Wild Running Holiday

We are proudly associated with Wildrun Africa, South Africa’s premier trail run events organiser. The annual Wildcoast Wildrun is a multi-stage trail running holiday, covering 113km (68 miles) over 3 days. The route is so popular that it attracts many repeat runners each year. Currently around 45 runners have completed the Wildcoast Wildrun 3 times, while 10 runners have completed 5 or more runs and earned a permanent race number.

Even though it is timed, most runners view the Wildcoast Wildrun as a running holiday. It’s an opportunity to explore the untamed coast and grassy headlands of one of the country’s most beautiful regions. It offers the chance to meet like-minded adventurers and interact with local farmers and herders. This is Nelson Mandela’s birthplace. It is the land of the amaXhosa, who will share your joy in accomplishing each day’s run. And it’s the land of the Nguni cattle who dot the beaches and headlands along the way.

Runners spend each night in a different coastal holiday resort, where they indulge in warm local hospitality before tackling the next day’s trail.

If you are a runner and are planning a trip to South Africa, be sure to add this to your itinerary!

Does this appeal to you, but you prefer a more intimate experience? Contact us to arrange a private departure

Looking for a challenge? Take a look at the Namibia Crossing, a transfrontier technical train run between South Africa and Namibia

10 Sep

2022

Highlights

Run

pristine beaches and headland trails

Encounter

local farmers and herders

Make

new, like-minded friends

Experience

life-changing moments

Experiences

Day One

Registration

Arrive at the start at Kei Mouth and settle into your hotel.

Meet for drinks and the pre-run briefing before gathering for dinner

Day Two

Kei Mouth - Kob Inn (44km / vertical gain 519m)

The first day’s run is the longest and comprises 44km / 27 miles of grassy headlands, beaches and river crossings.

A checkpoint provide water, food and moral support for the run.

This leg finishes on the grass in front of the coastal resort, Kob Inn.

Meet this evening for tomorrow’s route briefing, a review of today’s images and a lucky draw before dinner and much-needed rest.

Day Three

Kob Inn - The Haven (35km / 555m vertical gain)

Today’s route is 35km / 22 miles along undulating coastal hills and grassy slopes with short sections of beach, through a coastal forest reserve.

A manned check point offers food, water and support approximately half-way through the course.

Finish today’s run at The Haven, within the Dwesa-Cwebe Wildlife Reserve

Meet this evening for a route briefing for the final day, perhaps win a lucky draw prize, have dinner and rest up for the final run.

Day Four

The Haven - Hole-in-the-Wall (34 km / vertical gain 1046m)

The final day covers a distance of 34km / 21 miles to the end of the run at the iconic Hole-in-the-Wall, near Coffee Bay.

The route includes a leg-busting vertical gain of over 1000m with some of the best trail running conditions.

The run finishes with a spectacular view of the Hole-in-the-Wall, before a fast downhill to the end.

Enjoy a lazy barbeque on the beach while waiting for the field to finish.

Check into the final hotel for prize-giving, dinner and the obligatory post-run party!

Day Five

Departure

Multiple transfers leave the hotel this morning for local airports.

Please contact us for a detailed itinerary!

Runners and crew stay in comfortable seaside hotels at the end of each day, with medics on hand to deal with blisters and massage therapists working around the clock to relieve tired muscles..

What is included
Your race entry fee includes
Race accommodation for 4 nights, on a shared basis
All meals, starting with dinner on arrival day, finishing with breakfast on departure day
3 litres of bottled water per runner per day
Transport of personal items between hotels
All logistical support by experienced crew in 4×4 vehicles
One aid station check-point (ACP) per day will offer a variety of refreshments and water.
Medical support will be provided at each hotel and on the course
Massage therapy is also offered (optional extra)
Transfers to / from the race
Transfers to/from the nearest commercial airports are available and can be purchased with your race entry
You will require
Personal medication
Personal running gear such as a hydration bag
A dry bag is recommended to keep your belongings dry during river crossings
You will be running into the sun all day so hats and sunscreen are highly recommended, with a rain jacket packed just in case.
Cash for drinks which are not included
A medical form, signed by your doctor will be required by the organisers
You need medical evacuation insurance
Important information
There are rivers to cross each day. These could be as low as an ankle-deep wade or they could require a brief swim, depending on the time of day you reach each river.
This is a solo run. Groups of runner will undoubtedly join up on the route, but you will not be required to run in teams.
Average temperatures on the Wild Coast during the day range from 15-25ºC. A range of weather can be expected. The ‘beasterly-easterly’ is
a well-known feature and is a ferocious headwind.
No GPS is required or necessary. The course is not marked and navigation is as simple as keeping the sea on your right.