16 December 2025

MOUNTAIN BIKE
& TRAIL RUN

Eastern Cape | South Africa
THE KARIEGA CLASSIC
Time is running out — join the adventure!
ABOUT THE RACE

Race History

The Kariega Classic event was the brainchild of Springbok rugby legend, Hennie le Roux, and meanders through the game farms of the Kariega Valley. It’s the perfect breakaway before Christmas and New Year and is designed as a real family affair with both MTB and trail runs being on offer!

Mountain Bike routes will be setup to cater for all – from novices to more serious mountain bikers – with 3 route distances, namely 15km, 28km and 50km.

The trail run has distances of 5km and 15km.  The run was a new addition to last year’s event, and was so popular we decided to keep it.

DISTANCES

Mountain Bike Events

Bronze - 15 KM

Entrance Fee: R50.00

This route is designed for the up and coming mountain bikers. The total distance is 15km and elevation gain is 268m

Register here

Silver - 28 KM

Entrance Fee: R200.00

This route is designed for the whole family and has a water point at the 12km mark. The elevation gain is 437m. The terrain is mostly jeep tracks winding through farms with some single track coming back home. There is a little technical piece for about 1km and if you want … have a walk!

Register here

Gold - 50 KM

Entrance Fee: R300.00

This is for the more adventurous but the course designer has made it possible for all levels of Mountain Biking. The route winds over 3 separate farms with spectacular views.

Some new single track after Waterhole 1 has been cut and the elevation gain has been kept at just under 1000m of climbing. With 2 water points en route, you are guaranteed loads of hydration and great goodies.

Register here

DISTANCES

Trail Running Events

5 KM - Trail

Entrance Fee: R50.00

The 5km loop is suitable for all ages but please note there is no water hole table but you can pick up water at the start. The track skirts the perimeter of Southwell and includes a wonderful Forest Trail and creek crossing.

Register here

15 KM - Trail

Entrance Fee: R100.00

For the 15 km runners, it’s a little tougher with the D9 Roller Coaster and a great single-track farm challenge with one waterhole at the halfway mark.

Register here
RACE LOCATION

Southwell Cricket Country Club

The club is situated in the rural area of Southwell in the Eastern Cape, on a dairy farm away from any major cities.

Southwell Cricket Club is a historical cricket club located in the farming community of Southwell, near Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The club, established in 1878, is a hub for community sports, particularly cricket, and is known for its participation in local leagues and tournaments, such as the annual Pineapple Cricket Tournement.

The Kariega Classic has fast become a local favorite,  a combined mountain bike and trail run event designed to be a family-friendly, festive occasion.
RIDE OR RUN INFORMATION

Frequently asked questions

Are there batch starts for the different events?
Yes, each race will have it's own dedicated start. See the START SCHEDULE for the Kariega Classic below:

MTB 50km _ START at 07h00
MTB 28km & 15km_ START at 07h15

Trail Run (all distances)_ START at 07h45

* As the course has a very open start, we will start all E-Bikes and Normal Bikes together.
* E-Bikes please ensure you let us know who you are so we can score you on our time sheets correctly.
Will there be water points?
We will have unmanned water points en-route and it will be self service. Please bring your own bottle along as there won’t be reusable cups at these places.

* The 5km trail run does not have a water point.
Are there prizes?
Yes. We will have prizes for the top 3 riders or runners for the various categories.
Will there be food and Drinks available?
The Southwell Club will be laying on a wonderful spread of food and refreshments to be puchased so please support
Do we need to bring cash along?
Yes, there will be yoco machines available, however the signal is often poor, so please be prepared and bring along cash, preferably smaller change.
Are there ablution facilities?
Yes, there are male and female bathrooms.  Equipped with hot showers & toilets. Please bring your own towels.
Can we register on the day?
Entries online will close at 5pm on the 15 December.
Registration on the day will be cash only.
Contact us

Get in touch

If you have any questions regarding the Kariega Classic, please fill out the form below, or give Justin a call on +27 (82) 662 5901
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