Uitsoek Mountain Marathon
07 October 2023
The Story
Running for the 7th year, the Uitsoek Mountain Marathon has well and truly earned its reputation as one of the toughest Mountain Marathons in South Africa! Set deep in the mountains outside Nelspruit at the Uitsoek Hut on SAFCOL property, the marathon course climbs all the way to the top of the escarpment and traversing a short way before descending through plantation and indigenous forest, crisscrossing streams and finally over a few ridges to the finish line.
It’s a trail runner’s paradise, traversing indigenous forests, plantations, high-altitude grasslands, mountain streams and waterfalls. But those in the know don’t say “Uitsoek is Uitsoek…” for nothing – this race is unique, entirely its own challenge that needs its own yardstick… and it humbles many every year! The 40km race is part of the Mountain Marathon Series and attracts some racing snakes, but Uitsoek has grown from the ground up. Uitsoek draws a core group of mountain runners each year who simply enjoy the challenge of moving in the mountains.

Entries and Registration
Online Entries Open: 10:00am, Monday, 29 May 2023
Online Entries Close: Midday, Thursday, 05 October 2023
Registration and Late Entries: Registration will open at 04:00pm on Friday, 06 October 2023, and will close at 7:00pm. 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.
Itinerary
Courses
Mountain Marathon
Start time: 06:00am
Distance: 42.70km
Elevation gain: 1868m
Aid Stations: 4
Cut-off: Midday cut-off at 20km mark
*Please note this course requires compulsory equipment.
2022 Stats
Mens Winner: Bruce D’Hotman (04:59:48)
Ladies Winner: Ruth Cozien (05:01:07)
Average Time: 07:28:44
Longest Time: 11:39:16
Finishers: 40 runners
Download route
Mountain Challenge
Start time: 06:30am
Distance: 20.30km
Elevation gain: 887m
Aid Stations: 2
*Please note this course requires compulsory equipment.
2022 Stats
Mens Winner: Reynard De Bruin (02:17:01)
Ladies Winner: Chandri van HeerdenAngela Temlett (02:29:55)
Average Time: 03:37:17
Longest Time: 05:13:16
Finishers: 56 runners
Download route
Medium course
Start time: 07:00am | Walkers Welcome
Distance: 10.6km
Elevation gain: 462m
Aid Stations: 1
2022 Stats
Ladies Winner: Albrecgt Sdapha (01:20:57)
Mens Winner: Melissa Glass (01:28:36)
Average Time: 02:22:15
Longest Time: 03:45:44
Finishers: 79 runners
Download route
short course
Start time: 07:00am | Walkers Welcome
Distance: 5.13km
Elevation gain: 286m
Aid Stations: None
2022 Stats
Mens Winner: Pieter Briel (00:32:16)
Ladies Winner: Shanie Briel (00:40:05)
Average Time: 00:48:43
Longest Time: 01:23:54
Finishers: 6 runners
Download route
Venue
Uitsoek Hiking Trail, Near nelspruit, mpumalunga
For this beautiful Mountain Hut we have SAFCOL and Komatiland to thank. Year on year they have been very accommodating and supportive of the event. Camping and the dorms in the hiking hut are the two options to stay on site which are always a good option.
If you want something more comfortable, Sudwala Lodge and the surrounding BnB’s are within 20 minutes drive of the Uitsoek Hut.
