Whale of Trail
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Merrell Whale Of Trail
Merrell Whale Of Trail is a trail running event held in South Africa's De Hoop Marine Reserve on 15 August 2026. The event offers multiple race formats, including a long-distance ultra and a shorter trail run, and a multi-day option that combines running with catered accommodation.
Race formats include:
- 53 km Trail Ultra Run
- 35 km Trail Run
- Whale Journey 53 km over two days with three nights of catered accommodation, maximum 12 participants
Race material notes that race routes are defined and accompanied by route maps. Race results are recorded for the 53 km and 35 km events and combined results have been published for past editions. Training guidance and a race gallery and reviews are also maintained.
An official aerial survey on a race day in August 2018 counted 1 114 Southern Right Whales in the De Hoop Marine Reserve; on that day the count implied whales outnumbered spectators by about 4.5 to 1. The event takes place within the De Hoop reserve area in South Africa and is identified with the Merrell Whale Of Trail branding. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.