Black Mountain Ultra Trail
UTMB Index Logo

73km Ultra Marathon

The ultimate challenge through the heart of the Swartberg Mountains, featuring technical climbs, jeep tracks, and breathtaking single track sections including the famous Donkey Trail and The Ladder descent.

80 spots available for the 73km Ultra Marathon - Register now!

Start Time

05:00

Elevation

2,838m+

Cut-off

16 hours (21:00)

ITRA Points

3

Start

Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge

Finish

Groenfontein Retreat

Start Venue Details

Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge

Swartberg Mountains, Klein Karoo, South Africa

Start Time: 05:00
Expected Temperature: 8-11°C

Important Transport Information

  • • Shuttles operate from Groenfontein on 15th and 16 October
  • • Journey time: 1.5 hour from Calitzdorp to Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge
  • • Shuttles must be booked during entry
  • • Participants can book a shuttle to their start line accommodation
  • • Breakfast snack and coffee provided at Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge
  • • Recommended accommodation: Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge

Route Information

View on External Platform
Powered by Trace de Trail

Route Description

The ultimate challenge through the heart of the Swartberg Mountains, featuring technical climbs, jeep tracks, and breathtaking single track sections including the famous Donkey Trail and The Ladder descent. This is trail running at its best: untamed mountains along rarely trodden paths, and a descent into a valley forgotten by time. Tough as Gamkaskloof’s legacy, yet rich with rewards.

Terrain Breakdown

Technical single track40%
Jeep track40%
Rocky mountain paths20%

Key Highlights

The Ladder descent
UNESCO heritage landscapes
Gamkaskloof "Die Hel"
Donkey Trail descent

Technical Sections - Extra Caution Required

The Ladder rocky decent
Loose Rocks and eroded sections
Donkey Trail technical descent
Night running sections

Aid Stations & Support

Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge Start

0km

Start line

WaterElectrolytesMedical SupportGear CheckHot FoodToiletsShelter

Die Leer Aid Station

18km

The Ladder

WaterMedical SupportJuiceSnacks

Die Hel Gamkaskloof

21km

Gamkaskloof

WaterElectrolytesEnergy snacks

Fonteinplaas

32km

Gamkaskloof Valley floor

WaterElectrolytesHot foodMedical supportShelterToiletsDrop bag collectionEnergy snacksTransport

Donkey Trail Camp

54km

Donkey Trail Camp

WaterElectrolytesEnergy snacksMedical support

Groenfontein Retreat Finish

73km

Groenfontein Retreat

Full mealMedical supportCelebration areaMassageShowersDrinksDrop bag collection

Key Information for 73km Ultra Marathon

Race Base Location

The main race base for all weekend activities is Groenfontein. This is where you'll find race headquarters, finish line celebrations, and the main hub for all race activities. Please familiarise yourself with your start and finish location. Shuttles will run on 15 & 16 October.

Important Self drive Requirements

This is a dirt road for anyone making their own arrangements to Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge. The Lodge is about 60km from Calitzdorp. Groenfontein Retreat is about 15km from Calitzdorp.

Accommodation & Pre-Race Stay

Stay at the Start Line

Entrants can stay at Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge before the race so they are at the start line. This is the most convenient option for 73km participants, eliminating the need for early morning shuttle transport.

Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge Contact Details

boschluyskloof.co.za
info@boschluyskloof.co.za
+27 23 581 5046

Booking Information

  • Contact Bosch Luys Kloof directly for bookings
  • Mention "Black Mountain Ultra" when booking
  • Book early - limited availability for race weekend

Shuttle back to Bosch Luys Kloof: Participants needing a shuttle back to Bosch Luys Kloof please indicate during checkout.

Transport to the Race Start

Shuttle Service from Calitzdorp

Shuttle Schedule

  • Departure: Time tbc for 15 October. 16 October at 02:30 from The Retreat
  • Latest departure: 02:30am on 16 October from The Retreat - Limited!
  • Journey time: Approximately 1.5 hour
  • Destination: Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge start line

Race Day Timeline: Shuttles need to be booked during entry. Ensure timely arrival at designated departure points for a smooth start.

Self-Drive Requirements

Vehicle Requirements

  • This is a dirt road. Normal sedan vehicles are fine but not low profile.
  • Plan ahead to avoid delays
  • Safety is paramount on mountain roads
  • Vehicles can be rented from Cape Town or George Airport

Arrival Recommendation: Other than self drive, all transportation from The Retreat to Bosch Luys Kloof will be via shuttles. Departure point and times will be communicated closer to the time.

Drop Bags & Logistics

Finish Line Drop Bags

Participants may leave a finish line drop bag at Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge, which will be transported to the Groenfontein Retreat (finish area).

  • Drop bag at start line before race
  • Transported to Groenfontein Retreat finish area
  • Available for collection at finish line
  • Perfect for post-race clothing and gear

Aid Station Drop Bags

Thanks to the support on course, separate aid-station drop bags typically aren't required for the 73km Ultra Marathon.

    Nutrition Strategy: Plan your drop bag strategy in advance. Consider nutrition, weather changes, and gear needs for the remote Die Hel section.

    Mandatory Gear Requirements

    Critical Safety Requirement

    All 73km participants must complete mandatory gear check during registration. Missing any mandatory item will result in race disqualification. No gear check is available on race day.

    Safety Equipment

    • Emergency whistle
    • Space blanket/emergency bivvy
    • Headlamp + spare batteries
    • Mobile phone (emergency contact programmed)
    • Personal first aid kit

    Hydration & Nutrition

    • Minimum 2L water capacity
    • Electrolyte replacement capability
    • Emergency food (energy bars/gels)
    • Food reserves

    Weather Protection

    • Windproof jacket
    • Thermal layer
    • Waterproof gloves
    • Warm hat/beanie
    • Waterproof jacket with hood
    • Buff or Beanie

    Gear Check Process

    • Bring all mandatory gear to registration
    • Officials will verify each item individually
    • Items must be in working condition

    Important Notes

    • Test all electronic equipment before race day
    • Carry spare batteries for headlamp
    • Weather protection must be suitable for mountain conditions
    • Emergency contact must be programmed in mobile phone
    Compulsory Gear

    Entry Fees & Additional Costs

    Entry Fees

    Early Bird

    Until 15 November 2027 or spots sell out

    R3,950

    Regular

    16 November - 4 October 2027

    R4,350

    Additional Charges

    Shuttle Transport The Retreat to Bosch Luys Kloof LodgeR750
    Return Shuttle The Retreat to Bosch Luys Kloof LodgeR750

    Great Value: Gear check is mandatory

    What's Included in Your Entry

    Race Day Essentials

    Breakfast

    Pre-race breakfast snack provided at Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge and a warm cup of coffee or tea.

    T-Shirt

    Race t-shirt with unique Black Mountain Ultra design

    Aid Station Support

    Comprehensive nutrition and hydration at 6 well-stocked aid stations

    Finish Line Experience

    Goodie Bag

    Exclusive ultra runner goodie bag with local Klein Karoo products

    Finisher's Prize

    Finisher prize

    Celebration Meal

    Traditional Klein Karoo feast with local wines and live entertainment

    Ready for the Ultimate Challenge?

    Join the 73km Black Mountain Ultra and become part of trail running history in one of South Africa's most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage landscapes.

    Enter Now

    Limited early bird spots available until sold out or 15 November 2026—whichever comes first.