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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

2,983m+

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: 2-5°C

Important Transport Information

  • • Shuttles operates from Calitzdorp from 03:00 AM on 25th April
  • • Journey time: 1.5 hour from Calitzdorp to Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge
  • • Shuttles must be booked during entry
  • • 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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Important Self drive Requirements

High clearance vehicles are essential for anyone making their own arrangements to Bosch Luys Kloof. Lodge Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge is about 60km from Calitzdorp. Groenfontein Retreat is 15km from Calitzdorp.

Plan ahead to avoid delays and ensure safe travel to the start line.

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.

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 03:00 AM from Calitzdorp
  • Latest departure: 03:30 AM
  • Journey time: Approximately 1.5 hour
  • Destination: Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge start line

Important: 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

Coordination: All transportation from Calitzdorp to Bosch Luys Kloof will be via shuttles. Departure point 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

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

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

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

Note: Gear check is mandatory

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