42KM MOUNTAIN MARATHON

The Harties Loop is the first ever around-the-dam ultra. With a distance of 80km and 3500m on foot around on Magalies Terrain, it's going to be tough! The main event, the 80km trail run boasting a challenging 3500m of vertical ascent, commences at the break of dawn on Saturday at 04h00. With a 20-hour cut-off, you'll have ample time to take on this epic journey around the beautiful Hartbeespoort Dam.

The race begins with a flat and fast 10km stretch through the eastern side of Hartbeespoort town, perfect for warming up your muscles and gearing up for the adventure that lies ahead. This portion promises an engaging mix of trail and tarmac running.

Cross the old railway bridge, and gear yourself for the ascent up the Harties River Hiking Trail hill, leading to your first aid station at the Harties River Hiking Trails. This is the first of seven aid stations along the route, ensuring you're well-supported throughout your journey.

Your route will then guide you through a tunnel crossing the R512 and into the unexplored territory of Blue Groove. Expect a challenging climb before you traverse the range on an open jeep track, leading west to Van Gaalen’s intriguing Pofadder Trails.

Having explored the Pofadder trails, you'll make your descent to the halfway point at the charming Van Gaalen Cheese Farm. Following a revitalizing stop, prepare to scale the iconic Vulture Pass. Upon reaching the summit, your route will head east through Vergenoeg trails and onto a ridgeline offering a challenging yet rewarding technical run.

As you descend and near Magalies Park, you'll cross under the R512 bridge and start your ascent up Tower Hill, followed by a brief 1-2 km traverse east. Your efforts are rewarded as you make your way up the tough Kosmos hill, revealing the best panoramic views of the dam.

After a thrilling descent off Kosmos Hill, you'll have the unique experience of running across the dam wall. Brace yourself for the ascent into Uitkyk trails, before facing the final challenge: the back of Iron Throne and the Cable Way. This last stretch will take you further east before a triumphant descent to the finish line back at Villa Paradiso.

Registration will be open on Friday, 1st August from 3 pm - 7 pm. Registration can be done at Villa Paradiso or all Gauteng based Salomon Stores. All races can register on Friday. Participant needs to arrive with their paid ticket printed on their mobile phone.

Accommodation at Villa Paradiso will be managed by Villa Paradiso.

The 80km Harties Loop will start at Villa Paradiso at 04:00 on 3rd August 2024. The race has a cut-off of 20 hours, allowing you to race until midnight on Saturday.

Additional Cut-Offs - Van Gaalen Cheese Farm, 38km - 13:00

- Uitkyk Trails, before Iron Throne - 20:00

The below is included in your entry fee.

- Marked Trails

- 7 Stocked Aid Stations

- Emergency Services

- Race Village and MC

- Race Photos

- Race Garment

- Drop Bag Services at Van Gaalen Cheese Farm

- Post-Race Meal

- Post-Race Mad Giant Beer

- Sunday Morning Breakfast

- Medal

We are busy planning, here are a few item on our list. We'll sharpen thi closer to the race based on entry number.

Carbohydrates

• Energy Bars or Gels

• Mini Potatoes

• PB & J Sandwiches

• Trail Mixes (dried fruits, nuts, seeds, coated peanuts)

• Gummies

• Banana Bread

• Mini Bar Ones

• Cookies - Choc Chip

• Mints (Endearmints)

Protein

• Biltong

• Hard Boiled Eggs

Hydration

• Water

• Coke

• Coffee / Tea / Hot Chocolate

Fresh Produce

• Oranges

• Bananas

• Watermelon

Salty Snacks / Foods

• Pickles & Pickle Juice

• Salt for potatoes

• Chicken Soup

• Pretzels / Crackers

• Crisps / Lays / Pringles

Fats

• Nut Butter Packets

• Rice Crackers with Nut Butters

• Yoghurt Cups

• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Given the amount of private land we run across, we cannot share the GPX route too early.

GPX routes will be emailed 1-2 weeks before the race.

See "Route" for more info.

We believe in weather-dependent gear and we'll adjust this as the race draws closer. We suggest you train and get used to:

• 2L Liter liquid carrying capacity (weather dependent)

• Waterproof Jacket (weather dependent)

• Phone Charged

• Space Blanket

• Headlamp

The race doesn't allow for pacers. We have a variety of distances for everyone, so get your running buddy to run!

Crew form an integral part of the race, and many runners regard it as a team effort. You can see your runners at the following places.

• Harties River Hiking Trails

• Blue Groove Adventure Park

• Tannie Miems Aid Station

• Van Gaalen Cheese Farm

• R512 Bridge (21km Start)

• Uitkyk Ruin

This gives you 6 places to see your runner along the route!

The access roads to checkpoints and viewpoints are a combination of tar and dirt roads but all passable with a standard sedan vehicle. Some dirt sections are in poor condition.

Please do not go in search of your own spectator points as you may jeopardise the future of the race by annoying local landowners. We'll share a spectator brief closer to the time.

Please drive as slowly as possible to improve the safety of everyone around you. There are sections of the course where the runners and crew vehicles share the course, although far fewer than before. There is a tendency to rush between points, but this is unnecessary as there is enough time to get between the points ahead of your runners on each occasion.

• Please do not enter the Runners’ Only Area of the Aid Stations.

• Please do not go onto any private land whatsoever - this jeopardises the future of the race.

• If you are found trespassing, your runner will be disqualified immediately.