SKYRUN 100

SkyRun 100

The SkyRun 100 is unique in that it genuinely is a self-supported and self-navigated race. Athletes tackle the remote terrain of the Witteberg Mountain range with a map & a compass or a GPS unit and a backpack containing all their food, water and compulsory equipment. Enabling them to survive in this harsh environment while operating at an average elevation of 2200-2500 meters above sea level.

The trail starts in Lady Grey and finishes at Wartrail Country Club; after the compulsory stop and medical check at Balloch (55KM into the race), runners can continue their journey.

The route climbs sharply out of Lady Grey to the first checkpoint at the Tower; this is about a 12km run and combines hiking and mountain running. Accending towards CP 1 – The Tower, the majestic landscape unfolds, and it now feels as if you are on top of Africa. Following the fence line, you make your way along the ridgeline to the second checkpoint, which is at Olympus, this is another 10km, and the terrain is now devoid of paths and trails, and athletes must decide which is the best route to the checkpoint. After CP 2 – Olympus, the athletes can pick up a small trail that will lead them to the third checkpoint Snowden, 11km or so. There is a natural spring just past CP 3 – Snowden, where you can fill up your water bladders (it does depend on how much rain has fallen, so not always guaranteed to have a lot of water)—before making your way to the fourth checkpoint Avoca Peak the highest point (2756m) on the race. The climb up Avoca Peak is challenging as the gradient & terrain is steep and rough, especially after a good summer of rain. From CP 4 – Avoca, the route takes you over The Dragon’s Back, a ridgeline about 3 meters wide with a steep descend on either side, a fantastic formation of rocks that is a feature of the race and a spectacular viewing point on a clear day. The route flattens as you move towards the fifth checkpoint at Skidaw, a leg of about 10km. At CP 5 – Skidaw, you descend into the valley down a technical section before picking up the river that will lead you to the compulsory stop at the sixth checkpoint Balloch Cave, having now covered about 55km of the race. Only once Athletes have done their medical and been given the all-clear by the doctor can they continue. It’s upwards and onwards as they take on the challenge of The Wall, a climb with a vertical ascent of over 500m in just 3km and back down the other side on the way to the seventh checkpoint at Edgehill Farm. Most athletes will now be operating in the dark as nightfall will have replaced the harsh African sun. Navigating through the Bridal Pass from CP 7 – Edgehill to the eighth checkpoint at The Turn is tricky. Athletes lose a lot of time trying to find the correct entrance into the Bridal Pass that will lead them onto the ridgeline again. A steady climb up the Pass will take you onto the ridgeline and to CP 8 – The Turn. You will double back toward the Wartrail Country Club via Halston Peak, which is the last checkpoint on the route. The climb down from Halston’s is technical and is more difficult because you are exhausted at this stage but buoyed by the fact that you are now heading to the finish at Wartrail Country Club.