WESSA Ultra Trail Festival
24 October 2026
Celebrate a century of conservation at the WESSA Ultra Trail Festival, where breathtaking escarpments, rolling grasslands, indigenous forests, and the dramatic uMngeni Valley combine to create one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most iconic trail-running experiences. From flowing river crossings to rugged cliffside trails, every route showcases the beauty and challenge that has made this reserve a favourite among trail runners for nearly a decade.
Hosted within the historic WESSA uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve, this special edition celebrates the reserve’s 100-year legacy of conservation. Set across 900 hectares of diverse landscapes, runners will experience everything from open plateaus and woodland singletrack to technical descents and spectacular valley views, all while immersing themselves in one of the Midlands’ most treasured natural spaces.
Whether you’re taking on the inaugural WESSA Ultra Trail Festival or one of the shorter festival distances, this event promises an unforgettable adventure through a landscape rich in wildlife, history, and natural beauty. Join us as we celebrate 100 years of WESSA and experience a trail festival that honours both the spirit of endurance and the wilderness that makes it possible.
- Date: Saturday, 24 October 2026
- Registration: 02:30 onwards
- Race Briefing: 15min before each race
- Race Types: Loop
- Venue: WESSA uMngeni Nature Reserve, Howick
- No Pets
- FAQs and T's and C's Here
*By entering you accept the terms and conditions, indemnity and waiver for this event. Click to view.
Courses
Compulsory Kit.
Mandatory kit checks may be carried out before, during or after the race
Min Bandages
Additional Kit.
Cold Conditions
Warm Conditions
Download file: KZNTR-WESSA-Ultra-Trail-Festival-Oct-2026-75km-Course.gpx
Compulsory Kit.
Mandatory kit checks may be carried out before, during or after the race
Min Bandages
Additional Kit.
Cold Conditions
Warm Conditions
Download file: KZNTR-WESSA-Ultra-Trail-Festival-Oct-2026-50km-Course.gpx
Compulsory Kit.
Mandatory kit checks may be carried out before, during or after the race
Min Bandages
Additional Kit.
Cold Conditions
Warm Conditions
Download file: KZNTR-WESSA-Ultra-Trail-Festival-Oct-2026-Extended-Course.gpx
Compulsory Kit.
Mandatory kit checks may be carried out before, during or after the race
Min Bandages
Additional Kit.
Cold Conditions
Warm Conditions
Download file: KZNTR-WESSA-Ultra-Trail-Festival-Oct-2026-Long-Course.gpx
Compulsory Kit: There is no compulsory kit requirements for this race. Courses are subject to change.
Download file: KZNTR-WESSA-Ultra-Trail-Festival-Oct-2026-Medium-Course.gpx
Compulsory Kit: There is no compulsory kit requirements for this race. Courses are subject to change.
Download file: KZNTR-WESSA-Ultra-Trail-Festival-Oct-2026-Short-Course.gpx
