Tankwa Trail Stage 1 - 32km
Vertical Ascent: 580 metres
Stage 1 Profile
From the race village runners will start this journey with an easy 3.5 km run in a northerly direction before the first section of single track emerges, straight up! A couple of 100 meters of ascent in the first few kilometres will remind runners that this is not a road race, we are in trail running country. The beautiful views to the south overlooking the Koue Bokkeveld bring runners onto water point 1 at 14 km.
The rough single track continues over dam walls and through orchards where runners make their far northerly turn to head west and eventually straight south back towards Kaleo where water point 2 awaits. Don’t let the finish line excitement kick in too quickly, a traverse over a recently cut piece of track that hugs the western slopes of the mountain takes runners past water point 3 towards home.
A gentle descending gradient on the final single track brings runners home, not the toughest day yet, but so very rewarding.
Water Point 1: 14KM
Water Point 2: 19KM
Water Point 3: 26KM
Tankwa Trail Stage 2 - 35.2km
Vertical Ascent: 900 metres
Stage 2 Profile
The queen stage of this years’ race – a short transfer by bus takes everyone into the famous Witzenberg valley, a deciduous fruit paradise lying just west of the race village and just north of the town of Ceres. The valley is surrounded by huge mountains and rocky formations.
A typical Witzenberg homestead is host to the start and immediately the undulating nature of the area is evident with this initial run through orchards towards the mountains. The harvest roads eventually make way for single-track that hug the westerly slopes of the Skurweberg, traversing marble like rock platforms, narrow gaps and sandy patches – truly diversity in action.
Water point 1 at 10km provide welcome relief before runners tackle the infamous climb from the valley floor towards the Koue Bokkeveld escarpment , a winding single and jeep track first takes them up and then down again the other side, probably the most challenging section of this year’s event.
With Witzenberg behind, a flat run through the farms and orchards takes runners into a final fun single-track section where the race finish suddenly emerges from down below. A tough day behind makes the hero’s welcome so much more rewarding.
Water Point 1: 10KM
Water Point 2: 18KM
Water Point 3: 26KM
Tankwa Trail Stage 3 - 23.6km
Vertical Ascent: 400 metres
Stage 3 Profile
It is compulsory at all Dryland events that the final stage should be a celebration of the past achievement – it is business as usual. An easy leg-loosening run from Kaleo take runners towards the infamous Merino monster…, don’t worry, this monster mountain that crushed the spirit of many mountain bikers a week prior is not on the menu this year, we only pass by in its shadow.
The tracks vary between single and jeep track easy up and down completing a full circle towards Kaleo – this short stage caps a wonderful three days to the waiting cheers of friends and family.
Water Point 1: 10KM
Water Point 2: 18KM