N3TC Golden Gate Trail Run & MTB Challenge

About the Event

The N3TC Golden Gate Trail Run & MTB Challenge is set to take place on May 1–2, 2026, within the scenic Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State, South Africa. This multi-discipline event, supported by the SANParks Honorary Rangers, combines high-altitude trail running and mountain biking with a focus on conservation. Participants gain unique access to the park’s sandstone cliffs and montane grasslands, with all entries including conservation fees and complimentary entry to the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Centre.

Discipline	Distance	Start Time (Sat 2 May)	Fee (ZAR)
Trail Running	40 km	06:30 AM	R410
	25 km	06:45 AM	R260
	10 km	07:00 AM	R180
Mountain Biking	44 km (Two loops)	07:15 AM	R410
Mountain Biking	22 km	07:30 AM	R260

The geography of Golden Gate Highlands National Park is famous for its towering orange and ochre Maluti Mountains, sitting at an average elevation of nearly 2,000 meters. Runners and riders will navigate technical single-track and jeep tracks that wind past iconic formations like the Brandwag Buttress. In early May, the Free State climate begins its transition into winter; participants should expect crisp, cold mornings with temperatures often starting near 5°C (41°F) and reaching daytime highs of 18°C (64°F). Due to the altitude and potential for rapid weather changes, a compulsory kit list is enforced for the longer distances.

Logistical operations are managed at the Golden Gate Hotel, where registration takes place from 04:00 to 06:00 AM on the Saturday morning. Friday, May 1, is dedicated to pre-race activities, including an untimed 30 km MTB Outride, the "King & Queen of the Buttress" hill climb, and 5 km/10 km fun runs and rides. Age restrictions are strictly applied: the 40 km trail run is reserved for athletes 18 years and older, while participants under 18 require parental consent for shorter distances. All finishers receive a commemorative medal and an EnviroCup to support the event’s "zero-waste" initiative. Accommodation and event inquiries are handled by the SANParks Honorary Rangers volunteers.

Races Offered

MTB 30km

May 01, 2026

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Distance — 30K

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Type — Cycling, Running

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07:00

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$6.00

5km

May 01, 2026

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Distance — 5K

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Type — Cycling, Running

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10:00

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$5.00

MTB Fun Ride 10km

May 01, 2026

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Distance — 10K

terrain

Type — Cycling, Running

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10:00

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$5.00

40km

May 02, 2026

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Distance — 40K

terrain

Type — Cycling, Running

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06:30

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$25.00

25km

May 02, 2026

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Distance — 25K

terrain

Type — Cycling, Running

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06:45

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$15.75

10km

May 02, 2026

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Distance — 10K

terrain

Type — Cycling, Running

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07:00

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$11.00

MTB 44km

May 02, 2026

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Distance — 44K

terrain

Type — Cycling, Running

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07:15

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$25.00

MTB 22km

May 02, 2026

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Distance — 22K

terrain

Type — Cycling, Running

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07:30

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$15.75

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 6.5° / 17.4°

wb_sunny 2.9° / 12.9°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 11.3 /

water_drop 54.2%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 6.5° / 17.4°

wb_sunny 2.9° / 12.9°

air 11.3 km/h

water_drop 54.2%

About Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Learn more about the host city, Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park is located in Free State, South Africa, near the Lesotho border. It covers an area of 340 km2 (130 sq mi). The park's most notable features are its golden, ochre, and orange-hued, deeply eroded sandstone cliffs and outcrops, especially the Brandwag rock. Another feature of the area is the numerous caves and shelters displaying San rock paintings. Wildlife featured at the park includes mongooses, eland, zebras, and over 100 bird species. It is the Free State's only national park and is more famous for the beauty of its landscape than for its wildlife. Numerous palaeontology finds have been made in the park, including dinosaur eggs and skeletons.