Num-Num | High5, Mpumalanga Escarpment It’s not just a run. It’s a rite of passage. The legendary Num-Num Trailrun is charging back onto the calendar – and this year promises to be an absolute beast of an event! Whether you're a mountain goat or a trail rookie, we’ve got something to test your legs, lungs, and grit! 

NEW DISTANCES, SAME LEGENDARY CHARACTER: 

• 36 km – For the brave. You’ll EARN your post-run beer. 
• 21 km – Classic challenge, half the distance, double the thrill.  
• 7 km – Short, sweet, and still a proper taste of Num-Num grit. 

Not sure you’re ready to run the whole thing? No problem! This event is just as much for hikers who want to test themselves, run a few sections, and see how far they can go. Challenge yourself at your own pace! 

With a field limited to 400 runners, this is will again be an exclusive challenge for fit trail runners who love pristine nature trails. 

The full course is 36km long with close to 2000 meters of ascent and runs over some of the toughest, most variable terrain at high altitude on the African Escarpment. 

ENTRY FEE

R1550 - 36km 

R850 - 21km 

R150 - 7km

This includes:

Event t-shirt. (36km only) - Event Shirts can be ordered seperately 

Finishers medal.

Coffee & tea table on the race morning.

Lavish water tables on the the route on race day.

Braai lunch at the village from 12-4 pm (excl 7km) and prize giving on the Saturday after the cut off and much more.

This truly offers one of the best value for money, unique trail events on pristine nature trails that are regarded as some of the best in the country.

Additional meal vouchers on sale

START TIMES

32km - 07:30am

21km - 07:30am

7km - 08:30

PRIZE-GIVING

Prize-giving will be at 13h00 on Saturday

EVENT FORMAT

Solo knee-breaker, single-stage trail run. There are steep up hills, down hills, technical trails, bridges and ladders.  

TERRAIN

Explore the hidden gems of the Highveld Escarpment. Gorges, kloofs, indigenous forests, sandstone labyrinths, open grasslands, waterfalls, game and birds.   

REGISTRATION & START 

Registration desk will be open on Friday afternoon (28 July) from 15h00 to 20h00 and Saturday morning (23 July) from 06h00 – 07h15 at the race village in the Pongola Express Camp. You must ensure that you collect your ‘race tag’ from the timekeeping team.

The race briefing will be 10 minutes before the start time of each group.  

ROUTE DESCRIPTION 

The Num-Num Hiking trail  is situated midway between Machadodorp and Badplaas. This is the lip of the Skurweberg Escarpment with natural wonders hidden in kloofs and gorges. Both race categories go through twisty forest areas, sandstone rock formations, open grasslands, steep climbs and descents and waterfalls galore. There is only 3km of jeep track running; the rest is all single track trails.

COMPULSORY GEAR

“Wind proof” shell Space blanket Cell phone with the emergency number (082 946 0568)) saved on it 1 litres of water Mini first aid kit – Strap, elastic bandage, anti-cramp tablets, anti-histamine, wound dressing, disinfectant. Snacks Whistle You must carry a card with all your medical details on it such a Doctor’s telephone number, Medical insurance number, emergency telephone number and contact name, blood group, any allergies etc. This must be inside a sealed ziplock bag and on your person. (Not applicable to 7km route)

Other useful items (not compulsory): Sunblock, sun glasses, small camera, positive attitude and a sense of humour

This isn’t just another trail run. It’s the run of your life – through misty forests, rocky ridges, and the kind of scenery that slaps a grin on your face even as your quads beg for mercy.  Bring your spirit. Bring your legs. Bring your story. We’ll see you on the trail – where legends are made.

CONTACT:

Arlo Van Heerden (Race Organiser) [email protected] or 082 946 0568

Pieta ( Everyone knows who he is!  )  [email protected]  or 082 950 2417

ACCOMMODATION

Need to stay the night? Accommodation is available right on site – wake up with the mountains, not the morning traffic. 

Contact Pieta on 0829502417 Or [email protected]  for pictures and  bookings.

Both basic hikers shared accommodation and sophisticated units available

Dorm style units:

Pongola Express Railway Coach camp:

(at race start) 

7 booths (4 or 2 beds) @ R325.00 pppn. Booths must be booked as a whole and for 2 nights. 

Aloe Kaya hiking camp:

(8km from start) 

4 x dormitories (2 x 6 bed, 2 x 8 bed). 

Bed per night can be booked @ R325.00 pppn. 

Mt Komati hiking huts:

(15 km from start) 

2 x 6 bed dorms. 

Bed per night can be booked @ R325.00 pppn. 

Unit must be taken as a whole for 2 nights. 

Sophisticated accommodation:

Tarentaal chalet:

(15km from start) 

4 guests unit. 

Chalet @ R1800.00 pn minimum 2 nights.

Kudu cottage:

(15km from start)

6 guests unit. Chalet @ R2500.00 pn minimum 2 nights.

Kruger House Lodge 1

8km from start:

8 (or 12 guests if combined with wing rooms as below). 

Kruger House Lodge 2:

8km from start. 

4+ or 8+ guests if combined with wing rooms 2 en-suite rooms with 2 single beds that can be combined.

Enquire about stands for tents or fully self contained camping trailers etc.