ORIGIN50 runners will start their journey at Wetlands Game Lodge at 05H00 on Saturday 1st of October. After an initial short downhill warm-up, the route will take participants up to the plateaus overlooking Wetlands and the surrounding lands. This is a fast-undulating section which follows the boundary fence and then descending into Wetlands Forest before climbing back up to the furthest point of Wetlands, over the fence and into the neighbouring 15,000-hectare Donkerhoek section of the run.

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After a brief run along the ridge line, runners will head down into the valley below and the first water point at the Buffalos Bedroom. After a brief stop, its a quick climb back to the ridge line via Christmas Tree path and up to Repeater Hill - the highest point (2,136m) on the route and with great views of Donkerhoek and the surrounding areas. 

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Participants will then make their way to the aid station at Donkerhoek Lodge via Donkerhoek Ridge, down Bummer, through Dory's Meander and past Donkerhoek Forest. Once at Donkerhoek Lodge, runners can top up with water, snacks, warm soup and other items before an epic run to Holbak Gorge. This section is a wide variety of terrain including forests, fast flat trail, rolling hills and jeep track before climb up Holbak Wall to the checkpoint at Repeater Hill.

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Runners now prepare for the final fast and flat 25KM back into Wetlands and down Horse Hill. The final descent is down an easy and winding jeep track before emerging next to Wetlands trout dam and the last few hundred meters to the finish line.

 

Checkpoint #1: The Corner (water point - 4.54KM) - 32Gi Endure and Water

Checkpoint #2: Buffalos Bedroom (water point - 10.3KM) - 32Gi Endure and Hydrate and Water

Checkpoint #3: Donkerhoek Lodge (Water point - Medical Support - Bag Drop - 25.6KM) 32Gi Endure, Hydrate, Oranges, Banana, Potatoes and Water

Checkpoint #4: Holbak Wall (water point - 35,7KM) - 32Gi Endure, Hydrate, Oranges, Banana, Potatoes and Water

Checkpoint #5: The Corner (water point - 44.5KM) - 32Gi Endure and Water