Be part of trail running history at the inaugural Black Mountain Ultra Trail on Saturday, 25th April 2026, a groundbreaking event traversing South Africa’s UNESCO World Heritage Swartberg Mountains. Choose from three epic distances—a formidable 73km ultra, a challenging 43km mountain marathon, or an accessible 19km half—each offering ITRA/UTMB points and showcasing the dramatic landscapes of the Klein Karoo, including the legendary Gamkaskloof valley. The routes combine technical single track, historic jeep paths, and fast-flowing trails like the famous Donkey Trail, testing your skill against ancient, biodiverse terrain over 230 million years old. This is more than a race; it’s a cultural immersion, finishing at Groenfontein Retreat with local wine farms, food trucks, and authentic Karoo hospitality celebrating your achievement. Organized by Traverse the Earth in collaboration with conservation partners, the event blends world-class trail running with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and community. With entries limited to just 80 runners per distance for this first edition, securing your spot means joining an exclusive group of pioneers in what promises to become a premier global destination race. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure where every step connects you to the raw beauty and rich heritage of the African mountains.
Races Offered
Black Mountain Ultra
Apr 25, 2026
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Distance —
73K
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Type ——
timer
05:00
Black Mountain Marathon
Apr 25, 2026
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Distance —
43K
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Type ——
timer
08:00
Black Mountain Half Marathon
Apr 25, 2026
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Distance —
19K
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Type ——
timer
09:00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Ladismith.
thermostatTemperature
12.9° / 23.4°
wb_sunnyFeels like
12.0° / 21.3°
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Avg sunshine hours
9h 20m
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Avg rainfall
2.1 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
6.4 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (5.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
64.3%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:57
nightlight
Sunset
18:11
About Ladismith
Learn more about the host city, Ladismith.
Ladismith is a town and agricultural centre in the western Little Karoo region of South Africa's Western Cape province.