This Saturday, 24 October 2026, we are hosting the inaugural WESSA Ultra Trail Festival at the spectacular WESSA uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve.
Whether you’re running 6km or taking on the epic 50km challenge, bringing the family along, or simply enjoying a day out in the scenic KZN Midlands, there’s plenty more to experience beyond the finish line.
For athletes with ambitions of representing KwaZulu-Natal and potentially South Africa, it also provides a pathway towards provincial colours and the national selection process ahead of South Africa hosting the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in October 2027.
To entertain younger visitors a fun-filled kids’ programme is planned, you'll also get to browse a curated open-air market including locally sourced fresh produce, artisan crafts, and a local fare.
A live music festival will set the tone for the day, with Jason Hartman, Scott and Sam Hartman headlining from 13h00, alongside talented local artists:
The Blackbirds: blend sultry jazz, upbeat folk, soulful indie.
Undivided Rootz ZA: entertain with rock, and reggae music.
Rhiannon & Vince Reid: mix acoustic storytelling with familial harmony.
Skippy Kubheka: brings rock, blues, Motown vibes, and soulful ballads.
At the heart of the festival is the inaugural WESSA Ultra Trail Run, featuring five distances from 6 km up to 50 km.
The range of distances offers experienced trail and ultra runners the opportunity to take on a serious challenge, while also creating an entry point for those wanting to experience trail running over a shorter distance.
This year’s event also marks an important milestone for trail running in KwaZulu-Natal. The festival is incorporating the inaugural KZNA Trail and Mountain Running Championship, introduced by KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA), creating a new platform for provincial competition, talent identification and excellence within the province’s growing trail-running community.
Click here to register for the Trail Run. Select a distance from 6km to 50km.
Run, race and win!
There’s even more waiting for our trail runners! With 80 prizes up for grabs, your WESSA Ultra Trail Festival entry could come with an extra reward.
From adventure experiences and weekend getaways to WESSA merchandise, memberships, vouchers and more, prizes include:
Karkloof Canopy Tour vouchers
Groundcover Leather vouchers
Mandela Capture Site admission
Two-night stays at uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve, Otter’s Den Cottages and Glen Eden Lodge
High tea experiences at Midlands Fable
WESSA Premium Memberships
Boschendal WESSA wine and WESSA 100 wine glasses
WESSA-branded cutting boards
Chocolate Heaven vouchers
That’s 80 chances to take home something special. So lace up, choose your distance and join us on 24 October!
Festival Entry Fees: (Cashless)
Adults: R100 per person
Pensioners: R70 per person
Children 8 years and up: R50 per child
Children under 8 years: FREE
Children’s Day Programme with WESSA Education Staff: R100 per child for a day pass