Merrell Whale of Trail
Join Merrell Whale of Trail 2025
Treat yourself to a premier race event this year
South Africa’s iconic five day Whale Trail hiking route is offered as a challenge to runners capable of embracing all 53km and 1900m elevation as a TRAIL RUNNING ULTRA, packed with spectacular mountain fynbos, technical rocky ridgelines, sandy beach stretches and endless, mind blowing, beautiful vistas all in one day.
It has become a must-do for those who have already tackled the more conventional runs out there and bragging rights on this one are substantial!
The Merrell Whale of Trail event is the only opportunity each year for a limited number of nature loving athletes to run hard on this trail while treading lightly on the earth.
Just a 3 hour drive from Cape Town or George along the Southern Cape coast, close to Cape Agulhas, the route takes runners on a journey from the base of the Potberg mountain to the beach at Koppie Alleen in CapeNature’s flagship De Hoop Nature Reserve. The first half winds up and along fynbos covered peaks, past the Cape Vulture colony, with spectacular views of the Breede River Valley, and then descends to the enchanting Noetsie Bay, turning west and winding along the rocky shores of the Indian Ocean, with a mix of beach and coasteering trails.
If this is just a few steps too far, there’s now also a 35km route starting and ending in the same glorious places, with a well designed cut through that still gives you a taste of everything that the area has to offer. Perfect for those not quite ready for an ultra distance but wanting to be a part of the incredible race atmosphere.
Chaperoned by Whales
Bang on the peak of whale season, runners are left wondering who is watching who as scores of the annual migratory Southern Right Whales and their calves continually breach out the water, spy hopping and waving their fins at the passers-by, making for the best and most enthusiastic cheerleaders.
Course details
Start address: Potberg, De Hoop Nature Reserve, Overberg DC, South Africa
Finish address: Koppie Alleen Beach Parking, Overberg DC, South Africa
Route map
Register
Registration closes on 13 July (204 days left)
selected tickets
Total
You can, within 24 hours after your registration, get a full refund if you change your mind.
What’s included
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done Finisher medal
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done Event T-shirts
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done Timing chip (single use)
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done Pre-race meal info
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done Post-race meal info
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done Massage info
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done Shuttle to Start Line info
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done Drink Stations info
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done Medical Assistance info
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done Bag drop
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done Toilets
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done Shower
The race information has been found on the official website of the event or through publicly available sources. Always refer to the official website the latest race information. Please let us know if any data is wrong or missing, by emailing us.