4 Peaks Mountain Challenge

The Thule 4Peaks Mountain Challenge is a rugged 24 kilometres (15 mi) mountain skyline route for trail runners, held every September since 2002 in the Witteberge 32 kilometres (20 mi) NNE of Ficksburg in South Africa’s Free State province near the Lesotho border..

A record field of 210 mountain runners tackled the route in 2010. The large number of entrants necessitated a start of 3 batches at 15 min intervals. Ryan Sandes, the 2010 men’s winner, set a new record time of 2h 41m 58s. Fit athletes complete the course in about 6hrs with the backmarkers finishing in about 9hrs.

This race exists to enlighten all those who think the Free State is that flat part on the N1 on your way to Cape Town.  Come and challenge yourself in with the unique and extreme 4Peaks mountain race.  The race’s home is in the picturesque Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve.  This unique circle race runs along the tops of the Witteberg Mountain range that makes an unforgettable horse shoe that encloses the Moolmanshoek valley.

The race is hosted by the Nel family at Moolmanshoek.  Most athletes make the race a weekend affair with family and friends and added value like a breathtakingly beautiful mountain bike ride the day after the race.  Apart from these two races there are several hikes, bird hides, lots of game that can be viewed on horseback, or from a horse cart or from a 4×4 game viewing vehicle

The route rates as extremely demanding, but is made bearable by spectacular mountain scenery. The start and finish are at Moolmanshoek.