Run one of South Africa’s most iconic Hiking Trails and experience 65km of a world heritage site
DATE
26 APRIL 2025
DISTANCE
65KM
ELEVATION
1900M
CUT OFF
14 HOURS
CHECK POINTS
6
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
The Giant’s Cup Uncut (GCU65) is a non-stop traverse of the entire Giant’s Cup Hiking Trail. The event is entirely on mountain trail and provides the runners with a uniquely pure trail running experience.
The Race Start is at Silverstreams at 07h00 on Saturday morning. From the start, the field has a short distance before entering the head of the Giant’s Cup Trail. From here it’s immediately into the big climb up to the high point of the day at Langalibalele Pass at 2,150m.
It’s then a fast-flowing descent down to the Mzimude River followed by the short climb out of the valley and the gentle drop-down into Swiman Hut. From Swiman, it’s 12km to Castleburn which includes the gradual climb along the Garden Castle ridge towards Black Eagle Pass and the technical descent of Garden Castle.
From the Castleburn Aid Station, there are two river crossings in quick succession before the solid climb up to Crane Tarn. This is followed by one of the fastest sections of the course down to the Mzimkulwana Hut. Cobham follows later, before turning at Gwalingwenya, navigating down the trail towards Glencairn Farm.
Cut Offs
Cut Off: 25km at Castleburn at 13h00 - 6 hours.
The giant’s cup uncut MAP
ROUTE PROFILE
Technical Information
GIant’s cup uncut entry fee includes
Marked and prepared Mountain Trail
Goodie Bag
Official Race Garment
Sweepers and Marshalls
4 X Water Tables
Full Medical Support
Support by EKZNW Rangers
Finish Line Beer / Drink
Finishers Medal
Sketched Scroll of GCU65 Course
Awards Celebration on Sunday (@ 11h00)
R200 Donation to EKZNW
Shuttles are in mini-buses and depart Glencairn Farm. The approximate drive time to Silverstreams is 1.5 hours.
Runners must be 20 years or older as of 31st December 2024.
Note: No accommodation is included in the entry
ON TOP OF THE Podium
The 2024 GCU65 Men’s Podium
🥇 Mvuyisi Gcogco (5:59:16)
🥈 Remaketse Lekaka (6:03:27)
🥉 Bradley Claase (6:04:24)
The 2024 GCU65 Women’s Podium
🥇 Maryke van Zyl (6:48:34)
🥈 Kerry-Ann Marshall (7:00:36)
🥉 Jada Linstrom (7:31:39)