Trail Running
by KZN Trail Running
WESSA Ultra Trail Festival
Sat 24 Oct 2026
Howick, KwaZulu-Natal
7 races
5.8–100 km
Date
24 Oct 2026
Registration
Open now
Races
7 races
from R140
Available Races
Short Course
5.8km
R140.00
Distance
5.83 km
Elevation gain
170 m
Elevation loss
170 m
Medium Course
11.6km
R200.00
Distance
11.55 km
Elevation gain
377 m
Elevation loss
376 m
Long Course
18.4km
R300.00
Distance
18.41 km
Elevation gain
762 m
Elevation loss
761 m
Extended Course
36.9km
R450.00
Distance
36.87 km
Elevation gain
1,567 m
Elevation loss
1,567 m
50km Ultra
50km
R750.00
Distance
49.55 km
Elevation gain
2,001 m
Elevation loss
2,001 m
75km Ultra
75km
R1,250.00
Distance
72.6 km
Elevation gain
2,965 m
Elevation loss
2,965 m
100km Ultra
100km
R1,750.00
About this event
Celebrate a century of conservation at the WESSA Ultra Trail Festival, where breathtaking escarpments, rolling grasslands, indigenous forests, and the dramatic uMngeni Valley combine to create one of KwaZulu-Natal's most iconic trail-running experiences. From flowing river crossings to rugged cliffside trails, every route showcases the beauty and challenge that has made this reserve a favourite among trail runners for nearly a decade.
Hosted within the historic WESSA uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve, this special edition celebrates the reserve's 100-year legacy of conservation. Set across 900 hectares of diverse landscapes, runners will experience everything from open plateaus and woodland singletrack to technical descents and spectacular valley views, all while immersing themselves in one of the Midlands' most treasured natural spaces.
Whether you're taking on the inaugural WESSA 100 Ultra Trail Run or one of the shorter festival distances, this event promises an unforgettable adventure through a landscape rich in wildlife, history, and natural beauty. Join us as we celebrate 100 years of WESSA and experience a trail festival that honours both the spirit of endurance and the wilderness that makes it possible.
Hosted within the historic WESSA uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve, this special edition celebrates the reserve's 100-year legacy of conservation. Set across 900 hectares of diverse landscapes, runners will experience everything from open plateaus and woodland singletrack to technical descents and spectacular valley views, all while immersing themselves in one of the Midlands' most treasured natural spaces.
Whether you're taking on the inaugural WESSA 100 Ultra Trail Run or one of the shorter festival distances, this event promises an unforgettable adventure through a landscape rich in wildlife, history, and natural beauty. Join us as we celebrate 100 years of WESSA and experience a trail festival that honours both the spirit of endurance and the wilderness that makes it possible.
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