Races
Karkloof
South Africa, September. 100 mi on 75% trail. +4,239 ft of climbing. 36 hours cutoff.
- Start3,330 ft
- High3,687 ft
- Low3,330 ft
- Finish3,570 ft
- South Africa at mile 0.0
- Karkloof mile 20 at mile 20, cutoff 7.2 hours
- Karkloof mile 40 at mile 40, cutoff 14.4 hours
- Karkloof mile 60 at mile 60, cutoff 21.599999999999998 hours
- Karkloof mile 80 at mile 80, cutoff 28.8 hours
- Finish South Africa at mile 100, cutoff 36 hours
Geometrycourse math
The cruxHeat, vert, and remote ridgelines with thin aid (near mile 65)
Course DNA
The Course
Karkloof runs 100 mi through South Africa. +4,239 ft gain and -3,999 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. Heat, vert, and remote ridgelines with thin aid. High point near 3,694 ft. Low near 3,330 ft. September temps run 55°F to 95°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 50.
The Work
Train for 4,239 feet of climbing across 100 mi. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 36 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 65.
Kit
September in South Africa: plan for 55°F to 95°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 36 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 25. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 50.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 25. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 50. Heat, vert, and remote ridgelines with thin aid near mile 65 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 33 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
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