2021 Kaapsehoop Mountain Ultra
Entries Open
FRESH Kaapsehoop Mountain Ultra on 8 August 2021
KAAPSEHOOP
Quaint, cloudy and calm – this is Kaapsehoop . Set atop a mountain pass on the Drakensberg escarpment above Nelspruit, it comes slowly into view, as if appearing out of the mists of time.
The gravel streets are lit by lantern-style lights and the town has a series of quaint shops and eateries. It has a lovely moderate climate- making it a lot cooler up there during summer whilst the Lowveld bakes.
Most appealing though is a herd of wild horses that makes the plateau its home. The village is particularly regardful of their horses (there are about 200 of them) that range at will among the houses and on the plateau beyond.
Their blue swallows are unique, as well as a series of ancient stones, known as Adam’s Calendar, that suggest an ancient and mystical history of mankind.
Blue swallow are rarely seen in South Africa. Part of the escarpment is declared a blue swallow natural heritage site.
From up here there are incredible views over the Lowveld, particularly of the Baberton valley, known as De Kaap Valley. It was also known as the ‘valley of death’ because of the prevalence of malaria, which Kaapsehoop evaded (and continues to do so), because of its altitude.
Kaapsche Hoop, the original Dutch spelling of the town’s name, came into existence as part of the 1873 gold rush. It’s very name means ‘hope of the Cape’! This refers to the prospector’s hopes for gold.
What a great setting to present a Fresh Trails experience of pristine trail running!!!!
- DATE AND DISTANCES
8 August 2021 (Sunday):
105km, Elevation gain 4600m, 8 x Aid Stations (Entries close 01Aug)
65km, Elevation gain 2300m, 5 x Aid Stations (Entries close 01Aug)
37km, Elevation gain 1400m, 2 x Aid Stations (Late Entries available on the day at extra R100)
17km 580 Elevation gain 1 x Aid Station (Late Entries available on the day at extra R50)
Province: Mpumalanga
Town: Kaapsehoop
Race Village: Salvador Restaurant & Pub
Trail Description: Plantation jeep track and flowing single track; Kaapsehoop rock formations; grassland escarpment with misty mountains and plantations.
- TIME
7 August 2021 @ Kaapsehoop Race Village @ Salvador Restaurant:
Registration, compulsory kit checks and late entries 16h00 – 18h00
07 August 2021 @ Kaapsehoop Race Village @ Salvador Restaurant:
Compulsory Race Briefing 18h00 105km
8 August 2021 @ Kaapsehoop Race Village @ Salvador Restaurant:
Late Registration 04h30-05h30 60km Kaapsehoop (no late entries for 105km & 65km)
Late Registration & Entries 04h30 – 06h30 37km & 17km
Race Start Time:
105km 04h00 (race briefing 18h00 07August)
65km 06h00 (race briefing 05h45)
37km 07h00 (race briefing 06h45)
17km 07h30 (Race briefing 07h15)
Prize Giving (17km & 37km) 14h00 at Race Village @ Salvador Restaurant
Prize Giving (65km & 105km) 10h00 Sunday at Race Village @ Salvador Restaurant
- COSTS
105km = R1800 (Entries close 01Aug)
65km = R1080 (Entries close 01Aug)
37km = R480 (late entry R100 extra) 2 x Aid Stations
17km = R200 (late entry R50 extra) 1 x Aid Station
Race Shirt = R350
Race Cap = R350
- INCLUDED
TRUCKER CAP 65km & 105km
FINISHER MEAL 65km & 105km
FRESH MOUNTAIN HOSPITALITY
GREAT TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
WATER POINTS ON ROUTE AND FINISH
MEDAL OR CRAFT BEER FOR FINISHERS
WELL MARKED ROUTE
MEDICAL STAFF
ABLUTION FACILITIES
FOOD AND REFRESHMENT STALLS
KIDZ ZONE
- Compulsory Equipment
| Item | Comment | Compulsory for Distance |
| Beanie / Buff | One of either | 37km/65km/105km |
| Cap / Visor | One of either | 65km/105km |
| Long Thermal Tights | Sub-zero Temps are Possible | 37km/65km/105km |
| Thermal Top | Sub-zero Temps are Possible | 37km/65km/105km |
| Trail Running Shoes | Grip for Slippery surfaces | 17km/37km/65km/105km |
| Water / Windproof Jacket with Hood | Must have Hood with tape-sealed seams | 17km/37km/65km/105km |
| Gloves | Preferably thermal | 37km/65km/105km |
| Headlamp with Spare Batteries | Quality headlamp is vital. | 65km/105km |
| Hydration Pack Minimum 1.5l | Essential | 37km/65km/105km |
| GPS Handheld / GPS Watch with Spare Batteries | Must be fully charged / Spare Batteries | 65km/105km |
| Charged Cell phone | Must be fully charged | 17km/37km/65km/105km |
| Space Blanket | Essential | 17km/37km/65km/105km |
| Whistle | Essential | 17km/37km/65km/105km |
| Emergency Rations 2 X Energy Bars | Must be produced at finish unless used in emergency | 17km/37km/65km/105km |
| Zip Lock Bag X 1 | Essential for protecting Cellphone | 17km/37km/65km/105km |
| Cup or bottle | Kaapsehoop is a cup free event | 17km/37km/65km/105km |
Kaapsehoop Mountain Ultra supports the Kaapsehoop Heritage Association by promoting their good work and raising funds with the event. Please buy a lucky draw ticket or donate any amount with your entry.
Sponsors
Thank you to all our supporting sponsors
