Mnweni mountain marathon
06 may 2023
The story
The Mnweni Marathon was born in the midwinter of 2000 when trail-running legend Bruce Arnett and friend Mark Tannian pioneered the original route of this race. Starting their hike in clear sunny weather from Isandhlwana Police Station and ending about 50km and a raging blizzard later, at Club Maluti.
The allure of the challenge grew, and the first running of the point-to-point route as a race took place in January 2001. 11 runners took part in what was to all intents and purposes a gathering of friends who had set themselves to conquer the route. In 2002 the route was changed to today’s circular and less extreme format due to the logistical difficulties associated with a linear race that spanned such extreme terrain.
Over the years, entries have grown, largely by word of mouth, but recently through listings on the internet and other trail running schedules, from about 30 in 2006 to around 70 in 2010 to the event being fully subscribed with the 100-runner limit being reached in 2012, many of them now on an “annual pilgrimage”, and confirmed members of the Mnweni family.
Mnweni, ‘the place of fingers’, is located between the Royal Natal National Park and the Cathedral range in the heart of the Drakensberg escarpment. In years past, this stretch of the Drakensberg was affectionately seen by hardy mountaineers as “remote and treacherous” as the paths are “long and steep”. The terrain is mountainous and the weather unpredictable.

Entries and Registration
Online Entries Open: 10:00am, Thursday, 01 September 2022
Early Bird Coupons Close: 12:00am, Friday, 09 September 2022
Online Entries Close: Midday, Wednesday, 03 May 2023
Registration and Late Entries: Registration will open at 04:00pm on Friday, 05 May 2023, and will close at 08:00pm. Registration will commence again on race day at 05:30am. Late Entries will be available at registration for the short and medium courses but at a R50 surcharge.
Race Itinerary
Courses
Mountain Marathon
Start time: 06:00am
Distance: 38.28km
Elevation gain: 2008m
Aid Stations: 3 Stations
*Please note compulsory equipment is required for this course
2022 Stats
Mens Winner: Jacques Buys (04:27:04)
Ladies Winner: Nicolette Griffioen (05:09:38)
Average Time: 08:13:12
Longest Time: 13:00:16
Finishers: 147 runners
Download route
Mountain Challenge
Start time: 07:00am
Distance: 19.28km
Elevation gain: 549m
Aid Stations: 2 Stations
2022 Stats
Mens Winner: Mxolisi Ndlovu (01:41:57)
Ladies Winner: Annie Dupre (02:19:41)
Average Time: 03:19:52
Longest Time: 05:16:35
Finishers: 56 runners
Download route
Medium course
Start time: 07:00am | Walkers Welcome
Distance: 11.04km
Elevation gain: 229m
Aid Stations: 2 Stations
2022 Stats
Mens Winner: Mbongiseni Mbhele (01:08:40)
Ladies Winner: Thandeka Mahlaba (01:08:48)
Average Time: 01:46:36
Longest Time: 02:30:20
Finishers: 22 runners
Download route
short course
Start time: 07:00am | Walkers Welcome
Distance: 5.61km
Elevation gain: 61.6m
Aid Stations: 1 Station
2022 Stats
Mens Winner: Braedan Stephen (30:44)
Ladies Winner: Christina Bradenkamp (00:44:02)
Average Time: 42:39
Longest Time: 50:48
Finishers: 8 runners
Download route
The VENUE
Mnweni Cultural and Hiking center
Serving as the base of operations for the race, Mnweni Cultural and Hiking Center offers Rondavels, dormitories, and camping to participants and supporters at the venue.
Catering will be available and provided by La Barista from Friday evening through to Sunday morning.

Directions
From Durban (ETA 3 h 15 min):
- Travel northbound on the N3.
- Take exit 194 and turn left onto R74.
- Continue straight for ~43km and turn left onto Kingsway Road (R616) in Bergville.
- Continue straight for ~15km and turn left onto a dirt road (before the Banana Bridge; see “Please be aware” under map).
- After 2.3km turn right and follow the road for 15km until you reach the Mnweni Cultural and Hiking Centre
From Johannesburg (ETA 4 h 15 min):
- Travel southbound on the N3.
- Take exit 103 and turn right onto the N5 toward Harrismith/Bethlehem.
- Follow N5 for appr. 4.8km and turn left onto R74.
- Continue on the R74 for 8.6km and turn left to stay on the R74 (signposted Bergville).
- Continue straight on the R74 for 64.4km and turn right onto Kingsway Road (R616) in Bergville.
- Continue straight for ~15km and turn left onto a dirt road (before the Banana Bridge; see “Please be aware” under map).
- After 2.3km turn right and follow the road for 15km until you reach the Mnweni Cultural and Hiking Centre

Please note that the Google Map will take you across banana brigde. Please be sure to follow the map above
Alternative Accommodation
Merchandise

Race garments
Get an exclusive 2022 Mnweni short-sleeve race garment made from high-quality, quick-wicking fabric with a sublimated print. View the sizing chart below. Values represent width and length respectively.
Men
51 – 73
Ladies
43.5 – 65
Men
54 – 74
Ladies
46.5 – 66
Men
57 – 75
Ladies
49.5 – 67
Men
60 – 76
Ladies
52.5 – 68
Men
63 – 76.5
Ladies
55.5 – 69
MMS Long Sleeves
Get an exclusive 2022 Mountain Marathon Series casual cotton long-sleeve shirt. View the sizing chart below. Values represent width and length respectively.
0.5 Chest (cm)
Ladies
38
0.5 Chest (cm)
Men
51
Ladies
41.5
0.5 Chest (cm)
Men
54
Ladies
45
0.5 Chest (cm)
Men
57
Ladies
48.5
0.5 Chest (cm)
Men
60
Ladies
52
0.5 Chest (cm)
Men
63
Ladies
55.5


series cap

series beanie
