uMngeni River Run 2026

Gear up for the 14th edition of the uMngeni River Run — a pure trail running adventure set in the heart of the uMngeni Valley.

One of KZNTR’s flagship endurance events, the uMngeni River Run returns to the WESSA uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve in Howick for a no-frills celebration of long-distance trail running.

Headlined by a 50km route, with shorter distances also available, the event is built around good value, generous time on the trails and the shared energy of a long training day. There is no unnecessary fuss. The focus is on raw trails in a beautiful setting, surrounded by like-minded people.

Set within WESSA’s spectacular 900-hectare reserve, the routes explore the varied terrain of the uMngeni Valley and this year, URR will serve as a trailing run for the WESSA Ultra Trail Festival on 24 October 2026.

The routes move through rolling grasslands, indigenous forests, dense thickets and lush valley bushveld and runners can expect a rewarding mix of flowing singletrack, rugged dirt roads, steep climbs, technical descents and twisting paths along the valley floor.