The Mont-Aux Sources Ultra Trail is a trail running event that takes place in the breathtaking Royal Natal National Park, part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site.
Set against the backdrop of the iconic Amphitheater, the distances offered include 55km and 20km. Both distances boast iconic views and offer runners a trail running experience like no other. Funds raised through this historical event boost the eco-tourism operations of the park, as well as support the Bearded Vulture Recovery Programme, which is a separate fund held by WILDTRUST for use by the park Ecologist for work related to the protection of the Bearded Vultures in the Maloti-Drakensberg mountains.
ROUTES:
55 km – the race begins before sunrise at Mahai Campsite, Royal Natal. Runners will set off and traverse the mystical Mahai valley along existing maintained hiking footpaths until they are welcomed at the first aid station at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge (12km mark). From there they follow a 4×4 dirt road linking the Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge to the second aid station at Sentinel Car Park (20km mark).
Using a mix of paved and natural hiking footpaths, runners make their way up to the adventure testing chain ladders. Once runners have reached the top of the chain ladders, the new route will take them in a northerly direction towards a newly revamped Research Unit and aid station. This is a trial year so one can call it the ‘limited edition’ Monties 2025. On this new route, runners will now turn right and visit the Research Station and bank around to the Crows Nest (3128m) and down to the Tugela Falls checkpoint, the worlds’ highest waterfall then finally scrambling down the gully. These extra loops will add roughly 5km onto the traditional 50km route and a few extra meters of elevation. A challenge not to be missed.
20 km – the new 20km route which was run for the first time in 2023, is a beautiful contouring route which in its own right encompasses the nature of the Drakensberg Valley in all its beauty. One will truly feel like they are a part of the Drakensberg mountains without having to endure the gruelling climb. Runners leave Mahai and navigate the existing trails which will take them past the base of Tugela Falls, Gudu Bush, Sunday Falls, Fairy Glen and back around to Mahai. Runners are encouraged to take the opportunity to savour the panoramic views on offer before descending the gully and joining back on the route just before Sentinel car park, to make their way back down to the finish line at Mahai.
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime (until next year) adventure! For more details and to register, click here.