4 Peaks
Mountain Challenge
Race Information
Accommodation
Most athletes make use of the camping facilities at the Langesnek Leadership Centre that is part of Moolmanshoek Private game reserve. The Lodge has 12 rooms that are superbly fitted out and ideal for those who are not into camping but still want to be part of the event.
DIstance
Elevation Gain
Highest Point
4 Peaks Mountain Challenge
The 4 Peaks is arguably the toughest 24km in South Africa with a vertical accent of over 1800m. The route is unique as it takes you in a circle around the Main Lodge, which is the hub of activities during the weekend. This event is a Family affair and the location allows us to cater for all, with a kiddie’s treasure hunt to game drives and Horseback riding for those that are not participating in the race. This is a self-supported and self-navigational race and as the route is circular it makes it a good entry level event for those that are looking for something more challenging than running on the trail. The 24 Km should not fool you into a false sense of security as this is Extreme Mountain running and is the equivalent to an ultra-marathon.
This is a great weekend for the entire family and the event is always evolving to create more fun and entertainment for the entire family and is a must for your race calendar.
The Destination
This race exists to enlighten all those who think the Free State is that flat part on the N1 on your way to Cape Town. Come and challenge yourself with the unique and extreme 4Peaks mountain race. The race’s home is in the picturesque Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve. This unique circular race runs along the tops of the Witteberg Mountain range forming an unforgettable horse shoe which encloses the Moolmanshoek valley.
The race is hosted by the families at Moolmanshoek. Most athletes make a weekend out of this event with friends & family adding their own value with activities like the 10KM Panoramic Run, a kiddies dash and a kiddies fun zone
Apart from our main event & the 10km there are several activities the Reserve offer such as: hikes, bird watching & game viewing from horseback; a horse cart or a 4×4 game viewing vehicle.
The Terrain
The terrain is definitely not for the faint of heart and good preparation is a definite. Four very distinctive peaks, makes up the race as you circle the Moolmanshoek valley. The route is not marked but very easy to navigate with marshals and very clear signage at key places. There are some very steep places that need to be navigated with the two toughest places being behind Jakobsberg and Visierskerf. Another thing that makes the challenge of the 4 Peaks so unique is that it is an unsupported race with every athlete required to carry a list with some safety items and a provision of water. The race is a combination of steep ascents and steep descents with some parts that are just amazing to run. The easiest and probably most enjoyable part, is the section between the second pyramid up to the descent behind Jakobsberg. After that comes the tricky section behind Visierskerf and the climb up to the highest point of the race at Sikonyela’s hat. After this it’s either a slow or rather quick descent (depending on the conditions of your legs) straight to the dongas. Coming out of the dongas leaves you with a short, relatively flat portion to the start/finish line. The total distance is only 24km, but you will never think of 24km in the same way.
Directions
It is very easy to get there from Johannesburg, which is about 320km by road or Durban, which is 450km by road and Bloemfontein, which is 250km by road. Very clear directions from all major centers can be got on the Moolmanshoek website.
www.moolmanshoek.co.za
Moolmanshoek | 4 Peaks Venue
Race Info
- EVENT NAME: 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge
- VENUE: Moolmanshoek Private Nature Reserve
- DISTANCE FROM BLOEMFONTEIN/ JOHANNESBURG : 250KM/320KM
- TIME OF YEAR: Mid-September
- ENTRIES LIMITED : 300 Athlete’s on a first come first serve basis
- ENTER AS: Individuals
- CUT-OFFS: Will be enforced
- DISTANCES: 24km
- AVERAGE DURATION : 3hrs / 9hrs