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New Ultra-Trail Launched in George, Showcasing Outeniqua's "Coast-to-Crags" Terrain

20 October 2026

The Garden Route is set to welcome a new ultra-trail event in the UTMB World Series calendar, with the Mountain Ultra Trail by UTMB launched today in George, Western Cape.

The inaugural Mountain Ultra Trail by UTMB (MUT) will take place from 29 to 31 May 2026 in the Outeniqua Mountains, offering six distances spanning 11 to 163 km.

Organizers highlighted the event's "Coast-to-Crags" character, promising technical ridge-line trails and sweeping sea views, though no specific route by that name was detailed in today's announcement.

The Garden Route ultra-running community now has three major events to choose from, joining the existing MUT by UTMB and the 10km Gruen Trail Race. The new races complement the Cape Epic MTB stage race in the region's event calendar.

The six race options include the flagship 163 km MUT Miler, 98 km MUT 100, 58 km MUT 60, and 43 km MUT Marathon, along with the 25 km MUT Challenge and 11 km MUT Lite as entry-level options.

Elevation will be a key challenge, with the MUT Miler featuring 8,100 m of ascent and the MUT 100 offering 4,850 m. Organizers promise rugged terrain and world-class navigation through George's renowned trail network.

As the 2024 UTMB World Series included stops at Mont Blanc, Peru's Cordillera Blanca, and Ontario, the Outeniqua Mountains will represent a fresh challenge for international trail runners.

Participants will experience the Garden Route's diverse landscapes, from indigenous forests to fynbos-covered slopes, with panoramic views extending to the Indian Ocean.

The course will pass near protected areas, including sensitive zones requiring careful route planning between high and low tide areas along the coastline.

From elite athletes to first-time trail runners, the event offers varied challenges across its distances. While experienced competitors will face demanding technical sections, shorter routes provide accessible ways to enjoy the Outeniqua region's natural beauty.