Begin with breathtaking landscapes: envision dramatic cliffs meeting turquoise seas, iconic Table Mountain overlooking Cape Town, soft sandy beaches, lush indigenous forests, vibrant flower fields, endless vineyard-covered hills, and mesmerizing sunsets.
Next, encounter diverse wildlife: observe sunbathing seals, mingle with penguin colonies, search for migrating whales, interact with playful baboons, and witness majestic elephant herds in renowned game reserves.
Indulge in culinary delights: from Cape Town's culinary scene to traditional braais, experience a fusion of flavors reflecting the region's diverse heritage, including indigenous game meats, flavorful spices, and South Africa's renowned wines and craft beers.
Delve into the rich history: explore the complex narrative of South Africa, acknowledging its struggles and triumphs that shape its present.
And the running? Come experience it firsthand, but beware: once you do, leaving may not be an option!"
Gallery
About The Host
Each person on our small, multinational team brings a unique set of running abilities, travel experience and guiding expertise to the table, but something that we all have in common is an addiction to exploration, a borderline obsession with running and a love of helping others experience the world in this very unique way. Our guides are certified Wilderness First Responders, practice Leave No Trace principles and have guided well over 200 running trips combined. When you join a trip you’ll be traveling, running and exploring with at least one (if not 2 or 3) of us - click below for our bios!
Itinerary
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
Why here?
If you were to take the best features of all of our destinations and put them together in one location, the result would be SOUTH AFRICA. Endless kilometers of trails to explore, cliffs plunging into the ocean, rugged mountains, idyllic vineyards, turquoise seas, sandy beaches, copious wildlife and a fascinating mix of cultures found nowhere else. And, most importantly, an off-the-beaten-track feel that lends itself to the type of experiences that cannot be written into any itinerary, but that must be discovered in person.
What’s included in the trip cost?
The trip price includes pre-trip communication & guidance, airport transfers, all accommodation, all meals & snacks, water, wine tasting, transportation, drivers, experienced guides, organized, supported runs, a canopy tour, safari drives, all permits / entry fees and team swag. In short, just about everything is covered from the moment you land until the moment you leave!
What isn’t included in the trip cost?
The cost does not include flight, alcohol (one wine tasting is included), tips or personal purchases/extra activities.
Why isn’t the flight included?
Airfare is not included in the price. Let’s be honest, we are all unique and your schedules (and originating airport!) are no exception. Come early, stay late. Participants will be responsible for booking their travel arrangements and ensuring that they arrive and depart according to the specific instructions for your chosen itinerary (for this trip, you must arrive in Cape Town no later than 3pm on the first day and depart Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha no earlier than 2pm on the final day. If you choose to arrive/depart outside of those parameters then you will be responsible for the transport arrangements). Suggestions and guidance will be provided once you are signed up.
How far do I have to be able to run?
There is no set requirement, but we recommend that you be comfortable with daily running or at least hiking (note: most people don't run every day at home, but have no problem doing so during a trip!). All routes are adjustable in terms of distance (expect daily options of 3-12 miles) and plans will be tweaked according to the ability mix of the group. As with all of our trips, you always have the option of taking the day off if needed AND there are always ways to add distance if desired!
What sort of terrain will we be running on?
The terrain will be a mix of single track trails, dirt roads, and a little bit of pavement - expect to encounter rocky, slippery footing on occasion, and plenty of hills. While we will always offer options for a variety of ability levels, to maximize your experience we strongly encourage all participants to prepare by spending some time on trail and making a point to do both uphill and downhill running!
What time of day will be be running?
The time of day will vary depending on where we are and where we’re headed, but typically we’ll be running mid-morning and finishing with lunch. The key is to just relax and roll with it – it’s not about “getting it in,” but rather about exploring a brand new place each day!
What will we do when we aren’t running?
Lots! We will go on a treetop canopy tour, learn about the rich history of the area, enjoy wine tasting, log some spectacular hiking, spot elephants on safari and enjoy plenty of time for the most important local tradition: kicking back with great food and company!
Can my non-runner spouse/friend come too?
Non-runners are welcome as long as they don't mind hanging out with a bunch of runners and a daily schedule that flexes around the planned run; it typically works out just fine if they enjoy hiking. If you aren't sure whether it's a good fit, drop us a line and we can talk through it!
Is it safe?
It’s no secret that South Africa has a reputation for high crime rates, stemming from years of apartheid and the resulting social and economic inequality. However, it’s important to keep things in perspective and realize that much of that crime is happening in very specific areas; as with most places in the world, as long as one uses common sense and takes basic precautions, the vast majority of travelers encounter no issues whatsoever. Our trip is produced in partnership with a local team of logistics experts who also happen to be avid runners who know the area inside and out, and the trails that we utilize have been selected with not only amazing views, but also your security in mind. There is no reason not to expect a completely safe, relaxed and amazing adventure of a lifetime!
What is the weather like?
Beautiful! October is springtime in the southern hemisphere, and is generally dry and warm with an average high of 75F/24C and an average low of 60F/15C. But like much of the world these days, weather patterns in South Africa are less predictable than they used to be and it’s best to prepare for everything!