After being cancelled in 2021, the Merrel Whale of Trail returns in 2022 with its 53km ultra trail and 35km marathon trail route. The event takes place on 30 July 2022 and allows trail runners to experience the De Hoop Nature Reserve’s Whale Trail. 

Indeed, this route offers scenic beach views and technical rocky terrain. It also takes place during whale breeding season, and participants get to stay the night at the De Hoop Collection. This is topped off with a goodie bag, a meal at the finish and a fresh 2-day event which is all about taking in the scenery.

The Whale of Trail routes

The 53km route is classified as an ultra trail distance and follows the trail set out for the five-day Whale Trail hiking route. It starts at the Potberg end of the De Hoop Nature reserve and finishes at Koppie Alleen, a section above the beach that also provides the best seats for whale watching.

Fynbos, sea views, rock pools and several other whale watching points also pop up on the route. There is also a section through limestone hills and another where the trail runs along the beach.

The 35km route starts and ends at the same places, but deviates at the 13km mark. From there it cuts across the long route on jeep track and eventually gets back on the Whale Trail route with roughly 16km left to the finish.

There is prize money to the tune of R25k for the fastest finisher, R10k for the second fastest and R5k for the third fastest in the men’s and women’s races in the ultra distance. There is also a R10k lucky draw prize that will be handed out at the prize giving.

For more route info visit the Whale of Trail route info page.

The Finish at Koppie Alleen

While they wait for their runners, family members explore the rock pools and dunes at Koppie Alleen. There are also guided birdwatching tours and boat trips that can be booked to burn some time.

Animal sightings are also possible with herds of eland, bontebok and mountain zebra grazing in the reserve. Finishers can get a massage, and also relax in a bean bag hare with a meal after a long day.

The Marrel Whale Journey two day event

To allow runners to experience the ultra route at their own pace and time, the Whale of Trail organisers have also created the two-day Merrel Whale Journey.

This even splits the ultra-distance into two parts, throwing in an overnight stay in the Noetsie hiker’s Huts. This route offers the opportunity to take in the sights and surroundings and even swim in the rock pool.

There is also time to stop and watch the whales at the various whale watching spots on the route. Also, at the end of the first night, an overnight bag and meal await. There is also breakfast on the morning of the final day, which coincides with the main race.

This event starts on 28 July and runs through to 30 July. It includes a stay at the De Hoop Collection lodge on the night before the first day of running.  Only 12 entries will be allowed.

Entering the event

For more details about the event visit the Whale of Trail race info page. Due to the backlog of entries in 2020 and 2021, there is a waiting list for 2022 entries. To add your name to the list visit the Whale of Trail waitlist page. 

Runners will stay overnight in either the De Hoop Collective or glamping tent on Friday and Saturday evenings. Meals will be provided. For more information contact the organisers on the details below for any other queries.


Contact: Graham Bird
Email: info@mountainrunner.co.za
Website

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