Drakensberg Northern Trail
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About the race
The Drakensberg Northern Trail is a multi-distance trail running event held at The Border Post, Oliviershoek Pass, in the northern Drakensberg mountains. The weekend’s main route is the 40 km Mountain Challenge, which includes about 1,856 m of elevation gain and is supported by four aid stations. Additional course options provide shorter mountain routes and lower elevation gains.
Distances offered:
- 40 km Mountain Challenge, elevation 1,856 m, 4 aid stations
- 20 km, elevation 780 m, 3 aid stations
- 11 km, elevation 329 m, 2 aid stations
- 7 km, elevation 192 m, 1 aid station
The event lists compulsory kit requirements for all entrants including a mobile phone with emergency contact, minimum 1 L hydration capacity, a waterproof outerlayer, whistle, basic strapping, at least 200 kcal of food reserves and an emergency blanket. Additional kit is specified for cold conditions (beanie or neck scarf, waterproof gloves, waterproof pants or thermals, long-sleeve thermal) and for hot conditions (increased hydration to 1.5 L).
Accommodation is organised around The Border Post facility and nearby options such as Seletwane Cottages, Windmill Cottages and Camping, and Greenfire Lodges. Facilities at the race village include power plug points for campers. Course GPX files and route maps are provided for each distance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
