Embark on an extraordinary journey with our selection of the best trail events in South Africa for 2026. At Mindful Runner, we’ve carefully chosen these races not just for their challenge, but for the experience, community, and spirit they embody.
As a coaching team, we’ll be there every step of the way with training plans, preparation tips, and on-the-ground support. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or your fastest time, these are the races that will inspire and test you.
Why these events made our list:
- Community-driven organisers who understand runners
- Festival atmosphere with multiple distances on offer
- Exclusive access to unique mountain and wilderness locales
- Routes that balance runnable trails with mountain challenge
- Exemplary organisation and support along the course
- Family-friendly venues with something for everyone
Mindful Runner’s 2026 Trail Running Event Calendar
| Event | Date | Distances Offered | Location | Event Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Addo Elephant Trail Run | 19 –22 March 2026 | 21 km, 50 km, 50 mile, 100 mile | Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape | addo.run |
| Ultra-Trails Sleeping Beauty (UTSB) | 11 April | 10 km, 20 km, 40 km, 65 km | Windhoek Guest Farm, Riversdale | utsb.co.za |
| Ultra-Trail Drakensberg (UTD) | 24–26 April 2026 | 21 km, 32 km, 62 km, 100 km, 100 miles | Drakensberg, KZN/Lesotho border | ultratraildrakensberg.com |
| George MUT by UTMB | 29–31 May 2026 | 11 km, 25 km, 44 km, 58 km, 98 km, 163 km (Miler) | George, Western Cape | mut.utmb.world |
| Mac Mac Ultra | 3–5 July 2026 | 25 km, 46 km, 80 km, 100 miles, 200 miles | Sabie, Mpumalanga | macmacultra.com |
| Whale of Trail | 15 August 2026 | 35 km, 53 km Ultra, 2-day Whale Journey | De Hoop Nature Reserve, Western Cape | whaleoftrail.co.za |
| Karkloof 100 | 18–20 September 2026 | 10 miles, 20 miles, 30 miles, 50 miles, 100 miles | Karkloof, KwaZulu-Natal | karklooftrailrun.co.za |
| The Cape Cobra | 4 October | 14 km, 21 km, 42 km | Cape Town, Western Cape | capecobratrail.com |
| Salt Pans Ultra – Special Mention | 24–25 October 2026 | 50 km, 100 km | Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana | saltpansultra.run |
| SkyRun | 13–15 November 2026 | 38 km, 65 km, 100 km | Witteberg Mountains, Eastern Cape | skyrun.co.za |
| Ultra-Trail Cape Town (UTCT) | 27–29 November 2026 | 16 km, 23 km, 35 km, 55 km, 100 km, 100 miles | Cape Town, Western Cape | ultratrailcapetown.com |
| The Rock Ultra | 5-6 December | 22 km , 44 km, 100 km | Paarl, Western cape | therockultra.co.za |
Our dedicated team at Mindful Runner will be guiding athletes toward these incredible races throughout the year. Whether you’re looking to conquer your first ultra, set a new personal best, or simply experience the joy of running in extraordinary places, these are the events to mark on your calendar.
Connect with our coaches, join our community, and be part of the journey — we’re ready to share our experience and support to help you achieve your goals in 2026.
Ready to Run in 2026?
The truth is, big races don’t just happen on race day. They’re built months in advance — through consistent training, smart planning, and having the right support in your corner.
At Mindful Runner, we help athletes prepare properly:
- Structured training plans tailored to your race and lifestyle
- Guidance on travel, accommodation, and logistics
- Strength, mobility, and mindfulness built into every programme
- Coaching support from the first training run to the finish line
📅 It takes at least 6 months to be ready for an ultra — so the time to start is now.
👉 Book a Discovery Chat and make your 2026 race a reality.