2022 Kaapsehoop Mountain Ultra

Entries Open
FRESH Kaapsehoop Mountain Ultra on 10 September 2022
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
10 September 2022 (Saturday):
105km, Elevation gain 4600m, 7 x Aid Stations (Entries close 31Aug)
69km, Elevation gain 2500m, 4 x Aid Stations (Entries close 31Aug)
42km, Elevation gain 1600m, 2 x Aid Stations (Late Entries available on the day at extra R100)
17km 540 Elevation gain 1 x Aid Station (Late Entries available on the day at extra R50)
Province: Mpumalanga
Town: Kaapsehoop
Race Village: Kaapsehoop Pear Orchard Picnic Site
Trail Description: Plantation jeep track and flowing single track; Kaapsehoop rock formations; grassland escarpment with misty mountains and plantations.
- TIME
09 September 2022 @ Kaapsehoop Race Village:
Registration, compulsory kit checks and late entries 16h00 – 18h00
09 September 2022 @ Kaapsehoop Race Village:
Compulsory Race Briefing 18h00 105km
10 September 2022 @ Kaapsehoop Race Village:
Late Registration 04h30-05h30 69km Kaapsehoop (no late entries for 105km & 69km)
Late Registration & Entries 04h30 – 06h30 42km & 17km
Race Start Time:
105km 04h00 (race briefing 18h00 09Sept)
69km 06h00 (race briefing 05h45)
42km 07h00 (race briefing 06h45)
17km 07h30 (Race briefing 07h15)
Prize Giving (17km & 40km) 14h00 at Race Village
Prize Giving (65km & 105km) 09h00 Sunday at Race Village
- COSTS
105km = R1900 (Entries close 31Aug)
69km = R1200 (Entries close 31Aug)
42km = R500 (late entry R100 extra) 2 x Aid Stations
17km = R220 (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
- Compulsory Equipment
Item | Comment | Compulsory for Distance |
Beanie / Buff | One of either | 42km/69km/105km |
Cap / Visor | One of either | 69km/105km |
Long Thermal Tights | Sub-zero Temps are Possible | 42km/69km/105km |
Thermal Top | Sub-zero Temps are Possible | 42km/69km/105km |
Trail Running Shoes | Grip for Slippery surfaces | 17km/42km/69km/105km |
Water / Windproof Jacket with Hood | Must have Hood with tape-sealed seams | 17km/42km/69km/105km |
Gloves | Preferably thermal | 42km/69km/105km |
Headlamp with Spare Batteries | Quality headlamp is vital. | 69km/105km |
Hydration Pack Minimum 1.5l | Essential | 42km/69km/105km |
GPS Handheld / GPS Watch with Spare Batteries | Must be fully charged / Spare Batteries | 69km/105km |
Charged Cell phone | Must be fully charged | 17km/42km/69km/105km |
Space Blanket | Essential | 42km/69km/105km |
Whistle | Essential | 42km/69km/105km |
Emergency Rations 2 X Energy Bars | Must be produced at finish unless used in emergency | 42km/69km/105km |
Zip Lock Bag X 1 | Essential for protecting Cellphone | 42km/69km/105km |
Cup or bottle | Kaapsehoop is a cup free event | 17km/42km/69km/105km |
Trail and Route Discription:

Trail Description & Information
Kaapsehoop Mountain Ultra can be divided into 3 loops all returning to Kaapsehoop Village which is also the start and finish of all the races.
105km Runners will do Loop1(red), Loop2(blue) & Loop3(yellow) in that order.
69km Runners will do part of Loop2(blue & white) and Loop3(yellow).
42km Runners will do only Loop2(blue)
17km Runners will do part of Loop2
Route Information
105km Kaapsehoop Mountain Ultra:
Start time: 04h00
Elevation Gain: 4561m
Check Points/Water Tables: 7
Cut Off: 22Hours
Drop Bag: Yes @ Kaapsehoop Village can use X2 after each loop1 & loop2.
Loop 1:


Distance: 27.4km
Elevation gain: 1604m
CP/Water: X2 19.3km & 27.4km
Cut off: 09h00 Kaapsehoop Village
Drop Bag: Yes Kaapsehoop Village 27.4km
Loop2:


Distance: 42km
Elevation Gain: 1583m
CP/Water Tables: X3 16km, 30km & 42km
Cut offs:
Ngodwana 12h00
Narrows 14h00
Kaapsehoop Village 16h00
Drop Bag: Yes @ Kaapsehoop Village 42km
Loop3:


Distance: 36.2km
Elevation Gain: 1374m
CP/Water Tables: X2 6km & 23km
Cut offs:
Barretts 18h00
Wattles 22h00
Kaapsehoop Sunday 02h00
Prize Giving: Sunday 10h00
69km Kaapsehoop Mountain Ultra
Race consists of 2 loops, both starting in Kaapsehoop Village and returning there. Loop2 (white) & Loop3 (yellow)

Start time: 06h00
Elevation Gain: 2494m
Check Points/Water Tables: 4
Cut Off: 16hours (22h00)
Drop Bag: Yes @ Kaapsehoop Village can use after first loop 30km
Loop2: (first loop)


Distance: 30km
Elevation Gain: 1120m
CP/Water Tables: X2 20km, 30km
Cut offs:
Narrows 10h00
Kaapsehoop Village 12h00
Drop Bag: Yes @ Kaapsehoop Village after first loop 30km
Loop3: (Second loop)


Distance: 36.2km
Elevation Gain: 1374m
CP/Water Tables: X2 6km & 23km
Cut offs:
Barretts 14h00
Wattles 18h00
Kaapsehoop 22h00
42km Route Info
42km Kaapsehoop Mountain Race will be on Loop2 (blue) that starts and ends in Kaapsehoop Village.
Start time: 07h00
Elevation Gain: 1583m
Check Points/Water Tables: 2
Cut Off: 7hours (14h00)
Loop2:


Distance: 42km
Elevation Gain: 1583m
CP/Water Tables: X2 16km, 30km
Cut offs:
Ngodwana 11h00
Narrows 13h00
Kaapsehoop Village 14h00
17km Route Info
17km Kaapsehoop Mountain Race will be on Loop2 (green) that starts and ends in Kaapsehoop Village.
Start time: 07h30
Elevation Gain: 539m
Check Points/Water Tables: 1
Cut Off: 6.5hours (14h00)
Loop2:


Distance: 17km
Elevation Gain: m
CP/Water Tables: X1 7km
Cut offs:
Narrows 12h00
Kaapsehoop Village 14h00
- Accommodation
Fresh Runners Village:
10 x 2 sleeper Canvas Tents with Mattress for Friday and Saturday night. Bring own warm bedding, camp chairs etc.
Guest house:
Kaapsche Hoop Guest House have made rooms available for runners at special tariff. Please contact Susan or Ria at
KAAPSCHE HOOP GASTEHUIS 082 450 3466 / 013 7344 161
Charity:
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




