Set in the majestic greater Cradle Nature Reserve on a privately owned UNESCO World Heritage site, the CRADLE ULTRA-TRAIL is a trail-runner's paradise. The reserve has been made available to runners specifically for this event and has historical significance as the site of various Anglo Boer War battles. Runners also have the chance to see some rare plant and bird species, as well as eland and other game.
There are five epic routes to choose from – 50KM, 25KM, 15KM, 10KM and 6KM, run mainly on jeep tracks with steep climbs flat plateaus and fast descents through high-veld grasslands, wooded sections, valleys and rugged hills. This ensures a challenging and rewarding run with stunning views for all fitness levels.
CRADLE ULTRA-TRAIL starts and finishes at the Pavilion at the four-star Cradle Boutique Hotel, which is only a 20-minute drive from JHB North. With well-stocked water points, open spaces, a festive race village with entertainment, delicious food, cold beer and great apparel for sale, the CRADLE ULTRA-TRAIL offers an adventurous and unforgettable trail running experience. Supporters and family members are also welcome to talk to local guides about the property's rich history, an the origins of life from unearthed fossils at one of the three active Palaeoanthropological sites.
Venue:
The Pavilion, Cradle Boutique Hotel, Cradle of Humankind
Date:
Saturday 9th September 2023
CRADLE ULTRA-TRAIL RACE VILLAGE
Bring the whole family along! There is lots to keep them entertained even if they aren't running.
After your race, you're welcome to join us for a great social event in the Cradle Ultra-Trail Race Village.
Get your morning fix from Coffee Run.
And compare your Strava segments over a cold beer or gin in the beer garden.
Give your legs the love they need with a massage at the Recharge Sports Therapy zone.
Bring your kids along - we will look after them in the little runner’s activity zone.
Grab some of the best food around from the Cradle Boutique Hotel.
Join one of our stretch classes or pop into our partner store for great merchandise and gear.
And learn more about this UNESCO World Heritage site with stories about the Boer war, rare plants and flowers that can be found in the reserve and what hidden treasures have been unearthed at the active fossil sites.
And lots lots more.....
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
REGISTRATION AND START TIMES
FRIDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER
14H00 - 18H00: Race Number Collection
SATURDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER
05H00: Registration Opens
06H00: 50KM Start
06H30: 25KM Start
07H00: 15KM Start
07H30: 10KM & 6KM Start
ENTERTAINMENT
09H30: Introduction to fossils and the three active Paleoanthropology sites on the property.
10H00: History of the Cradle of Humankind and the origins of life.
10H30: Rare Birds, plants and animals found within the Greater Cradle Nature Reserve.
11:00: Award Ceremony
11H30: Anglo Boer War battles and famous generals - Delaray, Rooi Baard Oosthuizen and Lord French.
12H00: Wine making, gin tasting and food pairing
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
Make the most of your weekend and stay over at Cradle Boutique Hotel.
Recipient of the 2021 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award – the hotel consists of 31 upmarket hotel rooms.
Cradle Boutique Hotel
Cradle of Humankind, R540 Kromdraai, 1739
RULES AND GENERAL INFORMATION
RACE NUMBER
Participants will be given a race number at registration. This must be fixed to your front (either pinned to your shirt or attached to a race belt) and be fully visible throughout the entire race. Race belts are recommended.
ENVIRONMENT
Any littering on the course is strictly prohibited. Runners are responsible for ensuring that anything they discard goes into a bin. Never startle or approach any animal and always give extra room and announce your presence appropriately to prevent possible dangerous situations (giraffe, eland, ostrich etc.). Always follow the route. The taking of shortcuts, including avoiding switchbacks, is not permitted. Always respect your environment and the opportunity given to us to run in this beautiful location.
CUT-OFF TIMES
CRADLE ULTRA-TRAIL has several cut-off times that will be strictly enforced. Cut-offs are in place to ensure that the Medical/Search and Rescue teams can deploy to various parts of the route and participants have sufficient time to complete the remaining distance. Participants are required to leave each checkpoint before the cut-off time. Participants will receive a "did-not-finish' (DNF) classification if they miss any of the cut-off times.
LITTER FREE RACE
As with all our other events, the Cradle Ultra-Trail is a LITTER FREE RACE! This means that there will be no water sachets or cups available at the water points. Runners are encouraged to bring their own hydration packs, water bladders, containers and water bottles. Water containers will be available at all water points where you can fill up.
LOST AND FOUND
Any items left after the race will be donated to local runners in need and no 'lost and found' items will be couriered to you.
RESULTS
Preliminary results will be available immediately on the website. Final results will be posted on this website within a few days of the race.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
As a CRADLE ULTRA-TRAIL participant, you confirm that you are aware of the risks and hazards associated with participating in the event and freely accept and fully assume responsibility for all the dangers and risks associated with the event and the possibility of personal injury, death, property damage or loss resulting therefrom. All participants understand that it is your personal responsibility to ensure that you wear adequate clothing, gear and protective equipment when participating in the event and you have sole responsibility for your personal possessions and athletic equipment during the event. The CRADLE ULTRA-TRAIL is challenging and participants need to make sure that all race equipment is in good working order, and that you are physically fit, sufficiently prepared and able to compete in the event and furthermore have not been advised not to participate in the event by a medical professional.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Substitutions can be made, but it is the withdrawing participant's responsibility to find a substitute replacement. A fee of R150 will be charged for all substitutions. Contact us to request a substitution at info@wannado.co.za.
REFUND POLICY
The event organisers will refund:
-
75% before the 31st of July
-
50% before the 31st of Aug
-
0% from 1st of Sept onwards.
To request a cancellation please contact us at info@wannado.co.za.
