endless, mind-blowing, beautiful vistas all in one day.

It has become a must-do for those who have already tackled the more conventional runs out there and bragging rights on this one are substantial!

The Merrell Whale of Trail event is the only opportunity each year for a limited number of nature-loving athletes to run hard on this trail while treading lightly on the earth.

Just a 3-hour drive from Cape Town or George along the Southern Cape coast, close to Cape Agulhas, the route takes runners on a journey from the base of the Potberg mountain to the beach at Koppie Alleen in CapeNature’s flagship De Hoop Nature Reserve. The first half winds up and along fynbos-covered peaks, past the Cape Vulture colony, with spectacular views of the Breede River Valley, and then descends to the enchanting Noetsie Bay, turning west and winding along the rocky shores of the Indian Ocean, with a mix of beach and coasteering trails.

If this is just a few steps too far, there’s also a 35km route starting and ending in the same glorious places, with a well-designed cut through that still gives you a taste of everything that the area has to offer. Perfect for those not quite ready for an ultra distance but wanting to be a part of the incredible race atmosphere. 

ACCOMMODATION:

The Race Village is situated at the stunning De Hoop Collection in the De Hoop Nature Reserve. We have a number of different accommodation options available for the weekend of the Whale of Trail 2024 (26 – 28 July 2024) and will once again be offering special rates for runners and their families. Accommodation is sold on a per room basis.

Friday 26 July 2024 is registration and briefing, and Saturday 27 July 2024 is race day with post-event festivities. Aside from delightful houses, De Hoop has so much to offer: Guided nature, bird and marine walks, mountain biking trails and bike rentals, eco boat trips on the Ramsar vlei, luxurious spa treatments and of course whale watching at the beach.

All bookings for this accommodation are to be made directly with De Hoop Collection.

More race info and entry forms can be found here.