South Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal, Sunday 26 April 2026: This weekend, trail runners converged on the Southern Drakensberg to compete in one of Africa’s most demanding and spectacular mountain running events. Against a backdrop of jagged escarpments, high-altitude crossings, and rapidly shifting weather, athletes from across South Africa and beyond pushed the limits of human endurance across distances ranging from 62km to 160km.
The competition drew elite international ultrarunners alongside exceptional local talent, creating a fiercely competitive yet supportive atmosphere that exemplifies the best of trail-running culture.
What sets the RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg apart is the unforgiving combination of technical terrain and high altitude. Participants navigate rocky single track, river crossings, steep ascents and descents, and exposed escarpment sections where weather conditions can turn in minutes. The routes incorporate iconic Drakensberg landmarks, including Sani Pass, one of southern Africa’s most notorious mountain passes, the Giant’s Cup Hiking Trail, and ridge traverses with unbroken views into neighbouring Lesotho.
“Ultra-trail running isn’t just a sport; it’s a journey of self-discovery. Our courses through the Drakensberg push runners to their limits while surrounding them with some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on the planet. From the jagged peaks to the hidden valleys, these routes offer a true test of endurance and willpower,” says Stuart McConnachie, Co-Founder of Summit Events and Race Director for RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg.
The Miler — 160km
The event’s ultimate test, the 160km Miler, set off at 13:00 on Friday from Silverstreams Trading Store near Bushman’s Nek. Athletes faced a route that traverses the full length of the Giant’s Cup Trail, summits the highest peak south of Kilimanjaro, and crosses the border into the Lesotho Highlands before the final descent to the finish. To complete it requires running continuously through two nights across some of the most remote terrain in southern Africa.
Defending champion Kennedy Sekhuthe, Thato Kabeli (who claimed the UTD 100km title in 2025), and 2024 Miler winner Admire Muzopambwa of Zimbabwe quickly established themselves at the front. As darkness fell and the formidable ascent of Sani Pass loomed, it was Kabeli and Muzopambwa who locked horns at the head of the field, with Matt Dove, a familiar face on the UTD Miler podium, pushing hard for a top-three finish.
Athletes crossed into Lesotho just before midnight, where icy temperatures and thin air awaited. The warmth of the Basotho community provided vital relief: fires blazed through the night at the aid station, offering one of the race’s most memorable moments of respite. Refuelled and revived, competitors continued through the Highlands, accompanied by Basotho shepherds on horseback.
By sunrise on Saturday, Kabeli had built a commanding lead. He crossed the finish line to claim victory in just over 24 hours, a dominant performance from start to finish. Behind him, Dove overtook Muzopambwa in the closing stages to secure second place (26:10:35), with Muzopambwa completing the podium in third (27:21:25).
The women’s Miler unfolded as a testament to consistency and quiet resilience. Over a course that demands not just fitness but the mental fortitude to keep moving through two nights and extremes of altitude and cold, Rinel McLaren crossed the finish line first (41:23:53). American runners Lee Conner (41:57:33) and Karmell Ohlrogge (41:57:34) completed the women’s podium in a remarkable finish separated by just one second.
The GCU65 — 62km
Saturday afternoon, Race Village hummed with anticipation as the GCU65 (Giant’s Cup Ultra) elite field approached the finish. The 62km race, launched at 06:00 that morning, follows the full length of the iconic Giant’s Cup Trail, a route that hikers typically complete over five days, conquered here in a single relentless push.
Cody Lind crossed the line in commanding fashion (05:24:52) after racing with measured patience before a decisive late surge. Robert Rorich pushed him hard throughout, claiming second (05:43:50), with Remaketse Lekaka rounding out the podium in third (05:54:00).
The women’s race belonged to defending champion Olivia Dubern, who delivered a masterclass in bold pacing and technical precision to retain her 2025 title. Crossing the line in an impressive ninth place overall (06:42:33), Nadia Booyens followed her in second (07:17:52) and Lisa Loubser in third (08:13:18).
The UTD100 — 100km
As evening descended and temperatures dropped, the UTD100 field brought an electric atmosphere to Race Village. The 100km race had started at 05:00 on Saturday morning, following the Giant’s Cup Trail from Silverstreams before climbing Sani Pass and traversing the exposed high-altitude terrain of the 12 Apostles and Khanti Ridge, a route where the combination of distance, altitude and rocky technical ground tests even the most experienced mountain runners.
David Pearce claimed his first RMB UTD100 title with a masterclass in patience and terrain awareness. Drawing on his adventure racing background and deep familiarity with KwaZulu-Natal, he ran a measured race off the front pack before making his move between the Sani Road Aid Station and the South African border post. Pearce crossed the finish line first (11:52:39) in a breakthrough performance built on timing and trust in the process. Seasoned trail veterans Oli Morris and Skye Clark fought out a fast-paced sprint to the line for the remaining podium positions, finishing second (12:27:02) and third (12:32:13) respectively.
The women’s UTD100 produced one of the weekend’s most compelling finishes. Annamart Marincowitz led from the start and looked set to take the win, but in the closing stages, Céline Cloete, racing her first ever 100km, executed a decisive overtake to claim victory (13:40:25). Marincowitz held on for second (13:49:03), a fine result in her own right on a course that punishes any lapse in concentration or pacing. Ioanna Keppler secured the final podium position (16:02:40).
A Growing Movement
Since its humble beginnings in 2017 with 250 participants, the RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg has grown significantly, reflecting trail running’s emergence as South Africa’s fastest-growing sport. The event’s partnership with title sponsor Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) has elevated the competition, with equal prize money distribution between men and women totalling R161,000.
“This year’s RMB UTD was another incredible showcase of the grit and human spirit synonymous with trail running. We’re so proud to back this iconic event in this unique landscape of South African heritage and the community that supports it. A brilliant showcase of what’s possible when talent and grit come together. Congratulations to every runner that took on and conquered ambitious goals and big mountains this weekend. In particular, the 100-milers who pioneered a brutal new course, setting lofty benchmarks for future participants to chase,” says Michael Edwards, RMB Sponsorship Marketing Lead.
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