RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town (UTCT), one of the world’s premier trail running events, is set to take place this weekend, November 22-24, transforming the iconic Table Mountain into an epic battleground.
The event has again attracted over 2,800 athletes, including top international ultra-trail runners from over 66 countries, will join local elites and the wider trail running community for an exciting few days of racing on Table Mountain and across the peninsula over five different distances, a 16km, 23km, 35km and 55km, the UT100 (the 100km race), and UTCT (the 100 miler).
As the final race of the Gran Canaria World Trail Majors, the RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town has positioned itself as a bucket-list destination for elite athletes and adventure enthusiasts alike. The flagship100-miler course presents an extraordinary challenge with 7,516 meters of vertical gain, taking runners on an ambitious journey from Cape Town’s northern mountain range to the southern mountains. The route encompasses additional trails through Silvermine, Kalk Bay, Kommetjie, and Simonstown, offering participants an unparalleled experience of the Cape Peninsula’s diverse landscapes.
Stuart McConnachie, Race Director emphasises the event’s unique appeal: “Ultra-trail running isn’t just a sport; it’s a journey of self-discovery. Our courses through Table Mountain will push runners to their limits while surrounding them with some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on the planet.”
The event’s timing coincides with trail running’s emergence as the world’s fastest-growing sport, experiencing double-digit growth rates annually. This surge in popularity is attributed to the sport’s unique combination of extreme physical challenge, mental fortitude, and deep connection with nature. Unlike traditional marathons, ultra-trails offer participants a more immersive and adventurous experience through diverse terrains and ecosystems.
RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town has become more than just a race; it’s a celebration of human endurance, natural beauty, and community spirit. As the event continues to grow in prestige and participation, it further cements Cape Town’s position as a global adventure sports destination.
“RMB is proud to be title partner to this iconic event for the third year running. We believe in the sport and the positive impact it has on the athletes and the community. Our sponsorship extends beyond the race, to talent development and preserving our natural heritage and environment, through partnerships with LIV2Run and Friends of Table Mountain. We look forward to an incredible few days of race week ahead,” says Alison Badenhorst Chief Marketing Officer at RMB.
“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,” says McConnachie.
The support along the route is a major part of what the event is all about and what it means to the community.
