The RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg Merges Endurance with Breathtaking Scenery

Set against the Maloti-Drakensberg UNESCO World Heritage mountains, the RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg draws nearly 1,000 athletes from across South Africa and beyond from 24 to 26 April 2026. This premier endurance event transforms the valley around Premier Resort Sani Pass into a vibrant hub of sport, community, and natural wonder. For those who have never considered a trail running event as a travel destination, this is the weekend that will change your mind:

The RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg | What's On in Joburg

Five distances for every fitness level and the new GXA Gxalingenwa Adventure

For those who want to do more than watch, the RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg offers six distances that cater to everyone from seasoned ultra-runners to those ready to attempt their first mountain race:

UTD Miler 160km: the RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg Miler, a formidable crossing that includes a summitting of Thabana Ntlenyana (3482m) the highest peak South of Kilimanjaro with 6200m of elevation gain over a 45-hour cut-off
UTD 100km: a mountain traverse across the range’s most technical terrain
GCU 62km: the Giant’s Cup Ultra (GCU), completing the legendary five-day hiking trail in a single day
SDR 34km: the Sundowner Run (SDR), a scenic route from Castleburn to Premier Resort Sani Pass
DRJ 25km A shorter valley route: the Drakensberg Rock Jumper (DRJ), ideal for entry-level ultra-distance runners
GXA 14km. A new distance at RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg that serves as an introductory adventure to the world of Mountain Trail Running

The shorter distances in particular make this an accessible weekend escape; you can run on Saturday or Sunday, and with Monday being a Public Holiday, you still have plenty of time for rest and recovery.

Brand new to the RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg in 2026, the GXA, or Gxalingenwa Adventure, is a 14km trail run taking place on Sunday, 26 April, starting at 08:30am. With just 487m of elevation gain and no cut-off time, it is designed for those ready to dip their toes into the RMB UTD experience, testing when it needs to be, and utterly rewarding throughout.

For those in the surrounding areas, whether in Underberg, Himeville, or further afield in KwaZulu-Natal, the GXA offers a compelling reason to make a day trip of it. Head up to the Sani Pass valley on Sunday morning, take on the mountain, and then stay on for prize-giving and live music at the Race Village in the afternoon.

A destination worth the drive

The Underberg and Southern Drakensberg region is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most rewarding yet often-overlooked destinations, a place of extraordinary natural beauty, genuine community warmth, and an adventure calendar that rivals anywhere in the country.

At the heart of it all is Sani Pass, one of South Africa’s most iconic mountain roads, rising dramatically through the uKhahlamba escarpment into the Kingdom of Lesotho. The surrounding valley, steeped in San rock art, highland birdlife, and centuries of mountain culture, makes for a destination that rewards every kind of visitor, whether you’ve come to run, to watch, or simply to breathe the mountain air.

“It’s always motivating to bring people from all over South Africa and beyond to share in the beauty of the Southern Drakensberg. Whether you’re here for the race or extending your stay to explore everything this magnificent region has to offer, the Southern Drakensberg promises an unforgettable weekend,” says Spurgeon Flemington, RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg Founder and Race Director.

Going as a spectator? Here’s what you need to know

The Race Village at Premier Resort Sani Pass is open to the public across the entire weekend, offering an atmosphere that is equal parts festival and sporting spectacle. Spectators can;

Watch emotional finish-line moments as athletes complete journeys of up to 160km through the mountains
Sample food and refreshments from local vendors celebrating regional flavours
Browse sponsor activations and merchandise
Soak up the infectious energy of the trail running community, a notoriously welcoming and passionate crowd

The RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg excitement is not confined to the finish line. With five race distances running across the weekend, there is always action on the mountain, and strategic viewpoints along the routes offer spectacular opportunities for those who want to venture out and cheer athletes on the trail.

Things to do in the Southern Drakensberg

Use the Public Holiday and extend your stay, and explore one of South Africa’s richest adventure regions. The Underberg area offers a diverse menu of experiences for all ages and interests:

Sani Pass 4×4 Tour: Drive or join a guided tour up the legendary pass into Lesotho, stopping at the Highest Pub in Africa and experiencing authentic Basotho culture in high mountain villages.
Hiking: Trails range from gentle nature walks to multi-day treks through the wilderness of the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Park. The Giant’s Cup Hiking Trail, which forms the backbone of the GCU race route, is one of South Africa’s most celebrated overnight routes.
Rivers and Water: Crystal-clear mountain rivers offer tubing, canoeing, and outstanding fly fishing for wild rainbow and brown trout.
San Rock Art: The Drakensberg is home to some of the finest examples of San rock art in the world, accessible via guided walks in the broader Maloti-Drakensberg UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Birdwatching: The region is a birding hotspot, with endangered Cape vultures at the Mzimkulu Vulture Hide, the rare Drakensberg Rock-jumper, and highland species found nowhere else in South Africa.
Dining and Downtime: Himeville’s the Whistling Goat and Speirs are beloved local favourites offering hearty meals and warm mountain hospitality.
Live Music: Tanner Wareham (Sunday, from 1:30pm)

The weekend closes in fine style with a live performance from Tanner Wareham, a local KZN musician and one of the country’s most technically gifted loop artists and sought-after entertainers.