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Merrell Whale of Trail

Races

About

The Merrell Whale of Trail is a breathtaking 53km ultra-marathon that turns South Africa's famous multi-day trek into a tough one-day challenge for seasoned runners. Featuring over 1900m of elevation gain, the trail takes participants through technical landscapes, including fynbos-clad mountains, rocky ridges, and sandy beaches, all within the serene De Hoop Nature Reserve. Set during the peak whale-watching season, runners may catch glimpses of southern right whales breaching close to shore, enhancing the allure of this coastal adventure. The event offers a challenging and picturesque experience, combining the rugged beauty of nature with the thrill of an ultra-marathon.

Races

53K

Aug 15, 2026 (Sat) - 07:00

Distance

53 km

Terrain

Trail

Elevation gain

1,900 m

Difficulty

Beginner

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Weather history

Temperature

4°C / 20°C

Feels like

0°C / 14°C

Avg sunshine hours

9h 59m

Avg rainfall

-

Avg snowfall

-

Max wind speed

26.5 km/h (Moderate breeze)

Sweat loss rate

High

Trail conditions

Dry and firm

Where to stay

Merrell Whale of Trail

Races