Route Description

The Xstrata Longtom Marathons must surely be the most scenic in the country. The route starts at Sabie at an altitude of 1000 m, reaches its highest point at Mauchsberg at 2150 m, and finishes at Lydenburg at an altitude of 1379 m. The uphill section of the route spans approximately 37 km. It is also an excellent Comrades trainer as it will prepare you for the hills of the Comrades route.

The majestic Drakensberg between Sabie and Lydenburg in Mpumalanga sets the stage for one of South Africa's most popular running events – the Xstrata Longtom Ultra & Half Marathons. Voted consistently amongst the top 5 ultra marathons in South Africa for the past five years, this tough challenge run in one of the most beautiful parts of our country, is well organised and fast growing in popularity.

Start

21.1km Half Marathon start: Mauchsberg (on top of Longtom Pass)
56km Ultra Marathon start: Sybrand van Niekerk High School, Sabie
5km Fun Run / Walk start: Lydenburg High School, Eeufees Street, Lydenburg

Finish

The finish point for all races: Lydenburg High School , Eeufees Road

Route type

Point to point

Route

The 56km ultra race normally starts in a blanket of mist in the tourist town of Sabie . Leaving Sabie, you begin the climb from a height of 1000 m above sea level.

You will then follow the panoramic Longtom Pass until you reach the highest point at Mauchsberg at 2150 m above sea level. The first kilometer through Sabie is flat, but it is soon followed by a steep climb of 435 m over 10 km through pine and blue gum trees up to the Nelspruit turn-off. St Joseph 's lilies line the route on both sides and, if you are fortunate enough to be above the mist by the time you reach the summit of your climb, you will find a view that must undoubtedly resemble heaven. The entire valley is usually a vast ocean of mist with only the mountain peaks and tree tops emerging from the sea of mist.

After the first 17 kms the route flattens out for a brief while, but it soon leans steadily uphill through Koffiehoogte, a section lined with huge eucalyptus trees and along which one can hear the incessant ripple of the many streams and waterfalls.

From here the route carries on to Devil's Knuckles (an area that has been compared to Polly Shorts). At this point, some 21 km out of Sabie, and having climbed about 684 m , you legs will begin to feel the strain. At the top of Devil's Knuckles you will find a replica of the famous Longtom cannon. Don't believe for a moment that the climbing is over once you have reached the Longtom cannon. There is more to come. The climbing does not end until the 37 km mark and is steep most of the way, so pause a while at the cannon and reflect on the task ahead.

You have now covered 24 km and have reached an altitude of 1661 m with a spectacular panoramic view of the valleys, waterfalls and plantations. Beware not to race the moderate downhill through Misty Mountains as the hardest section is yet to come.

From the foot of what has become known as The Staircase, the most gruelling climb of them all begins - it is here that the real dogs are separated from the puppies. The course will flatten out a bit towards Whisky Spruit, but your energy will be drained by the time you undertake the last section of the climb to Mauchsberg at 2150 m above sea level.

Mauchsberg, the highest point on the mountain hosts the start of the 21.1km race – here you can be assured that an excellent team of well equipped waterpoint hosts will welcome and pamper you.

Mauchsberg is bird of prey territory, so try to spot them as you pass over Tafelkoppe, the last climb on the route - often the final straw for runners! From here the route passes through Masjiennek before a sharp descent takes you along the boundaries of the Gustav Klingbiel Nature Reserve.

From Mauchsberg the road winds down through beautiful Lowveld terrain to Lydenburg, which you can see in the distance. At an altitude of 1 379 m above sea level, the run to the finish is quite a steep downhill at times and can hurt a tired body.

Relief will begin to set in as you run the last 3 km through the streets of Lydenburg to an overwhelming welcome at the Lydenburg High School , the Finish of one of South Africa 's toughest races! Well done!!!