Faulklands Trail Run

LONG COURSE | 19km | 542m elevation gain

The Long Course is the full Faulklands Trail experience – raw, rugged and deeply rooted in the uMngeni Valley where trail running first took hold for Andrew and Lauren.

Starting at the farmhouse, the early kilometres move through the sugarcane fields and cliff edge with spectacular valley views (many sundowners were drunk here back in the day) before dropping off the edge of the plateau and into the heart of the uMngeni Valley.  Here, jeep tracks and cattle trails take you into the valley, with the landscape opening up to grasslands dotted with acacias and distant views toward PMB’s Table Mountain.

The middle section is where the course shows its teeth. A steep descent to the valley floor, followed by deceptive slats – the technical terrain forces 100% concentration before a testing climb back out the valley. Runners will also encounter two adventurous river crossings, adding to the wild, immersive feel of this course, adding to what makes this course truly memorable and a proper trail running adventure!

Once out the valley, the route weaves through sugarcane fields via farm roads and rugged tracks, with expansive views toward the farmhouse and back across the valley you have just explored.

This is a course for runners who enjoy raw trails, varied terrain and the satisfaction of earning every kilometre!

MEDIUM COURSE | 11km | 391m elevation gain

The Faulklands Trail Medium Course delivers a condensed but demanding taste of Faulklands, perfect for runners who want a challenge without committing to the full valley traverse.

After starting at the farmhouse, the route follows farm roads to the edge of the valley, before dropping off the edge of the plateau and into the heart of the uMngeni Valley.  Here, jeep tracks transition to rougher tracks and cattle trails, with the landscape opening up to grasslands dotted with acacias and distant views toward PMB’s Table Mountain.

The early descent is runnable but requires focus, setting the tone for a course that constantly changes underfoot.

Around the halfway mark, runners hit the valley bottom and the banks of the uMngeni river, the heart of the route! From here, the route climbs almost to the finish line, and while steady, it still bites and combined with footing that needs constant attention, particularly if the January heat cranks up!

The footing needs constant attention, but once you are out the valley, the mix of farmlands, birdlife and views offer reward for your efforts and moments to lift your head and take it all in.

This route will leave you a sense that you have truly dipped into the valley and back out again, and explored some wild, unexplored places in our spectacular province!

SHORT COURSE | 6km | 121m elevation gain

This route was Lauren’s go-to when living on Faulkands Farm (for a run or a sun-downer) and while it may be the gentlest of the three courses, it still carries the unmistakable Faulklands character.

Starting and finishing at the farmhouse, this route explores the upper farmlands and spectacular cliff-top trails overlooking the uMngeni Valley below. With good footing for most of the way, it is ideal for newer trail runners or those looking for a scenic, social run. The elevation profile is rolling rather than steep, but there are enough selfie-spots and sweeping views to make it breath-taking anyway!

Although shorter and less technical, this route still offers sections of raw trail and a strong sense of place, giving participants a taste of the where KZNTR’s journey began.

It is wholesome, scenic and welcoming, perfect for first-time trail runners, families and those wanting to soak up the Faulklands Trail atmosphere without tackling big elevation.