Drakensberg Northern trail

The 40km Mountain Marathon is the flagship event of the Drakensberg Northern Trail. The course poses a serious challenge as it traverses a vast diversity of terrain and vegetation. The first half of the route crosses the KZN/Freestate Border in a westerly direction. With the sun on your back and a Drakensberg panorama as a view, runners will wind their way along the ridgeline, crisscrossing through mountain peaks and sandstone valleys. The race reaches its highest point after a very steep and sharp climb at 2341m. A trig beacon marks this peak known by the local Freestate people as Baba Omkhulu (the big one who looks over). After summiting, the course goes into an off-trail section that links into some flowing trail and contours around Baba Omnthani (the small one who is watched over) to the top of Stoney Pass. Here is where runners will drop down into KZN and pick their way back via Drakensberg Greenfire Lodge that will serve as an aid station. The climb back up to the finish will test every participant..