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KAAPSEHOOP
Quaint, cloudy and calm – this is Kaapsehoop . Set atop a mountain pass on the Drakensberg escarpment above Nelspruit, it comes slowly into view, as if appearing out of the mists of time.
The gravel streets are lit by lantern-style lights and the town has a series of quaint shops and eateries. It has a lovely moderate climate- making it a lot cooler up there during summer whilst the Lowveld bakes.
Most appealing though is a herd of wild horses that makes the plateau its home. The village is particularly regardful of their horses (there are about 200 of them) that range at will among the houses and on the plateau beyond.
Their blue swallows are unique, as well as a series of ancient stones, known as Adam’s Calendar, that suggest an ancient and mystical history of mankind.
Blue swallow are rarely seen in South Africa. Part of the escarpment is declared a blue swallow natural heritage site.
From up here there are incredible views over the Lowveld, particularly of the Baberton valley, known as De Kaap Valley. It was also known as the ‘valley of death’ because of the prevalence of malaria, which Kaapsehoop evaded (and continues to do so), because of its altitude.
Kaapsche Hoop, the original Dutch spelling of the town’s name, came into existence as part of the 1873 gold rush. It’s very name means ‘hope of the Cape’! This refers to the prospector’s hopes for gold.
What a great setting to present a Fresh Trails experience of pristine trail running!!!!
DATE AND DISTANCES
10 August 2024 (Saturday):
69km, Elevation gain 2750m, 6 x Aid Stations (Entries close 31July)
45km, Elevation gain 1800m, 4 x Aid Stations (Late Entries available on the day at extra R100)
17km 540 Elevation gain Pet Friendly 1 x Aid Station (Late Entries available on the day at extra R50)
8km Kids & Pet friendly trail. (Late Entries available on the day at extra R50)
Province: Mpumalanga
Town: Kaapsehoop
Race Village: Kaapsehoop Pear Orchard Picnic Site
Trail Description: Plantation jeep track and flowing single track; Kaapsehoop rock formations; grassland escarpment with misty mountains and plantations.
TIME
09 August 2024 @ Kaapsehoop Race Village:
Registration, compulsory kit checks and late entries 16h00 – 18h00
10 August 2024 @ Kaapsehoop Race Village:
Late Registration 04h30-05h30 69km Kaapsehoop (no late entries 69km)
Late Registration & Entries 04h30 – 06h30 45km & 17km & 8km
Race Start Time:
69km 06h00 (race briefing 05h45)
45km 07h00 (race briefing 06h45)
17km 07h30 (Race briefing 07h15)
8km 08h00 (Race briefing 07h45)
Prize Giving (8km, 17km & 45km) 13h00 at Race Village
Prize Giving (69km ) 19h00 Saturday at Race Village
COSTS
69km = R1400 (Entries close 31Jul)
45km = R600 (late entry R100 extra) 4 x Aid Stations
17km = R300 (late entry R50 extra) 1 x Aid Station
8km = R220 (late entry R50 extra)
Race Shirt = R350
Race Cap = R350
INCLUDED
TRUCKER CAP or Buff 69km
FINISHER MEAL 69km
FRESH MOUNTAIN HOSPITALITY
GREAT TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
WATER POINTS ON ROUTE AND FINISH
MEDAL OR CRAFT BEER FOR FINISHERS
WELL MARKED ROUTE
MEDICAL STAFF
ABLUTION FACILITIES
FOOD AND REFRESHMENT STALLS
Please refer to web page for more info: https://freshtrails.co.za/2023-kaapsehoop-mountain-ultra/
Accommodation Available:
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