South Africa’s premier trail running event, RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town (RMB UTCT), is weeks away, with the event again attracting top international ultra-trail runners who will join our local elites and the wider trail running community for an exciting few days of racing on Table Mountain and across the Peninsula, from 24-26 November.
Raced over five different distances, a 23 km, 35 km and 55 km, the UT100 (the 100 km race), and UTCT (the 100 miler), the rise to prominence of RMB UTCT has established it as a firm fixture on the international racing calendar. With a live broadcast on YouTube, the event showcases Cape Town to a worldwide audience who love the outdoors and adventure, sharing the incredible trails right on the doorstep of the Mother City, a city that boasts beautiful beaches, top restaurants, wine farms and a smorgasbord of things to do.
Stuart McConnachie, Race Director of RMB UTCT, says the growth since the first RMB UTCT in 2014, has been phenomenal, though not entirely unexpected: “We knew that if we could get the necessary permits to hold this event across Table Mountain National Park, it would not only be a hit locally but that it could grow into one of the biggest and best-known ultra-trail events in the world, and we are seeing that happen.”
Credits: Roy Wrench
A number of factors have contributed to the event’s success and growth since 2014, not least of which are the valuable partnerships with a host of role players, such as SANParks and the City of Cape Town, and sponsors. The newer 100 mile UTCT race covers 167 kms up Table Mountain and across the Peninsula, to Simon’s Town and back via Hout Bay, Chapmans Peak, Constantia and through Newlands Forest, to the finish in Oranjezicht.
Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, says: “We are delighted to welcome all the runners, along with the supporters and organisers of this year’s RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town, to the Mother City for what promises to be an unforgettable event. We are blessed with the unique feature of a spectacular national park that runs the full length of the city right up to our CBD, and there is no better way to show off this natural treasure than a globally recognised trail run with a live broadcast.
“With its five different races, including the gruelling 100-mile loop down the Peninsula and back via Chapman’s Peak and Hout Bay, this event is fast becoming a global bucket list race, and this year’s field of runners includes some of the sport’s biggest names. I wish all the runners a great and safe RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town, and a wonderful stay here in the Mother City.”
Runners from over 66 countries have taken part over the years, with most international runners coming from France, Great Britain, United States, Germany and Italy. The 100 km has evolved from only 16 finishers in 2014 within the punishing 15 hour cut-off, to up to 2300 runners taking part across the five events. The 100 km now has a 24-hour cut-off making it more accessible to a wider group of runners.
RMB UTCT was able to step up its growth with the assistance of a title partnership with RMB. Lucy Lightfoot, RMB Head of Brand and Sponsorships, says: “RMB is proud to enable an event that is well-placed on the international trail running calendar, while promoting Cape Town as a perfect running and investment destination.”
Some of the big names of trail that Cape Town will host next month include Rob Krar and Anthony Costales from the United States, and Tom Evans from Great Britain. A few of the many trail running greats amongst the women athletes are Ruth Croft from New Zealand, Leah Yingling from the US, and Yngvild Kaspersen from Norway, who placed first at the Ultra-trail Mont Blanc CCC.
Marianne Hogan from Canada also returns, after coming second in the UT100 in 2021: “I really enjoyed the course, and the area. In 2021, the top of Suther Peak was in the clouds, so I am coming back hoping for a clear view of the bright blue ocean. I plan to come out to Cape Town a little earlier in order to spend a bit of time on the local trails.”
Amongst our local athletes taking part is Kerry-Ann Marshall. She placed second in the women’s 100 miler last year and will take on the 100 km distance. Local legend Ryan Sandes returns to UT100 after a long absence from RMB UTCT. He last took part in 2018, where he had to pull out during the race, after placing second to Prodigal Khumalo in 2017. Grobler Basson, who has a list of accolades in ultra-trail distances, will also be a strong contender in the 100 km.
There are many recommended spectator points, including Alphen Trail on Constantia’s Green Belt and at the University of Cape Town. There is always a fantastic atmosphere along the route and after many lonely kilometres in the mountains, those friendly faces and cheers are a welcome sight for runners.
For details of the racing schedule and spectator points, visit www.ultratrailcapetown.com and follow UTCT on YouTube or Instagram stories to watch the race.