Kaapsehoop Mountain Ultra

Quaint, cloudy and calm this is Kaapsehoop . Set atop a mountain pass on the Drakensberg escarpment above Nelspruit, it comes slowly into view, as if appearing out of the mists of time. The gravel streets are lit by lantern-style lights and the town has a series of quaint shops and eateries. It has a lovely moderate climate- making it a lot cooler up there during summer whilst the Lowveld bakes. Most appealing though is a herd of wild horses that makes the plateau its home. The village is particularly regardful of their horses (there are about 200 of them) that range at will among the houses and on the plateau beyond. Their blue swallows are unique, as well as a series of ancient stones, known as Adams Calendar, that suggest an ancient and mystical history of mankind. Blue swallow are rarely seen in South Africa. Part of the escarpment is declared a blue swallow natural heritage site. From up here there are incredible views over the Lowveld, particularly of the Baberton valley, known as De Kaap Valley. It was also known as the valley of death because of the prevalence of malaria, which Kaapsehoop evaded (and continues to do so), because of its altitude. Kaapsche Hoop, the original Dutch spelling of the towns name, came into existence as part of the 1873 gold rush. Its very name means hope of the Cape! This refers to the prospectors hopes for gold. What a great setting to present a Fresh Trails experience of pristine trail running! DATE AND DISTANCES 10 August 2024 (Saturday): 69km, Elevation gain 2750m, 6 x Aid Stations (Entries close 31July) 45km, Elevation gain 1800m, 4 x Aid Stations (Late Entries available on the day at extra R100) 17km 540 Elevation gain Pet Friendly 1 x Aid Station (Late Entries available on the day at extra R50) 8km Kids & Pet friendly trail. (Late Entries available on the day at extra R50) Race Village: Kaapsehoop Pear Orchard Picnic Site Trail Description: Plantation jeep track and flowing single track; Kaapsehoop rock formations; grassland escarpment with misty mountains and plantations.