Black Mountain Ultra
Black Mountain Ultra
Calitzdorp, Klein Karoo, Western Cape, South Africa
15–17 Oct 2027
UTMB Index trail race through the Swartberg Mountains and Gamkaskloof (Die Hel), from a 73 km ultra to a 6 km community run, finishing at Groenfontein.
Train for this raceAbout
The Black Mountain Ultra is a trail race through the UNESCO World Heritage Swartberg Mountains in the Klein Karoo, with Gamkaskloof (Die Hel) as a defining landmark on the 73 km and 43 km routes. The race village and finish are at The Retreat at Groenfontein near Calitzdorp, about four hours from Cape Town.
Four races are offered: the 73 km Ultra Marathon (start at Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge), the 43 km Mountain Marathon (start at Gamkaskloof), the 19 km Half Marathon and a 6 km Community Run. The 73 km includes The Ladder descent and the Donkey Trail descent, on trails not normally open to runners. The three timed distances carry 3, 2 and 1 ITRA points and count for the UTMB Index.
The finish village has Klein Karoo wine farms and food trucks. The 73 km and 43 km are limited to 80 runners each. The 2027 race is the second edition, run as part of a race week.
Distances
| Name | Distance | Gain | Loss | Vert / km | Min altitude | Max altitude | Start | Start location | Finish | Course | Cutoff | Terrain | Technicality | Aid stations | Badges | Entry fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra Marathon | 73 km | 2,983 m | — | 40.9 m/km | — | — | 16 Oct 2027 05:00 Africa/Johannesburg | Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge | The Retreat at Groenfontein | Point to point | 16 h | Mountain | — | — | — | — |
| Mountain Marathon | 43 km | 1,916 m | — | 44.6 m/km | — | — | 16 Oct 2027 08:00 Africa/Johannesburg | Gamkaskloof | The Retreat at Groenfontein | Point to point | 10 h | Mountain | — | — | — | — |
| Half Marathon | 19 km | 1,000 m | — | 52.6 m/km | — | — | 16 Oct 2027 09:00 Africa/Johannesburg | The Retreat at Groenfontein | The Retreat at Groenfontein | Loop | 5 h | Mountain | — | — | — | — |
| Community Run | 6 km | — | — | — | — | — | 16 Oct 2027 09:00 Africa/Johannesburg | Groenfontein valley | The Retreat at Groenfontein | Loop | — | Trail | — | — | — | — |
Ultra Marathon terrain notes
Technical climbs, jeep tracks and single track. Highlights are The Ladder descent, Gamkaskloof (Die Hel) and the Donkey Trail descent. 3 ITRA points, UTMB Index. Limited to 80 runners.
Mountain Marathon terrain notes
Fast single track, technical terrain and jeep tracks with mountain views and Gamkaskloof. 2 ITRA points, UTMB Index. Limited to 80 runners.
Half Marathon terrain notes
Scenic mountain views and single track, described as a family-friendly introduction. 1 ITRA point, UTMB Index.
Community Run terrain notes
Gentle family-friendly run through the Groenfontein valley, easy terrain, all ages welcome. R450.
Registration
- Status
- Open
Links
Notes
Race weekend is 15 to 17 October 2027 with the race day on Saturday 16 October. Early bird entries run until 15 November 2026 or until sold out. The 73 km and 43 km are capped at 80 runners each. The 6 km Community Run is R450. Trail partner is The Donkey Trail and conservation partner is CapeNature.