The Black Mountain Ultra

The 73km runners that took on the inaugural Black Mountain Ultra (BMU), a new ultra trail running event in the Klein Karoo.

Every runner who crossed the start line became part of the race's founding story, helping establish a trail running event built on community, conservation and a shared passion for exploring wild places. Their courage, determination and belief in the vision laid the foundation for what the Black Mountain Ultra continues to become.

Klein Karoo ultra trail running

On 25 April, the Klein Karoo welcomed a new chapter in South African trail running with the inaugural Black Mountain Ultra (BMU), set against the dramatic backdrop of the Swartberg Mountains. The event introduced three Ultra Trail Mont Blanc (UTMB) Index distances—73km, 43km and 19km—each accredited by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA), alongside a 6km fun run.

Designed to cater to runners of all levels, the race blends world-class trail standards with the distinctive hospitality and rugged beauty of the Klein Karoo. Hosted in the Groenfontein Valley, with the race village based at The Retreat at Groenfontein, the weekend formed part of a race week running 23–26 April. Participants enjoyed an immersive experience that extended beyond the race itself, with accommodation, logistics, and entertainment centered around the race village.

Race director Elize van Staden framed the event as more than a competition.

“This inaugural Black Mountain Ultra is more than a race; it’s a celebration of the Klein Karoo’s culture, history and beauty, with world-class standards and a logistics model designed to put runners first,” she said.

Challenging but rewarding trails

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About the routes

The routes showcased some of the region’s most striking and seldom-accessed terrain, including the Ladder descent and the Donkey Trail sections typically closed to runners. Two of the distances followed scenic point-to-point routes through remote valleys and rugged mountain landscapes. Organisers emphasised that the event is about endurance, reflection and connection.

“The trail runners pass through forgotten trails and valleys of old and remind participants of how important it is to live deliberately and that we can do so much more with so much less,” the organisers noted.

The event was developed by Traverse The Earth in collaboration with Cape Nature and The Donkey Trail combining conservation and trail-running expertise to create a sustainable outdoor experience in one of the country’s most pristine regions. Environmental responsibility remained a major focus, with strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles.

Participants benefited from well-planned logistics, including shuttle services to remote start points, accommodation options at the finish. The race village offered a lively atmosphere, with live entertainment, food and storytelling celebrating Karoo culture.

Forgotten trails and valleys

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Our Partners

The event was supported by several partners, including The Red Bridge Brewing Co as official beer partner, Rhodes Quality Food stocking the aid stations with Power Smoothies and juice, De Krans the official wine partner providing beverages at the race village and aid station as well as winner prizes, Revive supplying athlete hydration products. Garmin supported with InReach devices to support communication between teams, while SARZA assisted with mountain safety and communication at the VOC.

“Without all of our partners, the volunteers and the runners that laced up, the event would not have been possible. We thank The Donkey Trail and Cape Nature for supporting Traverse The Earth in bringing this event to life. Our accommodation partners The Retreat at Groenfontein, Boplaas, Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge and Fonteinplaas for your ongoing support. And finally to my team, family and friends who believed when it was merely an idea, and who helped carry that belief into reality.”