Ultra Running Hub De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa · Saturday, August 15, 2026
Fixed Distance 50K
Merrell Whale of Trail
Race completed
53 km Distance
1,900 m Climbing
5.5 Grit · Challenging
What the course asks
Climbing rate 36 m / km
Rolling. Moderate undulations. Requires consistent effort across varying grades.
Field size ~65 Mid-sized. Company early, well spread out by halfway.
DUV results for the 2025 edition (53km) — finishers only. Starters are not published, so the field was at least this big and no finish rate can be given.
Typical conditions, August
Daytime high 17°C
Night low 11°C
Rainfall Mostly dry
Daylight 10 h 48 m of light
Regional 2001-2020 average for August — NASA POWER, grid elevation 66 m. Not a forecast.
The Aid Station
Course-specific beta from the community
This is a rolling course. Expect fast, runnable sections where rhythm is key.
With trail terrain, choose a shoe with moderate cushioning for optimal performance.
Gear for this race
Chosen for 53 km of trail with 1,900 m of ascent.
- Trail Running Shoes36 m of climb per kilometre — grip and rock protection before cushioning.
- Race Nutrition53 km of self-supported fuelling between aid stations.
- Hydration VestsPole attachment and chest-strap stability on steep ground.
- Trekking Poles1,900 m of ascent to walk up.
- GPS WatchesBattery life first — a 53 km day outlasts most full-GPS modes.
Course Notes
De Hoop Nature Reserve, Start: Potberg Nature Reserve, The route will follow the well-established Cape Nature 5-day hiking Whale Trail.
Similar races
Other 50K trail ultras, closest in distance first.