THE CEDER 2025 TRAIL RUN

Experience the wild beauty of the Cederberg with The Ceder Trail Run. A rugged, unforgettable trail adventure. Choose from the inaugural 45km Team Relay, our 25km route, or a fun 6km trail run, for beginners and kids. There’s also a 100m dash for the very little ones.

Ceder 45 - Team Relay of 4 Runners

Join the thrill of the Cederberg with our 2-loop relay race, perfect for teams of four runners and two crew members. Starting from Nuwerust in the Cheer Zone, each runner completes 11km of two dynamic loops, before passing the official Ceder relay baton within the designated handover and Cheer Zone.

Loop 1: The Leopard Loop (6km)

Kick off with a scenic ascent toward Klipbokkop and the Waterfall, home of the elusive Cederberg leopard. Then, enjoy a flowing trail along riverbanks surrounded by vibrant fynbos before returning to Nuwerust.

Loop 2: The Rooiberg Loop (5km)

Cross the river and tackle the infamous Ag Shame Climb towards Rooiberg, then descend into lush citrus orchards. Runners follow the riverbank of the Brandkraalrivier back to the finish line at the Cheer Zone.

Crew members can hydrate or assist only within the handover and Cheer Zone, ensuring a fair and exciting race for everyone. Teams are welcome to personalise their team zone with branded gazebos, tables, flags, or accessories within a 3m x 3m space. Supporters, family, and loved ones are encouraged to gather around the Cheer Zone where a bar will serve cold beverages of choice, alongside the Food Truck Area offering all the favourites.

Every runner must carry the official Ceder relay baton at all times and complete both loops in order. The team’s official time starts when the first runner begins and ends when the last runner crosses the finish line with the baton.

Experience teamwork, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable adventure in one epic Cederberg challenge.

When: Saturday 25 October 2025

Start Time: 14h00pm

Distance: 45km (11.2km x 4)

Elevation Gain: 1200m

Aid Stations: 2

Cut-Off: 20h00

Ceder 25 - A Beautiful and Brutal Solo Race

A radical run through a world of different biomes from rugged mountain folds to lush citrus orchards. Conquer the ascent to the waterval region, home of the elusive Cederberg leopard, then glide along ridge lines and fynbos alleys on exhilarating fast sections. Pass back through the race village and Cheer Zone, perfect for loved ones to support you.

Tackle part of the infamous Ag Shame Climb towards Rooiberg, then descend into vibrant citrus orchards. Snap a selfie in front of the legendary smiley sign at the iconic Cederberg Oasis where it all began for The Ceder.

A tough technical climb will test your limits as you reach the mountain’s summit, weaving through fynbos single tracks on the plateau before descending into the valley. Cross riverbeds, navigate sandy technical terrain, and finish strong with a final burst up the jeep track at Nuwerust where adventure, challenge, and camaraderie come together in the heart of the Cederberg.

Whether you’re chasing personal goals, pride, or family fun, this spectacular landscape promises a race full of raw beauty and relentless challenge. Sign up now and experience the ultimate outdoor adventure weekend.

When: Saturday 25 October 2025

Start Time: 07h00am

Distance: 25km

Elevation Gain: 1500m

Aid Stations: 2

Cut-Off: 13h00

Ceder 6 - The Perfect Intro to the Weekend’s Adventures

Experience our short and sharp 6km trail race. Following a loop of the Ceder25 and Team Relay routes, it’s the perfect intro for those wanting to get a taste of the rugged beauty and challenging terrain.

Starting from Nuwerust, you'll ascend a scenic climb toward Klipbokkop and the Waterfall, home of the elusive Cederberg leopard. Then, enjoy a flowing trail along riverbanks through vibrant fynbos before returning to Nuwerust.

Ideal for beginners, families, children, or anyone looking to join the weekend’s adventure, this route offers a memorable, accessible way to experience the wild heart of the Cederberg. Come and be part of the excitement.

When: Saturday 25 October 2025

Start Time: 07h30am

Distance: 6km

Elevation Gain: 100m

Aid Stations: 1

Cut-Off: 11h00am

Ceder 100 - A Race Where Everyone’s a Winner

Created for all aspiring little athletes, this 100m dash through the Cheer Zone is where your littlest ones have their time to shine. Medals to all participants.

When: Saturday 25 October 2025

Start Time: 14h30pm

Distance: 100m

Elevation Gain: 1m

ENVIRONMENT

The Cederberg is a Wilderness region and we have a strong “leave no trace policy”.

1. Leave no trace and take no souvenirs.
2. Race participants are responsible for anything they discard, which goes into a bin. Any littering on the course is strictly prohibited.
3. Please respect and be aware of other road or trail users, especially on descents and blind corners. Roads are NOT closed.
4. Be respectful of animals and the habitat; the mountain range is wild and home to wildlife.
5. Do not take shortcuts, especially on the trail.

SAFETY

The safety and well-being of our runners is our top priorities. A medical support vehicle will be on the route where accessible, along with ambulance services for emergencies. Please remember to save the emergency contact numbers provided in the race day information email and during registration. Note that all emergency race support and assistance will end at 20:00 on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

A sweeper team will follow the last runner to ensure everyone is off the course and returns safely to the finish line. Please be aware that all assistance will be withdrawn after the cut-off times, and any participants who continue on the course do so at their own risk, leaving the responsibility with themselves rather than the event or organisers.

SUPPORT

We encourage all participants to approach The Ceder Trail Run as a self-supported run. It is essential to carry sufficient water and nutrition at all times while on the trail. While route marking is provided, please ensure you have the correct GPX file loaded, prior to entering the Cederberg, as cell service is very limited in the mountain range.

Participants will be in remote areas with little to no cell service, where assistance may not be readily available for extended periods, so please prepare accordingly for emergencies.

The designated feed zone will be marked and communicated, also providing access to beverages and food managed by the Ceder Crew and volunteers. We kindly ask that you treat them with respect and courtesy, as they are there to assist you.

AID STATIONS & FEED ZONES

Participants are welcome to take as much food and beverage as needed from the feed zone. However, leaving any bottles, cans, or cups at these locations is not permitted, so please ensure you are adequately prepared to carry sufficient nutrition. For the relay, you may leave your nutrition with your support team.

ENTRIES

1. Entries are only available online via Quicket.
2. Entries are transferrable at an additional cost of R250, no transfers after 13 October 2025.
3. There will be no refunds made available.
4. Entries will not be transferred to the following year.
5. Should the event be cancelled due to any unforeseen issues, all entries will automatically carry over to the following year.

RACE ENTRY INCLUDES

1. Race Bag with The Ceder sponsors' products and goodies.
2. FREE First Ascent x The Ceder technical running tee.
3. Race number and race timing.
4. Full medical support - vehicle and ambulance support.
5. Event photographers.
6. Prize giving: Equal prizes for men’s & women’s.
7. Access to Nuwerust Farm and permitted trails on private land.
8. Activities: Swimming in farm pool and river.
9. Ablution facilities.
10. Braai facilities.
11. Staffed feed zone and official Cheer Zone.
12. Ceder bar serving beverages.
13. Entertainment: Live DJs, activities and race commentator.
14. Optional: Tented accommodation and weekend meals.

REGISTRATION

Ceder Trail Run registration date, venues and time, to be announced.

DNF (DID NOT FINISH) / RETIRING FROM THE RACE

Should you need to drop out of the race, notify a race official immediately. If you leave the course and fail to notify race officials, you will be banned from participating in the future (unless assisted from the course by the race medic). Race officials’ contact numbers will be provided on entry and at registration.

THE FINE PRINT

Any person participating in The Ceder does so at their own risk. The Ceder, organiser/s, volunteers, staff, sponsors, and Nuwerust Farm take no responsibility for any loss, damage, injuries or deaths.

The Ceder recommends that you arrange your own personal accident insurance, ambulance cover and income protection insurance before participating in the event to cover any unforeseen personal costs you may incur due to ambulance trips, medical expenses or time off work due to injuries sustained whilst participating in the event. As a participant of The Ceder, you are responsible for yourself and should know the rules and regulations of the race.

In entering any of The Ceder events, participants acknowledge and agree to all of the above.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation at Nuwerust Farm can be booked through the Quicket entry portal upon registration, with a first-come, first-served approach to prioritise participants for logistical ease.

NUWERUST ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS INCLUDE:

CAMPING

Enjoy the lush grass and trees in the well sought-after Nuwerust Farm campsite.

• 4 people per campsite.

• Bring your own camping equipment.

PARK & CAMP

Limited plots - ideal for rooftop tents, situated under the trees.

• Park and camp (4 people per campsite).

• Bring your own camping equipment.

BOOK A PRE-SETUP TENT

Ultimate convenience: Just rock up without pitching a tent.

• One Sleeper Canvas Tent (Sleeps 1 person) - includes 1 x mattress / no bedding.

• Two Sleeper Canvas Tent (Sleeps 2 people) - includes 2 x single beds, white bed linen and towels, 2 x chairs, 1 x light.

Other nearby accommodation options and their distances from Nuwerust Farm:

• Cederberg Oasis 3.5 km

• Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve 10 km

• Mount Ceder 12 km

• Cederberg Wines 20 km

• Sanddrif 20 km

• Kromrivier Cederberg Park 21 km

• Driehoek Farm 38 km

• Algeria 46 km

• Jamaka 50 km

FOOD

Simply show up and enjoy our full weekend meal options. From brekkie rolls to delicious braai options, we’ve got you covered. Add it to your entry at checkout. For participants and supporters.

WEEKEND MENU

Friday Dinner: Linguine Bolognese / wild mushroom linguine.

Saturday Breakfast: Hot oats with fruit, nuts, honey.

Saturday Lunch: Pizzas - options of margarita / salami / veggie / chicken.

Saturday Dinner: Braai including lamb chops, boerewors, chicken kebab, salad, pap and a brownie for dessert (vegetarian kebab options availabe).

Sunday Morning: Breakfast buns with bacon, eggs and cheese (vegetarian options available).

• Alternatively, indulge in a variety of tasty options from the food truck at Nuwerust Farm, including pizzas (vegan options available), runners' oats, breakfast rolls, boerewors rolls, and more.

• Please note: Food can also be purchased from the Food Truck at Nuwerust Farm during the race weekend. The full weekend catering menu is only available to participants who pre-book and purchase in advance.

• Braai facilities are available with wood for sale at the Nuwerust Farm reception.

• Ice available for sale at the Nuwerust Farm reception.