Organiser
Magoebas Ultra Trail
4 RACES THROUGH THE MAGICAL MAGOEBASKLOOF FORESTS
The Magoebaskloof Forest Marathon offer 4 races through the magical forests of Magoebaskloof. Runners can choose between the 50km, 34km, 20km or 10km according to their ability and goals. All three distances are run in the magical forests of Magoebaskloof. Routes are predominantly run on exhilarating single track through indigenous forests and man-made plantations. The routes pass beautiful waterfalls and cross pristine mountain streams.
All 4 races of the Magoebaskloof Forest Marathon are trail running at its best.
The races are run on SAFCOL property and on SAFCOL trails. The routes traverse some of the most beautiful forests that South Africa has to offer and it is unique to experience these pristine trails in a race format.
THE MAGOEBAS FOREST MARATHON 50KM ULTRA
The 50 KM route of the Magoebas Forest Marathon will literally blow your mind. With 90% single track heaven through breathtaking forests, epic fast descends and some seriously steep climbs.
This route has it all and is guaranteed to become one of South Africa's iconic 50 KM trail races.
- Runners will start and finish at Debengeni Falls in Magoebaskloof. The route starts with a very steep and long climb to the top of the escarpment at Woodbush Hut. This steep start should be approached conservatively - you will need your quads later on. First aid station is at Woodbush Hut after kilometer 9.
- Once runners reach the top of the first big climb at Woodbush Hut, the route flows through some stunning plantations and forests. You'll run through some Redwood Forests and past the tallest planted tree in the Southern Hemisphere. The section to Waterfall Hut is undulating with lots of climbing. Your 2nd aid station will be at Waterfall Hut after 20kms of running.
- From Waterfall Hut runners will make their way toward the bottom of the Valley again. The descent down into the valley is probably one of the best pieces of singletrack you will ever run - guaranteed. We've called the section "Magoebas Magic". At the bottom of the descent, you will find your 3rd aid station at 34kms.
- From the bottom of the valley, runners will climb back up to the towards Woodbush. This climb is serious, 600 meters of vert in about 9km. Your last aid station is at the top of the climb after 41km.
- From your last aid station it is all downhill towards the finish at Debengeni Falls.
THE MAGOEBAS FOREST MARATHON 34KM
The 34 KM route of the Magoebas Forest Marathon is a fantastic option for those runners wanting to transition to ultra distance events. It is mostly single track through breathtaking forests, epic fast descends and some seriously steep climbs.
This route has it all. Epic views, beautiful forests, fast descends and one epic climb to finish it all.
- Runners will start and finish at Debengeni Falls in Magoebaskloof.
- The route starts with the section that is called "The Wall of Magoebas". A section that starts out with a beautiful flowing singletrack with a very gentle gradient. But just as you are getting comfortable, things will take a turn for the worst, when the gradient starts kicking and the lungs start burning, you will know you are now on the business side of the Wall of Magoebas. This section climbs about 400 meters in 6kms. At the top of the Wall of Magoebas you will reach your first aid station at Woodbush Hut at KM 8.
- The second section towards Waterfall hut is an undulating section. This section meanders through Redwood forests, beautiful indigenous forests and past the tallest planted trees in the Southern hemisphere. Here you will be able to make up some good time as the terrain is very runnable. Don't go too fast though, the climbing adds up in this section. Waterfall Hut is your second aid station at KM 19.
- From Waterfall Hut runners will make their way towards the bottom of the Valley. The descent down into the valley is probably one of the best pieces of singletrack you will ever run - guaranteed. We've called the section "Magoebas Magic". At the bottom of the descent, you will find your last aid station at 31kms.
- From there it is all downhill to the finish at Debengeni Falls.
THE MAGOEBAS FOREST MARATHON 20KM
The 20 KM route of the Magoebas Forest Marathon promises to be extremely fun and fast, but still a proper challenge. It is the perfect route for any trail runner that is transitioning into the longer distances. 95% of the route is on singletrack through breathtaking forests, with an epic fast descent into. Debengeni and the "Wall of Magoebas" to start with.
- Runners will start and finish at Debengeni Falls in Magoebaskloof. The route starts with the epic "Wall of Magoebas". A section that starts out with a beautiful flowing singletrack with a very gentle gradient. But just as you are getting comfortable, things will take a turn for the worst, when the gradient starts kicking and the lungs start burning, you will know you are now on the business side of the Wall of Magoebas. This section climbs about 400 meters in 6kms. You wiill reach your first aid station at the top of the climb at Woodbush Hut.
- The second section will be fast and furious. It is a singletrack descent back to Debengeni Falls. This is going to be fast and it will blow your mind. Empty your tank as you head for an epic finish.
THE MAGOEBAS FOREST FUN RUN 10KM
The Magoebas Forest Fun Run is aimed at anyone that want to come and experience the magical Magoebaskloof with all the excitement and energy that comes with a race atmosphere. It is also the perfect distance for anyone that is new to running and new to trail running.
Although the shortest in distance, the 10KM fun run route will still challenge you in a fun and exciting way. The route start and finish at Debengeni Falls.
There is a significant amount of climbing in the first half, with some technical single track running, before coming back on easier forestry roads. The perfect mixture between fun and challenging.
Even though the 10KM comes without a race medal, we encourage participants to purchase a race shirt with their entry as an heirloom for their race.
**** IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON LOGISTICS FOR 2023
For the 2023 MFM there will be a change in the logistics to get to the start line.
For the 50KM Ultra - runners will have the option to park at Debengeni. Please note that we advise all 50KM runners to ensure that you have purchased a parking ticket or that you are getting to the start with friends that have a ticket.
For all other distances the shuttles will be operating again. Please make sure that you purchase a shuttle ticket in advance!
More information: magoebasultra.com/magoebas-forest-marathon/
Classes and pricing
Available classes for the event
| Class | Distance | Price (pp) |
|---|---|---|
|
Magoebas 50 KM Ultra Trail
WAITING LIST ONLY South Africa's flagship forest ultra trail. 50 KM, 2 000 meters + of vertical ascent. |
50 km Single Stage | R 1,350.00 |
|
Magoebas Ultra 34KM Trail
34 KM of forest trail. +- 1 300 meters of vertical ascent. |
34 km Single Stage | R 950.00 |
|
Magoebas Ultra 20 KM Trail
WAITING LIST ONLY One of the toughest, but most scenic half-marathon trail events in South Africa. 20 KM, +- 800 meters of vertical ascent. |
20 km Single Stage | R 750.00 |
|
10KM Magoebas Forest Fun Run
WAITING LIST ONLY Beautiful, yet challenging 10KM. |
10 km | R 550.00 |
Event location
Debengeni Falls and Magoebaskloof Hiking, Tzaneen
| Coordinates | -23.8146911, 30.029182 |
| Address | R71 |
| City | Tzaneen |
| Province | Limpopo |
Registration Number: 2015/141112/07