Race Briefing 1 - Runtheberg

PRE-RACE BRIEFING #1

Hey Runthebergers!

LESS THAN A MONTH TO GO!!

our training should be in full swing and if you don’t yet have all of your compulsory kit items you will hopefully have a shopping / begborrowsteal list of the stuff you still need. Before you know it you’ll be on your way to the magnificent Drakensberg for RUNTHEBERG ULTRA 2025! Tough, spectacular and altogether unforgettable trail running in Africa’s most formidable mountains, with the added excitement of running in South Africa’s newest Nature Reserve!

For those of you who are new to the Runtheberg experience, our popular Pre-Race Briefing emails provide an important source of race information and cover a wide range of topics such as race prep, travel & logistics, and the race weekend itself. In this first Pre-Race Briefing we touch on things that should help in these last few weeks before the race, hopefully giving you all enough time to plan, prepare and purchase as necessary. As always, should anybody have any questions not addressed in the briefings, we ask that you feel free to contact us at any time.

1. Entries

If you have entered online but not yet paid please be aware that your entry is not yet confirmed. To complete entries please just go into your entry online (the same way you entered in the first place using your ID number) and follow the Proceed to Payment instructions. If you have LATE LARRY friends who have not yet entered (we all do!) tell them to get their A’s into G and enter before entries close midnight 24 September!

2. Compulsory & Recommended Equipment

This is something we take very seriously at Runtheberg. Many of you will be aware of the disaster that occurred at a trail race in China two years ago, where we were tragically reminded of the consequences of inadequate or unenforced safety protocols. You will be running in real mountains, and as every experienced trail runner knows, they can be unpredictable and dangerous. Having the right gear or item of safety equipment at the right time could literally mean the difference between life and death. That space blanket or rain jacket that seems redundant when you’re packing or even on the bright sunlit morning of the race could just save your life when the weather turns fast on the mountain or you lose the trail and get lost or fall and injure yourself. There is a comprehensive weather-graded list of required equipment on our website here. Please familiarize yourself with this list and ensure that you have everything that you may need. There will be random compulsory equipment kit checks at the Start and at various points on the trails. ANYBODY SEEN TO BE VISIBLY NOT CARRYING ANY ITEM OF COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT AT THE START WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO START; SIMILARLY ANYBODY VISIBLY NOT CARRYING ANY ITEM OF COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT AT ANY POINT ON THE COURSE WILL BE PULLED OFF AND NOT PERMITTED TO CONTINUE; SIMILARLY ANYBODY FOUND AT THE FINISH TO NOT BE CARRYING ANY ITEM OF COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT WILL BE SANCTIONED IN THE RACE ORGANISER’S DISCRETION, WHICH SANCTION MAY INCLUDE DISQUALIFICATION.

Headphones:

We have been fairly lenient with this in the past but in line with World Athletics rules and most of the big international trail events we are making it clear that the wearing of headphones at any point on the Runtheberg course is not permitted for safety reasons. Anybody seen by any race official to be using headphones on the course will be warned, and repeat offenders may be disqualified.

3. Race Hydration & Nutrition

Water Tables will be placed strategically on the routes (see Maps & Profiles here) We will make sure that every runner has access to more than enough water along the route, so you need only carry a minimum of the compulsory amounts required (see above) or enough to get you to the next water table. The tables will also carry a range of snack goodies BUT you will need to be self-sufficient as far as nutrition goes. Please make sure you have enough food to get you through your race, whether you’re a light snacker or a full feaster. Sweepers will be carrying some extra energy gels in case of emergencies, but if you run out of food up there it’s going to be a long day out.

Carry your own: In line with global trends towards environmental consciousness at trail events, Runtheberg is proudly a “Carry Your Own” event. What this means is that we will not have cups of any sort at the Water Tables. Runners will be required to carry their own portable / collapsible cups and/or flasks, bladders or other containers that they will be able to drink from and refill.

4. Runtheberg Community Shoe Drive

Most of you know this already but here is a reminder – together with some of the local running community leaders we will be collecting running shoes for the benefit of the development runners in the region. We all know how those old running shoes pile up in our cupboards, and these guys really do make good use of them. Please start putting those shoes aside now – trail shoes, road runners, cross-trainers, the lot – and don’t forget to bring them down with you on race weekend. We have also received many requests about old running clothing – the answer is easy, if you have any old running kit in any kind of reasonable form, bring it down! It will also get a new lease on life and be very appreciated by the runners down here.

5. Accommodation

If you haven’t booked your accommodation you had better get on it. Check out the Accommodation Page on our website for additional info Click HERE

6. We are proud that the usual Runtheberg field of runners ranges from some of the most experienced and accomplished trail runners in the country to road runners who are completely new to the joys and demands of trail running. As such, some of you may know a lot of the training and race tips that we will be sharing from time to time, but hopefully some of you may find them useful. Here is Tip #1 – train with your hydration pack. As any trail runner who has run for more than a couple of hours with their pack knows, it really helps to have your back, neck and shoulders conditioned to the carry. This is even becoming a thing for road runners as more and more road events go green and require participants to be more self-sufficient and less reliant on those awful plastic sachets. We actually recommend that you estimate how much weight you will be carrying on race day, and add a couple of kilograms for training runs. It is also important to get comfortable with your pack in terms of sizing, strapping, zips and pockets, and the actual hydration refill system – you don’t want to be finding stuff out on race day!

7. Training Tip #2

Climbing! As expected with true mountain running, you should expect some nice climbing at Runtheberg. As such, the more that climbing is a big part of your race training program the better prepared you will be. Unfortunately many of us live in cities or in places where there are not a lot of natural climbing options, but as they say where there’s a will there’s a way. Stairs, either outdoors in naturally hilly suburbs like Westcliff in JHB, or in actual multi-storey buildings, are one way to work those quads. Another way would be to take advantage of one or more of the various step machines available at most gyms. But one way or another make it happen – you will be grateful come race day!

That’s it for now. As always, any questions just SHOUT.

Happy trail training!

Group Entries

Group Entries of 4 or more qualify for an automatic 15% discount. Just “Add Participants” to the first entrant and the system will do the rest. The discount applies regardless of distances.

Entry Fee Payment Plan

To assist entrants wishing to enter Runtheberg Ultra 2025, staggered payments of Entry Fees will be permitted as follows:

Payment period – Flexible. Final payments must be paid and reconciled by no later than 31 August 2025.
Payment amounts – Flexible, provided FULL payment is received and reconciled by no later than 31 August 2025.

Payment Plan procedure:

When wishing to make the first payment, entrants must register online, enter as normal, and pay their first payment.
Entrants must select the Payment Plan option.
Entrants must use either their ID number or their system generated Race Reference number as payment reference.
Entrants MUST email the Race Organisers at info@runtheberg.co.za informing them of their intention to make use of the Entry Fee Payment Plan, AND either in the same email or separately, must send Proof of Payment to the same address.
Entrants must email Proof of Payment for EACH separate payment to the Race Organisers at info@runtheberg.co.za.
ENTRANTS MUST USE THE SAME PAYMENT REFERENCE FOR EVERY PAYMENT.

Terms & Conditions

First payment under the Entry Fee Payment Plan will secure a Conditional Entry, subject to full payment being received prior to 31 August 2025.
Confirmation of the Conditional Entry will be the email reply from the Race Organisers advising of acceptance.
Subsequent payments may be made at any time prior to 31 August 2025.
Full Entry will only be confirmed on receipt and reconciliation of the final payment / full amount outstanding.
SHOULD THE FULL AMOUNT OUTSTANDING NOT BE PAID AND RECEIVED BY THE RACE ORGANISERS BY 31 AUGUST 2025, THE CONDITIONAL ENTRY WILL LAPSE AND ALL AMOUNTS PAID TO DATE WILL BE FORFEITED. PART PAYMENTS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE.

SPECTATOR POINTS

Spectator Access

The following Aid Stations are accessible to spectators:

Sungubala: Spectators can park on the field at the Royal Drakensberg Primary School just before The Cavern. The Aid Station is a 2km easy but steep uphill walk up the jeep track towards the awesome Sungubala Eco Camp, where spectators can enjoy spectacular views and get to appreciate the real scale of the mountains you are running in. Please note that spectators will be walking on part of the Runtheberg race route.

Cannibal: The legendary Cannibal Cave is accessible as a hike via The Cavern. Spectators please note that parking inside The Cavern is for guests only, so they would need to park outside along the side of the road and walk up the hill through the resort entrance and pick up the hiking trail through there. Please note that this is a challenging hike of a good couple of hours over technical terrain and all resources in the area will be focused on the race and the runners for the day. We do not recommend this option other than for spectators who are experienced hikers and reasonably fit. If spectators are interested they can check out The Cavern Online Hiking Map.

Montusi Dam: The ultimate in spectator experience! Not only will spectators be able to easily access this beautifully scenic Aid Station and get a chance to cheer on their runners, but they will also get to enjoy the legendary Runtheberg tradition of Sundowners At The Dam. Runtheberg and Montusi Mountain Resort host a spectacular Sundowner Celebration of Mountain Running from 16h00 where spectators and runners who have finished their races can enjoy a drink and snack watching the sun set over the mighty Drakensberg. AND the final Aid Station for both the RTB Marathon 42 and RTB Ultra 65 routes will be positioned right here, so runners can even stop and enjoy a cold one with a loved one before they set off on the last few km towards the Finish. This can’t be beat!

Cut-Off Times

RTB Ultra 65 – Overall Cut-Off Time – 16 hours (20h00 at the Finish)

There will be 5 Checkpoints, each with a designated Cut-Off Time. Checkpoint Cut-Off Times will be generous but will be calculated to ensure that nobody will be on the course for longer than 16 hours. Cut-Off times will be strictly enforced.

RTB Marathon 42 – Overall Cut-Off Time -12 hours (19h00 at the Finish)

RTB 25 – Overall Cut-Off Time – 9 hours (17h00 at the Finish)

There will be 3 Checkpoints, each with a designated Cut-Off Time. Checkpoint Cut-Off Times will be generous but will be calculated to ensure that nobody will be on the course for longer than 9 hours. Cut-Off times will be strictly enforced.

RTB 13 – Overall Cut-Off Time – 5 hours (13h30 at the Finish)

There will be 1 Checkpoint with a designated Cut-Off Time. The Checkpoint Cut-Off Time will be generous but will be calculated to ensure that nobody will be on the course for longer than 5 hours. Cut-Off times will be strictly enforced.

Cut-Off Times

Please make sure you are acquainted with the Checkpoint Cut-Off Times found on the Route Maps & Profiles under The Trails.

Discretionary Cut-Offs

Race Organisers have the discretion to cut or short-course any runner who in their opinion to allow to continue would pose a health or safety hazard. This discretion will not be exercised lightly but in the event it is, the Race Organisers’ decision is final.

race rules

The Race Organiser’s decision is final.

Runners must follow the marked / designated routes. Any runner leaving the marked / designated route must rejoin the route at the same point they left it or as soon as safely possible without securing any competitive advantage.

Runners may be required to wear and/or carry certain items of equipment as indicated by the Race Organiser.

Runners may not wear headphones of any sort.

Runners shall respect the integrity of the natural environment they are in, which includes a zero-tolerance for littering.

Failure to adhere to any of these rules may result in penalties which could include time penalties, disqualification and/or any other sanction deemed appropriate by the Race Organiser.

Race Organisers reserve the right to check runners’ navigation devices to reconcile courses.

refund & substitution policy

Runtheberg Ultra 2025 has a cancellation policy pertaining to refunds. This is necessary because most of the expenses incurred in staging this event are committed to in advance, and as such refunds are only possible well in advance or when a replacement can be found. Refunds and/or substitutions where allowed will be subject to a nominal administration and handling fee.

Full payment is required on entry. An entry is only confirmed on full payment of the entry fee. This excludes entries under Payment Plans, which entries will be subject to their own rules.

The full entry fee paid, minus a R350 administration fee, will be refunded if an entry is cancelled in writing on or before midnight on Saturday 31 August 2025.

Entries may be rolled over to the following year on request in writing on or before midnight on Wednesday 24th September 2025. Rollovers will be subject to a R350 administration and handling fee. Entries may only be rolled over once.

Substitutions will be allowed before midnight on Wednesday 24th September 2025 subject to the procedures and conditions described herein. All substitutions will be subject to an R350 administration and handling fee, which will be processed either as an additional fee or as a deduction from any refund, depending on which will be most applicable. Ultimately it is the original entrant’s responsibility to find a substitute, but the Runtheberg Race Organisers will assist if they can. Substitutes will be required to complete the online substitution process.

Entries for Runtheberg Ultra 2025 will close at midnight on Wednesday 24th September 2025, or when, at the Race Organiser’s discretion, capacity has been reached. No refunds or substitutions will be allowed after this date.

Start times & START VENUES

RTB Ultra 65 – 04h00 (All Out Adventures)

RTB Marathon 42 – 07h00 (All Out Adventures)

RTB 25 – 08h00 (The Cavern)

RTB 13 – 08h30 (The Cavern)