73km Ultra Marathon

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

Don't miss out on this inaugural event!

Start Time

05:00

Elevation

2,838m+

Cut-off

16 hours (21:00)

ITRA Points

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: 2-5°C

Important Transport Information

• Shuttles operate from Calitzdorp on 24th and 25 April
• 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
• High clearance vehicle required for self-drive
• Breakfast box and coffee provided at Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge
• Recommended accommodation: Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge

Route Information

View on External Platform

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 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 Retreat. 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 24 April and 25 April.

Important Self drive Requirements

High clearance vehicles are essential for anyone making their own arrangements to Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge. The Lodge is about 60km from Calitzdorp. Groenfontein Retreat is 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.

Groenfontein Retreat Benefits

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

Perfect for Families: Groenfontein Retreat offers family-friendly accommodation with easy access to all race activities and post-race celebrations.

Additional Accommodation Options

Alternative Accommodation close by

For additional accommodation options in the Klein Karoo region, our team can assist with bookings at various partner establishments that offer convenient access to the race area.

Booking Assistance

erikabitzker@gmail.com

Contact our accommodation specialist for personalized assistance with finding the perfect place to stay for your race weekend.

What We Can Help With

Guest house and B&B recommendations
Farm stay accommodation options
Budget-friendly accommodation
Group booking coordination
Local area recommendations

Personalized Service: Our accommodation specialist knows the Klein Karoo region well and can match you with the perfect accommodation based on your preferences, budget, and group size.

Transport to the Race Start

Shuttle Service from Calitzdorp

Shuttle Schedule

Departure
Latest departure:
Journey time:
Destination:

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

High clearance vehicle essential for safe navigation
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 Calitzdorp 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

Fonteinplaas Aid Station drop bags

Please ensure any drop bags for Fonteinplaas aid station in Gamkaskloof is dropped during registration

Drop-off dates: 23rd or 24th April
During race registration process
No drop bags accepted after 24th April
Essential for nutrition and gear strategy

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 (23-24 April).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

Entry Fees & Additional Costs

Entry Fees

Early Bird

Until 31 October 2025

R3,000

Regular

1 November - 25 March 2026

R3,500

Additional Charges

Shuttle Transport Calitzdorp to Bosch Luys Kloof LodgeR300

Return Shuttle Groenfontein to Bosch Luys Kloof LodgeR300

Great Value: Gear check is mandatory

What's Included in Your Entry

Race Day Essentials

Breakfast

Pre-race breakfast provided at Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge with energy-rich options and a warm cup of coffee or tea.

Technical T-Shirt

Premium technical race t-shirt with unique 73km Ultra design

Aid Station Support

Comprehensive nutrition and hydration at 3 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 inaugural 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 spots available • Early bird pricing ends 31 October 2025