Logistics & Updates
Essential information for planning your Black Mountain Ultra experience, from travel arrangements to race day logistics.
Race Day
25 April 2026
Various start times
Location
Swartberg Mountains
Klein Karoo, South Africa
Capacity
Limited participants
Inaugural event
Weather
April conditions
Cool mornings
Race Pack Collection & Mandatory Gear Check
All participants must collect their race pack and complete any required gear checks before race day. Collection times and requirements vary by distance - please review your specific race requirements below.
73KmUltra Marathon - Race Pack Collection & Mandatory Gear Check
Collection Location
Primary: Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge
Alternative: Groenfontein Retreat (only if requested during checkout)
Collection Times
• 23 April: 18:00 - 20:00
• 24 April: 09:00 - 20:00
Requirements
- • Mandatory gear check required
- • No race day collection available
- • No race day gear check available
- • Must present ID and registration confirmation
⚠️ CRITICAL: Missing gear check will result in race disqualification
43kmMountain Marathon - Race Pack Collection & Registration Options
Collection Location
Option 1: Gamkaskloof (Cape Nature Info Center)
Option 2: Groenfontein Retreat
Please specify your preferred location during race registration
Collection Times
- 23 April: 18:00 - 20:00
- 24 April: 09:00 - 20:00
- 25 April: 06:00 - 07:30 (Gamkaskloof only)
Requirements
- • Mandatory gear check required
- • Race day collection is limited
- • Race day gear check is limited
- • Must present ID and registration confirmation
⚠️ Late collection: 06:00 - 07:30 on race day at the start in Gamkaskloof
19kmHalf Marathon - Race Pack Collection
Collection Location
Groenfontein Retreat
Collection Times
- 23 April: 18:00 - 20:00
- 24 April: 09:00 - 20:00
- 25 April: 07:00 - 08:30 (Race day)
Requirements
- • Gear check not required
- • Race day collection available
- • Must present ID and registration confirmation
✓ Most flexible collection options available
6kmFUN RUN
NUMBER COLLECTION LOCATION
Groenfontein Retreat
COLLECTION TIMES
- 24 April: 10:00 - 20:00
- 25 April: 07:00 - 09:00 (Race day)
Race Day Schedule
Shuttle Transportation Schedule
73km Ultra Shuttles
Shuttles will operate from 12:00 on 24 April and 03:00 on 25 April
- • Destination: Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge & accommodation partners
- • Journey time: 1.5 hour
- • Latest departure: 03:30am on 25 April
- • Breakfast box and coffee provided at Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge
43km Marathon Shuttles
Shuttles will operate from 12:00 on 24 April
- • Destination: Gamkaskloof accommodation partners
- • Journey time: 3.5 hours
- • Pick-up from Groenfontein Retreat and Calitzdorp
- • Overnight bag will be transported back to the finish
⚠️ Shuttle departure times are strict - late arrivals will miss the start
73km Ultra Shuttle Departure
Shuttle departure from The Retreat to Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge start line
73km Ultra Start
Early morning start with headlamps required from Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge
43km Mountain Marathon Start
Perfect morning start with sunrise views from Gamkaskloof (Cape Nature info center)
19km Half Marathon Start
Perfect morning conditions, start and finish at Groenfontein Retreat
6km FUN RUN START
Fun run on The Retreat trails
Post-Race Festivities Begin
Food trucks, local wines, music at Groenfontein Retreat
Mandatory Gear Check 73km & 43km
All 73km and 43km participants must complete gear check during registration. Missing mandatory items will result in race disqualification.
Safety Equipment
- • Emergency whistle
- • Space blanket/emergency bivvy
- • Headlamp + spare batteries
- • Mobile phone (emergency contact programmed)
Hydration & Nutrition
- • Minimum 2L water capacity (73km) / 1.5L (43km)
- • Electrolyte replacement capability
- • Emergency food (energy bars/gels)
- • Personal first aid kit
Weather Protection
- • Windproof jacket
- • Thermal layer
- • Beanie or Buff
- • Waterproof jacket with hood
Start Location Summary
Bosch Luys Kloof Lodge (73km)
Remote mountain location
Optional shuttle transport
Gear check required
Gamkaskloof (43km)
Cape Nature info centre Gamkaskloof
Optional shuttle transport
Gear check required
Groenfontein Retreat (19km)
Race headquarters location
Start and finish at same venue
Late registration available
Training Plans
Prepare for Your Race Distance
Whether you're tackling the 73km ultra, 43km mountain marathon, or 19km half marathon, proper training is essential for success in the challenging Swartberg Mountains terrain.
Our comprehensive training plans are designed specifically for trail running and mountain racing, helping you build the endurance, strength, and technical skills needed to conquer these iconic routes.
What's Included:
- •Distance-specific training schedules (12 weeks: 2 Feb - 25 April)
- •Hill and elevation training guidance
- •Nutrition and hydration strategies
Expert Coaching
Our 12 week training plans are developed by experienced trail running coach Kaz Williams from Mettlerunning who understand the unique demands of mountain ultra running. She has designed progressive programs that accommodate various fitness levels while preparing you for the specific challenges of the Black Mountain Ultra courses.
Available for 3 Distances
73km, 43km, and 19km training plans
Flexible & Adaptable
Training plans provided. For 1:1 training programs hello@mettlerunning.com
Start training today and arrive at the start prepared