Mont-Aux Sources Ultra Trail 2026
Fri Sep 11, 13:00 - Sun Sep 13, 09:00
Royal Natal National Park
ABOUT
- Date: 11-13 September 2026
- Venue: Royal Natal National Park
The Mont-Aux Sources Ultra Trail is one of South Africa's oldest and most iconic mountain races. Over the past 34 years, Monties has given runners the opportunity to challenge and immerse themselves in what is considered the crown jewel of the Drakensberg - Royal Natal National Park and the Amphitheatre. The race offers both a 50km and 20km option inviting a wide range of runners to this incredible place.
50km: The 50km route is both a challenging and rewarding one for runners. Starting at the race village in Mahai campsite, the route takes the runners up through the Mahai valley to Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge. From there they head along technical jeep track to Sentinel car park. A mix of paved and rugged single track guides them towards the memorable chain ladders and then onto the escarpment. The route then heads to the top of Tugela Falls, down the gully and then rejoins the original route which takes runners back down to the finish line and race village.
20KM: The 20km route which was run for the first time in 2023, is a beautiful contouring route which in its own right encompasses the nature of the Drakensberg Valley in all its beauty. One will truly feel like they are a part of the Drakensberg mountains without having to endure the gruelling climb. Runners leave Mahai and navigate the existing trails which will take them past the base of Tugela Falls, Gudu Bush, Sunday Falls, Fairy Glen and back around to Mahai.
Prologue
Going into it's second year, the Mont-Aux Sources Ultra Trail prologue is a short sharp 6km, short and sharp circular route which will take runners from Mahai Campsite through the first 4km of the race route. The final 2km will have you running down the Mahai Valley through the wooden paths along the river and back into the Mahai Campsite, giving our runners a quick taste of what lies ahead on race day.
While this prologue is not intended for seeding purposes, our intention is to give our participants the opportunity to shakeout their legs after the long travel as well as give them a chance to witness the spectacular sunset against the Drakensberg skies.
Spectators are also invited (for a small fee) to take part in the prologue to enjoy the beautiful trails surrounding the race village and to take notes of spectator points for the main races on Saturday.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
RUNNER TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. The contents hereof apply equally to any of my minor dependents who may accompany me.
2. I voluntarily participate in the Mont-Aux Sources Ultra Trail, including any of the activities associated therewith offered by WILDTRUST and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (the Service) at Royal National Park from 11-13 September 2026.
3. My general health is good; I am in my sound and sober senses and there is nothing which renders me unfit to participate in the event. I have sufficiently trained to participate in this event. I agree to comply with the rules, conditions of entry and regulations for this event which includes the payment of the entry fee. I hereby release and discharge the organizers of the Mont-Aux Sources Ultra Trail, WILDTRUST, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, landowners, all sponsors, volunteer groups, medical personnel, and any and all local authorities, from any loss or damage, however caused, arising from my participation in the event, including pre-race and post-race activities. I grant permission to the organizers and sponsors, in section 51 of the Electronic Communications Transactions Act 25 of 2002, to use my name, race information and any photographs, video reel / clips, broadcast and/or telecast footage in which I may appear, for whatever use, at no charge.
4. I may be exposing myself or my property to the risk or possibility of danger, harm or damage.
5. I understand the meaning and effect hereof and assume all risks whatsoever which may be inherent in, arise from or be associated with the event.
6. I release the Service, WILDTRUST and/or, any of their members, officers, employees, or agents from any duty of care towards me or my property for the duration of the event, and indemnify and hold them harmless from any liability whatsoever, and from any claims which would otherwise have accrued to me arising from my participation in the event, whether or not any such claims may arise through the negligence of the Service, WILDTRUST or any of their members, officers, employees or agents or from any of the risks or possibilities of danger associated with the event;
7. This indemnity shall be valid and binding upon my dependents, heirs and my estate
REFUND POLICY
Please note should the event be cancelled for any other reason other than negligence on behalf of the organisers, or should a runner not be able to make the event for whatever reason, including illness, then the following refund policy will be applied:
More than 90 Days – 80% refund
60-90 Days – 50% refund
30-60 Days – 30% refund
0-30 Days – 10% refund
Please note that the bank and online fees are non-refundable.