A 12-hour trail challenge where the distance changes every hour. Minimum Distance: 4km. Maximum Distance: 8km. The cards decide.

Built for runners of all levels - complete one lap or twelve. This event is built for everyone - even beginners and slow runners - not just the elites (they will be at UTCT). The idea is to celebrate what your body is capable of, to surprise yourself, and just to have a flippen fun time. 

What you Get:

• A medal (all runners - even if you only complete one lap)
• Goodie bag
• Race village access
• Scenic 12-hour adventure

Every hour, on the hour, you’ll head out for another lap. But the distance? That’s decided by the race director, who draws a card from the hat. Everyone runs the same distance - anywhere between 4km and 8km. The Gauntlet is unpredictable by design.

The route itself is a trail runner’s playground: flowing single track surrounded by mountains, rivers, dams, and forests, with sections of jeep track.

Prizes go to the three fastest runners on the final lap. Medals go to everyone - even if you drop out after your first lap. 

The Gauntlet isn’t about planning splits or chasing times. It’s about showing up, again and again, not knowing what’s coming next. The only certainty is the next lap. So, how far will you go when the distance is left to chance?

Event date and time:

• Date: Saturday 22 November 2025
• Time: Start 8:00 am and end 8:00 pm (12 Hours)

Accommodation

• Check in: From 12:00 on Friday 21 November 2025
• Check out: Before 12:00 on Sunday 23 November 2025
• Campers may park their car at their campsite

Race Distances and Categories:

• Format: One lap every hour, on the hour, for 12 hours
• Distances: Each lap is decided by a card draw from the race director. The distance can be anywhere between 4km and 8km.
• Terrain: Majority single track, with sections of jeep track and short climbs. A true trail runner’s playground.
• Overall Finishers: All runners receive a medal, even if you complete just one lap.
• Final Lap Prizes: The 3 fastest runners on the final lap win prizes.

Registration Details:

All runners and supporters must bring a screenshotted proof of entry to registration. No proof, no access.

Race Registration (Runners):

• Date: Saturday, 22 November 2025
• Time: 05:30 – 07:00 AM

Details: Runners will collect their race numbers and goodie bags at this time.

On the day signups will be taken only if available (on the day signups will not receive a medal or a goodie bag)

Supporters: All supporters will receive an armband at registration to allow access to the event area.

Campers: All campers will also receive an armband on arrival, whether checking in on Friday or Saturday morning.

Deadlines and Fees:

• Entries: R550 per runner
• On the Day Entries (Only if Available): R890 per runner
• Camping Fee: R80 per person for the weekend
• Spectator Fee: R80 per person
• Dog: R50 per dog (Only if friendly, if your dog causes any issues, you will be asked to leave the event)

Location:

Start and Finish

Kruistementvlei Farm, Piketberg, Western Cape, South Africa

Langeberg afdelingspad, Piket Bo-Berg, 7320

Route Description:

The Gauntlet’s route is built to challenge and inspire in equal measure. The majority of the course flows along single track, weaving through mountains, forests, rivers, and dams. It’s the kind of terrain trail runners dream about: scenic, and ever-changing.

Every lap brings you back to the start line with a new distance to cover, and no two hours will ever feel the same.

Stunning views, varied terrain, and just the right amount of spice.

Aid Stations:

This is a self-supported challenge - part of the adventure. Bring your gear and fuel, and top up at the race village between laps.

Some sponsored hydration will be available at the event village, along with a few food and coffee vendors on site. 

Make sure you come prepared, with your own supplies covered, so you can keep going no matter what the cards (or the hours) throw at you.

Parking and Transport:

There will be sufficient and secure parking available on the farm for all participants and supporters.

Campers will be able to park their vehicles directly at their tents for convenience.

The Gauntlet is more than a race - it’s a fundraiser and warm-up for Ghost Miles, a 817 km border-to-Cape Town run coming in 2026.

Only 200 runners will take on The Gauntlet.

Contact Info:

WhatsApp: 078 905 4471

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @ghostmilesevents