Phonix Capture, via KZN Trail Running
Drakensberg Northern Trail
Oliviershoek Pass, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
6 Mar 2027
KZN Trail Running's flagship mountain race in the northern Drakensberg, from The Border Post at Oliviershoek Pass, with 40, 20, 10 and 6 km routes.
Train for this raceAbout
The Drakensberg Northern Trail takes runners into the northern reaches of the Drakensberg on rugged terrain with high altitude views. It has been one of KZN Trail Running's flagship events since 2015.
The main attraction is the 40 km Mountain Challenge. Shorter 20 km, 10 km and 6 km routes suit runners and walkers of all levels.
The event is based at The Border Post on Oliviershoek Pass, which also offers accommodation for the race weekend.
Distances
| Name | Distance | Gain | Loss | Vert / km | Min altitude | Max altitude | Start | Start location | Finish | Course | Cutoff | Terrain | Technicality | Aid stations | Badges | Entry fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNT 40 km Mountain Challenge | 40 km | 1,856 m | — | 46.4 m/km | — | — | 6 Mar 2027 05:30 Africa/Johannesburg | The Border Post, Oliviershoek Pass | The Border Post, Oliviershoek Pass | Loop | — | Mountain | — | — | — | — |
| DNT 20 km | 20 km | 780 m | — | 39.0 m/km | — | — | 6 Mar 2027 06:30 Africa/Johannesburg | The Border Post, Oliviershoek Pass | The Border Post, Oliviershoek Pass | Loop | — | Mountain | — | — | — | — |
| DNT 10 km | 11 km | 329 m | — | 29.9 m/km | — | — | 6 Mar 2027 07:00 Africa/Johannesburg | The Border Post, Oliviershoek Pass | The Border Post, Oliviershoek Pass | Loop | — | Mountain | — | — | — | — |
| DNT 6 km | 7 km | 192 m | — | 27.4 m/km | — | — | 6 Mar 2027 07:15 Africa/Johannesburg | The Border Post, Oliviershoek Pass | The Border Post, Oliviershoek Pass | Loop | — | Mountain | — | — | — | — |
DNT 40 km Mountain Challenge terrain notes
High altitude mountain running in the northern Drakensberg, with rugged terrain and sweeping views. The flagship race. Compulsory kit applies, including waterproof outer layer, whistle, emergency blanket and 1 L hydration capacity.
DNT 20 km terrain notes
High altitude mountain running in the northern Drakensberg, with rugged terrain and sweeping views.
DNT 10 km terrain notes
High altitude mountain running in the northern Drakensberg, with rugged terrain and sweeping views.
DNT 6 km terrain notes
High altitude mountain running in the northern Drakensberg, with rugged terrain and sweeping views.
Registration
- Status
- Unknown
Links
Notes
Race day is Saturday 6 March 2027. The itinerary on the page still shows 2026 weekend dates, so registration and briefing times are not included.