Run one of South Africa’s most iconic Hiking Trails and experience 65km of a world heritage site

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

The Giant’s Cup Uncut (GCU65) is a non-stop traverse of the entire Giant’s Cup Hiking Trail. The event is entirely on mountain trail and provides the runners with a uniquely pure trail running experience. 

The Race Start is at Silverstreams at 07h00 on Saturday morning, 27th April. From the start, the field has a short distance before entering the head of the Giant’s Cup Trail. From here it’s immediately into the big climb up to the high point of the day at Langalibalele Pass at 2,150m.

It’s then a fast-flowing descent down to the Mzimude River followed by the short climb out of the valley and the gentle drop-down into Swiman Hut. From Swiman, it’s 12km to Castleburn which includes the gradual climb along the Garden Castle ridge towards Black Eagle Pass and the technical descent of Garden Castle.

From the Castleburn Aid Station, there are two river crossings in quick succession before the solid climb up to Crane Tarn. This is followed by one of the fastest sections of the course down to the Mzimkulwana Hut. Cobham follows later, before turning at Gwalingwenya, navigating down the trail towards Glencairn Farm.

Cut Offs

Cut Off: 25km at Castleburn at 13h00 - 6 hours.

The giant’s cup uncut MAP

ROUTE PROFILE

Technical Information

GIant’s cup uncut entry fee includes

Shuttles are in mini-buses and depart Glencairn Farm on Sat the 27th of April. The approximate drive time to Silverstreams is 1.5 hours.

Runners must be 20 years or older as of 31st December 2023.
Note: No accommodation is included in the entry

The GCU62 2023 Podiums

GET A FEEL FOR GCU65

Experience the giant’s cup uncut in 2024