Set in the rugged southern Cederberg and hosted by Kromrivier Cederberg Park, this first-of-its-kind trail running event offers a spectacular 3-day wilderness adventure. Whether you race solo or in a team of two, you’ll traverse dramatic valleys, climb remote peaks and chase sunsets across ancient mountain trails — all with limited route markings and GPX navigation.
The start of your Aonijie Cederberg Stage Run journey begins! From the race village, you’ll settle into a steady jeep track trot out to Disa Pool parking, legs still fresh, mountain peaks and ridge lines calling.
Then the terrain turns honest. A short, sharp climb pops you onto the contour — the “red carpet” — where the route rewards your effort with sweeping trails past Eerste Kloof and Tweede Kloof. Soak it in, because as Derde Kloof comes into view, the real work begins: the day’s first major ascent, hauling you up onto the Ridgeline.
Push through, and the summit of Luna Peak delivers — a moment to catch your breath and take in a landscape that feels like it belongs on another planet. From there, the Ridgeline carries you onward toward Donkerkloofkop, an out-and-back summit push that rewards every step with a full 360-degree panorama of the Cederberg wilderness stretched out majestically in every direction.
What goes up must come down. You’ll descend to Bakleikraal, then keep dropping alongside the Krom River, its course guiding you all the way back to the oasis of Disa Pool — a fitting reward after the climbing that’s come before. From there, it’s the familiar jeep track home, legs heavier and hearts fuller, back to the finish at race village.
Over 32.3km and 1230m of climbing, Day 1 delivers three unforgettable landmarks and sets the tone for an epic race weekend in the rugged heart of the Cederberg Wilderness.
Shorter on distance, but by no means shorter on challenge — this is a day built for climbers, engage the quads! From the race village, you’ll ease out along the jeep track toward Winterbach parking, but don’t get comfortable for long.
The first big test arrives fast: a hard pull up Tierkloof, drawing you skyward until you break out onto the sneaky out and back trail to summit Winterbach Peak. It’s steep, it’s rocky, but it’s worth every step. Rejoining the path, the Ridgeline stretches out ahead, letting you run the high ground before dropping down through Eerste Kloof and settling onto the contour for the descent to Disa Pool — a chance to catch your breath beside the water before the next challenge begins.
From Disa Pool, the trail turns steeply upward again toward Die Sleus, testing legs that were just starting to loosen up. A brief, welcome respite follows as you crest the climb, with a flat stretch to reset before the day’s final major ascent, up onto Suikerberg, and wonder at the views of the iconic Sneeuberg and Tafelberg in the distance. A sharp drop from the peak places you on the traverse of its southern flank, single track elevation high above the Krom River valley delivers epic views across the valley to where you came from and where you are going.
From Suikerberg, gravity finally works in your favour. The trail drops steadily toward the Krom River, then eases onto the jeep track for the run back to race village.
Fewer kilometres, same relentless character — Day 2 is a stage that earns its name, climb by climb and summit by summit.
After two days of relentless climbing, Day 3 flips the script — short, sharp, and built for speed, your legs may not agree though.
From the race village, the trail sends you straight up Kromrivier Pass along the dirt road — a punchy, no-nonsense climb that gets the heart rate up early and clears the way for what’s ahead.
Cresting the top, the terrain leads you across and down again to the otherworldly Stadsaal Caves, where ancient sandstone chambers rise up out of the landscape.
From there, jeep track and eventually single track weaves its way down towards the Krom River. Cross the river, and the route keeps you moving — over the dirt road, feet flying towards home, before dropping onto jeep track for the final push toward Kromrivier. The finish comes with a flourish: over the suspension bridge, river rushing below, and into the finish line straight.
Short on distance, big on adrenaline — Day 3 is a fast and furious sprint (for some) taking in even more iconic Cederberg Wilderness views and closing out 3 days of epic trail adventures.
If you’ve been dreaming about running wild in the mountains, this is your moment. The Aonijie Cederberg Stage Run is calling — and now’s the time to secure your spot. Lock in for 3 days of epic mountain running through the wild beauty of the Cederberg. This race offers incredible value, remote trails and a truly unforgettable experience.
