02 July - 6 July

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AFRICA'S FRESHEST ULTRA

MacMac Quick Facts

Get a quick overview of all our races below. To find out more, click the 'MORE INFORMATION' button.

200 MILE ULTRA TRAIL RUN

MILES
METERS ASCENT
HOUR CUTOFF
COURSE RECORD MEN
Ruan van der Merwe
62:31:21 - 2021
COURSE RECORD WOMEN
Nicky Booyens
83:33:48 - 2021

100 MILE ULTRA TRAIL RUN

MILES
METERS ASCENT
HOUR CUTOFF
COURSE RECORD MEN
Grobler Basson
23:45:40 - 2022
COURSE RECORD WOMEN
Nicky Booyens
28:05:48 - 2019

50 MILE ULTRA TRAIL RUN

MILES
METERS ASCENT
HOUR CUTOFF
COURSE RECORD MEN
Matthew Healy
08:47:12 - 2019
COURSE RECORD WOMEN
Kathryn Van Meter
11:14:18 - 2021

46KM ULTRA TRAIL RUN

KILOMETERS
METERS ASCENT
HOUR CUTOFF
COURSE RECORD MEN
Robbie Rorich
04:44:37 - 2023
COURSE RECORD WOMEN
Maryke van Zyl
05:07:45 - 2024

25KM TRAIL RUN

KILOMETERS
METERS ASCENT
HOUR CUTOFF
COURSE RECORD MEN
Jason Peckham
02:05:44 - 2024
COURSE RECORD WOMEN
Rizta Fouche
2:43:14 - 2024

Download Your 2025 MacMac Athlete Info Pack

Click the relevant link below to download your 2025 MacMac Athlete Info Pack.

PLEASE NOTE: The download is a zip file that contains your info pack document, as well as the route GPX file and also a Google Earth KMZ file for you to open in Google Earth to explore the route. You will need to extract the files from the zip file.

200 MILE ULTRA TRAIL

Compulsory Gear

List is compulsory for first 100miles out. First 100miles out has stretches up to 55km between aid stations and can be seen as the rugged self sufficient and self navigate adventure of the race were the second 100miles back you will share the trail with the normal 100mile race and be spoiled with fully stocked aid stations  every 8 to 17km.

Compulsory equipment for 100miles back is same as for normal 100mile race(refer to 100mile section).

Quick Facts

Mac Mac Ultra is registered as a UTMB® INDEX RACE. 

200 Mile - Route Introduction

Historical facts of the Area

The small forestry town of Sabie is situated in the North Eastern Drakensberg Escarpment on the banks of the Sabie River in Mpumalanga(Place of the rising sun), South Africa. The name Sabie is derived from the Tsonga word "Ulusaba" which means "fearful river" because the river was once teeming with dangerous Nile crocodile.

The history of Sabie

Names such as Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, Sir Herbert Baker and Chief Lesisi line the pages of the town's historic annals, which started as a base camp for hunters and transport riders. This quickly changed when HT Glynn hit a rock while target shooting with some friends. In 1871 a diverging bullet revealed a rich gold reef, and soon the gold rush of the first commercial gold extraction had found its way to the farm Grootfontein.

While the gold that was produced secured wealth, the extraction thereof consumed much of the natural forest of the surrounding area.  In 1876, the son of Maria Shires, Joseph Brooks Shires planted the first commercial Eucalyptus and Wattle plantations on his farm Onverwacht (now Brooklands) to supply the demand for firewood and mining struts.  Today Sabie lies in the centre of one of the largest man-made forests in the world.

And now, long after the departure of the Gold Rush to the Witwatersrand (Gauteng), the trees bare testimony of bygone years.  Forestry is and will remain deeply rooted in the history and future of this town.

This is where your 200mile Mac Mac pilgrimage will start and finish!!!

200 Mile - Route Overview

Trail facts

The Mac Mac Monster is an out and back 200miler.

The first 100miles (out) is mainly self navigating and unsupported except for checkpoints up to 55km’s apart.

The second 100miles (back) will be shared with the main 100mile race and will have check points at least every 10miles.

Start: Wednesday 2 July 14h00 Merry Pebbles Sabie

Registration: Wednesday from 12h00- 12h45 Merry Pebbles Sabie

Compulsory race briefing: 12h45

Time Limit: 90 Hours

Prize Giving Brunch: 10h00 Sunday Merry Pebbles Sabie
Meal Tickets for friends and family can be bought at registration.

200 Mile - Loop 1

Trail Section 1 : Merry Pebbles Sabie to Mac Mac Hut

Distance: 55km

Ascent: 3200m | Desent: 2615m

Drop Bag Opportunities: Mac Mac Hut(55km)

Cut off: Mac Mac Hut 04h00 Thursday

Leaving all the technicalities such as kit checks & race briefings behind you in the Sabie valley you will start your epic journey climbing out of the Sabie valley up onto the escarpment.

This section consists of lot of climbing but rewarded by so many beautiful scenery and a sunset from Mount Anderson(2100m)  to die for ... please don’t ;)

Once on the escarpment most of the climbing for this section is done and moving into the night it will cool down a lot before reaching the comfort of the crew at Mac Mac Hut and your first opportunity to dig into those drop bag supplies.

Don’t use all those supplies as you can make use of this drop bag 4 times in your race.

200 Mile - Loop1

Trail Section 2 : Mac Mac Hut to Mac Mac Hut (Anti Clock Wise Circle)

Section Distance: 36.6km

Section Ascent:1480m | Section Decent: 1480m

Drop Bag opportunities: Mac Mac Hut(36.6km)

Cut off: Mac Mac Hut 16h00 Thursday

Trail Section 3 : Mac Mac Hut to Pilgrims The Vine (Loops Clock Wise):

Section Distance: 68km

Section Ascent: 2970m | Section Decent: 3900m

Drop Bag opportunities: Mount Sheba(11.7km) & (44.5km)

Compulsory Medical Check (The Vine) has to be passed before starting back run.

Cut off: Mount Sheba 20h00 Thu (103km) & Pilgrims The Vine 12h00 Fri (161km)

200 Mile - Loop 2 (100 Mile Back)

At this point runners expect some more company when joining up with the 100 mile race and run the course back to the start in Sabie in an anti clock direction on circle sections.

Aid stations can now be expected every 7km to 16km.

Description

Gold  was  discovered  in  1872,  six  hours  by  horse  from  Lydenburg,  by  Thomas  Mclachlan  and  partners.   

This  triggered  the  first  gold rush  in  South  Africa  and  diggers  from  all  over  started  to  flock  to  what  later  became  Mac-Mac.    Alex  “wheelbarrow”  Patterson  left  Mac-Mac to prospect and in September 1873 discovered the rich gold deposits in the Pilgrim’s Creek.

The quaint old gold mining town of Pilgrim's Rest is the starting point of your epic journey.

The history of gold mining operations in the Pilgrim's Rest area goes back more than 160 years to the 1840's. The gold rush began in 1873 when the Lydenburg magistrate advised the Transvaal Volksraad that gold had been discovered in the streams.

Hundreds of diggers from as far afield as Australia, America, England and France flocked to the gold-fields to make their fortune.

The trail passes many relics from these early days of mining as one climbs away from the start of the trail.

200 Mile - Loop 2

Trail Section 4 : Pilgrims The Vine to Mac Mac Hut (Loops Anti Clock Wise)

Section Distance: 68km

Section Ascent: 3900m | Section Decent: 2970m

Technicality:

Moderately steep climb at start, from there on, rolling hills to the finish. Open grassland escarpment running over boulder fields, as well as some forest sections with beautiful soft undergrowth. Some Rocky single track trail.

Scenery:

Lush indigenous Forest down below and Boulder fields on the escarpment with Clivia forests at lower altitudes. Beautiful views looking down the escarpment over the Lush Lowveld.  Breathtaking views of the Crystal Springs Nature Reserve.

Fauna And Flaura:

 Massive Indigenous trees.  Endangered High altitude Grassland. Wild flowers with indigenous ferns and clivias. Wildlife such as Bushbuck , Duiker , Reedbuck, warthog, bush pig and Baboons. Keep your eyes open for the beautiful birdlife that can be spotted in the lush forests. The Purple Crested Turaco is a bird that should not be overlooked, as it’s colours are as vibrant as the Lowveld itself! With a bit of luck Fish Eagle spotting’s can also occur now and then.

Pilgrims Rest to Mount Sheba

Distance: 13.5km

Ascent: 780m | Descent: 360m

Spector Point: Yes – Mount Sheba

Cut off: No

Drop bag: Yes

Back at The Vine it is a small climb out of town then dropping down and crossing the Blyde river were your ascent starts on some plantation roads and before you know it you are in the indigenous rain forest of Mount Sheba.

Mount Sheba Resort is the 100milers first checkpoint and also a spectators point. Great place for your supporters to settle in and wait for your return later on. 

Mount Sheba to Morgenzon

Distance: 15.1km

Ascent: 1000m | Descent: 1055m

Spector Point: Yes – Morgenzon

Cut off: No

Drop bag: No

A little ‘climb/hill/koppie’ out from Mount Sheba Resort through a beautiful rain forest.

Trail makes a turn on the escarpment with Pilgrims in the distance.

Descending through some old plantations to join a small peace of trail on grassland hills leading to Morgenzon Aids Station. 

Morgenzon to Morgenzon (Anti Clockwise)

Distance: 13.4km

Ascent: 990m | Descent: 990m

Spector Point:Yes - Morgenzon 

Cut off: Yes 24h00 Friday

Drop bag: No

From Morgenzon forest station runner first cross Clewer stream joining the old Robbers Pass, an old trade route to Pilgrim’s Rest from Lydenburg.

Descending to Clewer Falls before a steep climb in a beautiful indigenous forest with a crystal clear stream, lots of Clivias and Ferns , until it joins up with the old wagon path.

Another decent into the valley before climbing past some waterfalls. 

Fast section on plantation roads dropping back to Morgenzon Checkpoint.

Morgenzon to Mount Sheba

Distance: 16km

Ascent: 720m | Descent: 670m

Spector Point: Yes - Mount Sheba

Cut off: Yes Saturday morning 02h00 Mount Sheba

Drop bag: Yes Mount Sheba

This is an exiting new section to the 100 and 200 miler.

A steady climb trough Pine plantation to get to the top of the escarpment. 

Most runners will reach this section at dusk for a spectacular first sunset.

After some running on the escarpment you start descending slowly into a valley passing rock formations that looks like Mount Sheba’s own Lost City.

The trail joins a small stretch of tar road dropping into Mount Sheba Hotel and Resort for the Mozambique Party Checkpoint .

Mount Sheba to Mac Mac Hut

Mac Mac Hut: 

Distance: 11.7km

Ascent: 400m | Descent: 490m

Spector Point: No

Cut off: No

Drop bag: Yes Mac Mac Hut 3rd time

A short single track section trough Mount Sheba’s Rain Forests and down into the Blyde river valley.

This section connects the Prospectors trail with the Fanie Botha Trail.

Nice flowing forestry road takes you back to Mac Mac Hut for the third time.

Although it is a runnable road, the steady climb hampers running at a fast pace and that last couple of km's you just cant get to that spotlight at Mac Mac.

Mac Mac Hut to Graskop Hut (Clock Wise Loop)

Graskop Hut: 

Distance: 13.9 km

Ascent: 400m | Descent: 580m

Spector Point: No

Cut off: No

Drop bag: No

After sampling all Ouma’s stash in your drop bag you will head out on an old section of the Fanie Botha hiking trail not in use anymore towards Graskop.

This section starts with some forestry road leading into a single track climb into the open with a view of Graskop and Gods window in the distance.

Dropping down towards Graskop you must take caution crossing the Pilgrims/Graskop/Sabie road. A short forest run and you’re at Graskop Hut were the 50milers will join the trail at 06h00 Saturday.

Graskop Hut to Mac Mac Pools

Distance: 12.8km

Ascent: 600m

Descent: 650m

Spector Point: Yes – Mac Mac Pools

Graskop is a small town in Mpumalanga province, South Africa. It was set up in the 1880s as a gold mining camp but it now serves as a tourist destination and the timber industry. The name is Afrikaans for grassy hillock. “God’s Window”, a scenic view from the escarpment of the Lowveld below, is located outside the town.

Graskop is 14 km south-east of Pilgrim's Rest and 28 km north of Sabie. It was laid out between 1880 and 1890 on a farm belonging to Abel Erasmus, Native Commissioner of the Transvaal Republic. Named after a grassy hillock (Afrikaans gras, ‘grass’, kop, ‘hillock’).

Originally it was a mining camp. It is the best place to view the "Edge of the Lowveld", with a sudden drop of 700m

The first 8km will be a combination of free-flowing jeep and single track, to get the legs warmed up nicely, before a big drop into an amazing indigenous forest.

At the bottom of the valley you will cross the Mac Mac river and start your climb, false summit after false summit, up to Mac Mac pools check point.

Mac Mac Pools to Mac Mac Hut

Mac Mac Hut: 

Distance: 9.9km

Ascent: 480m

Descent: 245m

Spectator point: No

Drop bag: Yes 4th time

Cut Off: 16h00 Saturday

After a refreshing stop and seeing your supporters you will make your way down to Mac Mac falls.

The 65 m high Mac Mac Falls, in the Mac Mac River, is a declared National Monument. This waterfall was originally a single stream, but gold miners blasted it with dynamite to divert the river in an attempt to work the rich gold-bearing reef over which it plunges.

A short 7.5km through plantations and a steep single track forest section will bring you to the next Aid Station at Mac Mac hut.

Mac Mac Hut to Stables

Distance: 16.3 km

Ascent: 1020m

Descent: 831m

Spectator point: No

Cut off: 20h00 Saturday

Compulsory Medical Check has to be passed

If you thought you’re on top and done climbing think again this section has the most ascents on the route.

At Mac Mac hut you will continue you’re really nice single-track climb. Weather depending, you should have spectacular views of the Graskop escarpment and Gods Window.

Up and over you will descent into the Tweefontein valley with a small river, rock pool and waterfall. The trail ascends up the ridge line overlooking beautiful Sabie valley.

Once on the ridge line you will have the amazing view of Mount Moody, at that point you will ask yourself, are we going over that mountain? Once over the mountain you will join an easy rocky runnable jeep track that ends with the Stables checkpoint.

Stables to Mount Anderson

Anderson Split:

Distance: 14.9km

Ascent: 735m

Descent: 617m

Spectator point: No

Cut off: No

After the party at Stables, up a short jeep track section that sends you down a spectacular single track that leads on to Hartebeesvlakte.

This is truly one of the world’s hidden beauties.  Here you should keep your eyes open for Hartebees, White-tailed gnus, Burchell’s Zebras, Blesbok and perhaps a Leopard if you are lucky.  

Once over the Hartebeesvlakte you will then pass close to the summit of Mount Anderson via jeep track that peaks at an altitude of 2284 Meters, then around to the top of the escarpment.

Mount Anderson to Maritzbos

Maritzbos:

Distance: 6.2km

Ascent: 290m

Descent: 900m

Spectator point: No

Cut Off: 05h00 Sunday

Now we are getting to the business end of things, you should welcome some downhill.  

Some call it the Towerbos or Magic Forest others call it Pain forest or even Tokolosh bos.

A super steep slippery wet descent to Maritzbos that never ends. Some will also go down there in the dark.

This section is a real gem of 6km indigenous forest, rivers, rockpools and the most spectacular waterfalls. You will cross several streams on slippery wooden bridges.

The final stretch flattens out till you get to the Party at Maritzbos aid station

Maritzbos Hut to Ceylon Hut

Ceylon Hut:

Distance: 8.7 km

Ascent: 250m

Descent: 466m

Spectator point: Yes - Ceylon Hut

Cut Off: 08h00

The first section between Maritzbos and the Ceylon Hut is a runnable 8.7 km jeep track section with one or two climbs to negotiate.

At Ceylon hut you can almost see the end, and this is where you are going to start swearing at the RD ...

Ceylon Hut to Merry Pebbles

Merry Pebbles: 

Distance: 9.5km

Ascent: 320m

Descent: 380m

Spectator point: Yes - The FINISH LINE!

Cut Off: 08h00 Sunday

This is a real tester for the mind training you have done over the past year.

Steady jeep tracks climb to the top of the “The Why the F” koppie, aka Frikkies Folly.

A really spectacular descent on a MTB single track brings you to the bottom were you will follow the Sabie river, one more river crossing and a cold Sabie Brewery beer awaits you at the finish.

Race Rules

Participants’ Minimum qualifications and experience

  1. The minimum age is 20 years old for the 200 Miler on race date. 
  2. The weather in the area can be unpredictable and the terrains can be very technical and challenging. All runners must have prior experience in Trail Running, and any additional experience associated with mountain activities will be an advantage. In order to be considered for participation in Mac Mac Ultra an applicant must at least meet the following requirements:

miler
Have completed trail-running events that are equal or superior to 100miles. The completion of mountain activities and events will be an additional factor considered favourably in the assessment of his or her experience.

Trespassing on the Mac Mac Trail. 

It is illegal to trespass onto the Mac Mac Trail without a permit. Whilst the organisers of the Mac Mac Ultra actively encourage participants of this event to hike the Fanie Botha and other Trails we relinquish any attempt to trespass on Private Property.  As the Mac Mac Trails is equally off bounds to everyone for the purposes of training the event organisers will not hesitate to disqualify anyone who trespasses onto the Trail outside of this event and ban them from future participation. Past participants guilty of trespassing will have their previous results annulled and names publicised on the event websites and in event correspondences.

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100  MILE ULTRA TRAIL

Compulsory Gear

List is compulsory for all athletes

You will be spoiled with fully stocked aid stations  every 8 to 17km.

Quick Facts

Mac Mac Ultra is registered as a UTMB® INDEX RACE. 

100 Mile - Route Overview

Start: Friday 4 July 12h00 The Vine Pilgrims Rest

Registration: Thursday from 15h00- 19h00 Merry Pebbles Sabie

Compulsory race briefing: 11h00

Time Limit: 44 Hours

Prize Giving Brunch: 10h00 Sunday Merry Pebbles Sabie
Meal Tickets for friends and family can be bought at registration.

Gold was discovered in 1872, six hours by horse from Lydenburg, by Thomas Mclachlan and partners. This triggered the first gold rush in South Africa and diggers from all over started to flock to what later became Mac-Mac. Alex “wheelbarrow” Patterson left Mac-Mac to prospect and in September1873 discovered the rich gold deposits in the Pilgrim’s Creek

The quaint old gold mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest is the starting point of your epic journey.. The history of gold mining operations in the Pilgrim’s Rest area goes back more than 160 years to the 1840’s. The gold rush began in 1873 when the Lydenburg magistrate advised the Transvaal Volksraad that gold had been discovered in the streams. Hundreds of diggers from as far afield as Australia, America, England and France flocked to the gold-fields to make their fortune. The trail passes many relics from these early days of mining as one climbs away from the start of the trail.

100 Mile

Trail Section 1 : Pilgrims to Mac Mac Hut

Distance: 68km

Ascent: 3900m | Descent: 2970m

Technicality:

Moderately steep climb at start, from there on, rolling hills to the finish. Open grassland escarpment running over boulder fields, as well as some forest sections with beautiful soft undergrowth. Some Rocky single track trail.

Scenery:

Lush indigenous Forest down below and Boulder fields on the escarpment with Clivia forests at lower altitudes. Beautiful views looking down the escarpment over the Lush Lowveld.  Breathtaking views of the Crystal Springs Nature Reserve.

Fauna And Flaura:

Massive Indigenous trees.  Endangered High altitude Grassland. Wild flowers with indigenous ferns and clivias. Wildlife such as Bushbuck , Duiker , Reedbuck, warthog, bush pig and Baboons. Keep your eyes open for the beautiful birdlife that can be spotted in the lush forests. The Purple Crested Turaco is a bird that should not be overlooked, as it’s colours are as vibrant as the Lowveld itself! With a bit of luck Fish Eagle spotting’s can also occur now and then.

Pilgrims Rest to Mount Sheba

Distance: 13.5km

Ascent: 780m | Descent: 360m

Spector Point: Yes – Mount Sheba

Cut off: No

Drop bag: No

 A truly unique start to your 100Miles: A neutral zone run, joined by family and friends, from Down Town Pilgrims to Upper Town Pilgrims and back(+-2km).

Experience the town of Pilgrims and its people, sending you off on your adventure.

Back at The Vine it is a small climb out of town then dropping down and crossing the Blyde river were your ascent starts on some plantation roads and before you know it you are in the indigenous rain forest of Mount Sheba.

Mount Sheba Resort is your first checkpoint and also a spectators point. Great place for your supporters to settle in and wait for your return later on. 

Mount Sheba to Morgenzon

Distance: 15.1km

Ascent: 1000m | Descent: 1055m

Spector Point: Yes – Morgenzon

Cut off: No

Drop bag: No

A little ‘climb/hill/koppie’ out from Mount Sheba Resort through a beautiful rain forest.

Trail makes a turn on the escarpment with Pilgrims in the distance.

Descending through some old plantations to join a small peace of trail on grassland hills leading to Morgenzon Aids Station. 

Morgenzon to Morgenzon

Distance: 13.4km

Ascent: 990m | Descent: 990m

Spector Point:Yes - Morgenzon 

Cut off: Yes 24h00 Friday

Drop bag: No

From Morgenzon forest station runner first cross Clewer stream joining the old Robbers Pass, an old trade route to Pilgrim’s Rest from Lydenburg.

Descending to Clewer Falls before a steep climb in a beautiful indigenous forest with a crystal clear stream, lots of Clivias and Ferns , until it joins up with the old wagon path.

Another decent into the valley before climbing past some waterfalls. 

Fast section on plantation roads dropping back to Morgenzon Checkpoint.

Morgenzon to Mount Sheba

Distance: 16km

Ascent: 720m | Descent: 670m

Spector Point: Yes - Mount Sheba

Cut off: Yes Saturday morning 02h00

Drop bag: No

This is an exiting new section to the 100 and 200 miler.

A steady climb trough Pine plantation to get to the top of the escarpment. 

Most runners will reach this section at dusk for a spectacular first sunset.

After some running on the escarpment you start descending slowly into a valley passing rock formations that looks like Mount Sheba’s own Lost City.

The trail joins a small stretch of tar road dropping into Mount Sheba Hotel and Resort for the Mexican Party Checkpoint .

Mount Sheba to Mac Mac Hut

Distance: 11.7km

Ascent: 400m | Descent: 490m

Spector Point: No

Cut off: No

Drop bag: Yes – First Time

A short single track section trough Mount Sheba’s Rain Forests and down into the Blyde river valley.

This section connects the Prospectors trail with the Fanie Botha Trail.

Nice flowing forestry road takes you to Mac Mac Hut for the first time.

Although it is a runnable road, the steady climb hampers running at a fast pace.

Mac Mac Hut to Graskop Hut

Distance: 13.9 km

Ascent: 400m | Descent: 580m

Spector Point: No

Cut off: 16h00 Saturday

Drop bag: No

After sampling all Ouma’s stash in your drop bag you will head out on an old section of the Fanie Botha hiking trail not in use anymore towards Graskop.

This section starts with some forestry road leading into a single track climb into the open with a view of Graskop and Gods window in the distance.

Dropping down towards Graskop you must take caution crossing the Pilgrims/Graskop/Sabie road. A short forest run and you’re at Graskop Hut were the 50milers will have their start at 05h00 Saturday.

Graskop Hut to Mac Mac Pools

Distance: 12.8km

Ascent: 600m

Descent: 650m

Spector Point: Yes – Mac Mac Pools

The first 8km will be a combination of free-flowing jeep and single track, to get the legs warmed up nicely, before a big drop into an amazing indigenous forest.

At the bottom of the valley you will cross the Mac Mac river and start your climb back up to the  Mac Mac pools check point.

Mac Mac Pools to Mac Mac Hut

Distance: 9.9km

Ascent: 480m

Descent: 245m

Spectator point: Yes - Mac Mac Pools

After a refreshing stop and seeing your supporters you will make your way down to Mac Mac falls.

The 65 m high Mac Mac Falls, in the Mac Mac River, is a declared National Monument. This waterfall was originally a single stream, but gold miners blasted it with dynamite to divert the river in an attempt to work the rich gold-bearing reef over which it plunges.

A short 7.5km through plantations and a steep single track forest section will bring you to the next Aid Station at Mac Mac hut.

Mac Mac Hut to Stables

Distance: 16.3 km

Ascent: 1020m

Descent: 831m

Spectator point: No

If you thought you’re on top and done climbing think again this section has the most ascents on the route.

At Mac Mac hut you will continue you’re really nice single-track climb. Weather depending, you should have spectacular views of the Graskop escarpment and Gods Window.

Up and over you will descent into the Tweefontein valley with a small river, rock pool and waterfall. The trail ascends up the ridge line overlooking beautiful Sabie valley.

Once on the ridge line you will have the amazing view of Mount Moody, at that point you will ask yourself, are we going over that mountain? Once over the mountain you will join an easy rocky runnable jeep track that ends with the Stables checkpoint.

Stables to Mount Anderson

Distance: 14.9km

Ascent: 735m

Descent: 617m

Spectator point: No

After the party at Stables, up a short jeep track section that sends you down a spectacular single track that leads on to Hartebeesvlakte.

This is truly one of the world’s hidden beauties.  Here you should keep your eyes open for Hartebees, White-tailed gnus, Burchell’s Zebras, Blesbok and perhaps a Leopard if you are lucky.  

Once over the Hartebeesvlakte you will then pass close to the summit of Mount Anderson via jeep track that peaks at an altitude of 2284 Meters, then around to the top of the escarpment.

Mount Anderson to Maritzbos

Distance: 6.2km

Ascent: 290m

Descent: 900m

Spectator point: No

Now we are getting to the business end of things, you should welcome some downhill.  

Some call it the Towerbos or Magic Forest others call it Pain forest.

A super steep slippery wet descent to Maritzbos that never ends. Some will also go down there in the dark.

This section is a real gem of 6km indigenous forest, rivers, rockpools and the most spectacular waterfalls. You will cross several streams on slippery wooden bridges.

The final stretch flattens out till you get to the Party at Maritzbos aid station

Maritzbos Hut to Ceylon Hut

Distance: 8.7 km

Ascent: 250m

Descent: 466m

Spectator point: Yes - Ceylon Hut

The first section between Maritzbos and the Ceylon Hut is a runnable 8.7 km jeep track section with one or two climbs to negotiate.

At Ceylon hut you can almost see the end, and this is where you are going to start swearing at the RD ...

Ceylon Hut to Merry Pebbles

Distance: 9.5km

Ascent: 320m

Descent: 380m

Spectator point: Yes - The FINISH LINE!

This is a real tester for the mind training you have done over the past year.

Steady jeep tracks climb to the top of the “The Why the F” koppie.

A really spectacular descent on a MTB single track brings you to the bottom were you will follow the Sabie river, one more river crossing and a cold Sabie Brewery beer awaits you at the finish.

Race Rules

Participants’ Minimum qualifications and experience

  1. The minimum age is 20 years old for the 100 Miler on race date.
  2. The weather in the area can be unpredictable and the terrains can be very technical and challenging. All runners must have prior experience in Trail Running, and any additional experience associated with mountain activities will be an advantage. In order to be considered for participation in Mac Mac Ultra an applicant must at least meet the following requirements:

miler
Have completed trail-running events that are equal or superior to 100Km.
The completion of mountain activities and events will be an additional factor considered favourably in the assessment of his or her experience.

Trespassing on the Mac Mac Trail. 

It is illegal to trespass onto the Mac Mac Trail without a permit. Whilst the organisers of the Mac Mac Ultra actively encourage participants of this event to hike the Fanie Botha and other Trails we relinquish any attempt to trespass on Private Property.  As the Mac Mac Trails is equally off bounds to everyone for the purposes of training the event organisers will not hesitate to disqualify anyone who trespasses onto the Trail outside of this event and ban them from future participation. Past participants guilty of trespassing will have their previous results annulled and names publicised on the event websites and in event correspondences.

50  MILE ULTRA TRAIL

Compulsory Gear

List is compulsory for all athletes

You will be spoiled with fully stocked aid stations  every 8 to 17km.

Quick Facts

Mac Mac Ultra is registered as a UTMB® INDEX RACE. 

50 MileRoute

Graskop Gorge Lift Start to Finish at Merry Pebbles Sabie

Graskop is a small town in Mpumalanga province, South Africa. It was set up in the 1880s as a gold mining camp but it now serves as a tourists destination and the timber industry. The name is Afrikaans for grassy hillock.

“Gods Window” , a scenic view from the escarpment of the Lowveld below, is located outside the town.

Graskop is 14 km south-east of Pilgrim’s Rest and 28 km north of Sabie.

It was laid out between 1880 and 1890 on a farm belonging to Abel Erasmus, Native Commissioner of the Transvaal Republic. Named after a grassy hillock (Afrikaans gras, ‘grass’, kop, ‘hillock’).

Originally it was a mining camp. It is the best place to view the “Edge of the Lowveld”, with a sudden drop of 700 m.

Graskop Gorge Lift to Mac Mac Pools

Distance: 12.8km

Ascent: 600m

Descent: 650m

Spector Point: Yes – Mac Mac Pools

The 50 Miler will have an early start at the Graskop Gorge Lift in Graskop Town. A unique one of a kind experience. After a cup of coffee and race briefing at the Swing Café, runners will take the lift down into the gorge for the start.

A short loop in the gorge and a climb out to the top, crossing the road will have you on the trail. The first 8km will be a combination of free-flowing jeep and single track, to get the legs warmed up nicely, before a big drop into an amazing indigenous forest.

At the bottom of the valley you will cross the Mac Mac river and start your climb with false summit after false summit, up to the first check point at Mac Mac pool.

Mac Mac Pools to Mac Mac Hut

Distance: 9.9km

Ascent: 480m

Descent: 245m

Spectator point: Yes - Mac Mac Pools

After a refreshing stop and seeing your supporters you will make your way down to Mac Mac falls.

The 65 m high Mac Mac Falls, in the Mac Mac River, is a declared National Monument. This waterfall was originally a single stream, but gold miners blasted it with dynamite to divert the river in an attempt to work the rich gold-bearing reef over which it plunges.

A short 7.5km through plantations and a steep single track forest section will bring you to the next Aid Station at Mac Mac hut.

Mac Mac Hut to Stables Hut

Distance: 16.3 km

Ascent: 1020m

Descent: 831m

Spectator point: No

If you thought you’re on top and done climbing think again this section has the most ascents on the route.

At Mac Mac hut you will continue you’re really nice single-track climb. Weather depending, you should have spectacular views of the Graskop escarpment and Gods Window.

Up and over you will descent into the Tweefontein valley with a small river, rock pool and waterfall. The trail ascends up the ridge line overlooking beautiful Sabie valley.

Once on the ridge line you will have the amazing view of Mount Moody, at that point you will ask yourself, are we going over that mountain? Once over the mountain you will join an easy rocky runnable jeep track that ends with the Stables checkpoint.

Stables to Mt Anderson Split

Distance: 14.9km

Ascent: 735m

Descent: 617m

Spectator point: No

After the party at Stables, up a short jeep track section that sends you down a spectacular single track that leads on to Hartebeesvlakte.

This is truly one of the world’s hidden beauties.  Here you should keep your eyes open for Hartebees, White-tailed gnus, Burchell’s Zebras, Blesbok and perhaps a Leopard if you are lucky.  

Once over the Hartebeesvlakte you will then pass close to the summit of Mount Anderson via jeep track that peaks at an altitude of 2284 Meters, then around to the top of the escarpment.

Mount Anderson to Maritzbos

Distance: 6.2km

Ascent: 290m

Descent: 900m

Spectator point: No

Now we are getting to the business end of things, you should welcome some downhill.  

Some call it the Towerbos or Magic Forest others call it Pain forest, Satans Garden or even Tokolosh bos.

A super steep slippery wet descent to Maritzbos that never ends. Some will also go down there in the dark.

This section is a real gem of 6km indigenous forest, rivers, rockpools and the most spectacular waterfalls. You will cross several streams on slippery wooden bridges.

The final stretch flattens out till you get to the Party at Maritzbos aid station

Maritzbos Hut to Ceylon Hut

Distance: 8.7 km

Ascent: 250m

Descent: 466m

Spectator point: Yes - Ceylon Hut

The first section between Maritzbos and the Ceylon Hut is a runnable 8.7 km jeep track section with one or two climbs to negotiate.

At Ceylon hut you can almost see the end, and this is where you are going to start swearing at the RD ...

Ceylon Hut to Merry Pebbles

Distance: 9.5km

Ascent: 320m

Descent: 380m

Spectator point: Yes - The FINISH LINE!

This is a real tester for the mind training you have done over the past year.

Steady jeep tracks climb to the top of the “The Why the F” koppie, aka Frikkies Folly.

A really spectacular descent on a MTB single track brings you to the bottom were you will follow the Sabie river, one more river crossing and a cold Sabie Brewery beer awaits you at the finish.

Race Rules

Participants’ Minimum qualifications and experience

  1. The minimum age is 18 years old for 50 Miler on race date. 
  2. The weather in the area can be unpredictable and the terrains can be very technical and challenging. All runners must have prior experience in Trail Running, and any additional experience associated with mountain activities will be an advantage. In order to be considered for participation in Mac Mac Ultra an applicant must at least meet the following requirements:

miler
Have completed trail-running events of distances greater than 50Km.
The completion of mountain activities and events will be an additional factor considered favourably in the assessment of his or her experience.

Trespassing on the Mac Mac Trail. 

It is illegal to trespass onto the Mac Mac Trail without a permit. Whilst the organisers of the Mac Mac Ultra actively encourage participants of this event to hike the Fanie Botha and other Trails we relinquish any attempt to trespass on Private Property.  As the Mac Mac Trails is equally off bounds to everyone for the purposes of training the event organisers will not hesitate to disqualify anyone who trespasses onto the Trail outside of this event and ban them from future participation. Past participants guilty of trespassing will have their previous results annulled and names publicised on the event websites and in event correspondences.

Enter the 200 Mile Ultra Trail Run

Private: 200 Miler Entry 2024 Zama Zama Edition

R8,800.00

Race Details

The New Mac Mac Monster is an out and back 200miler. First 100miles(out) self navigate, unsupported except for checkpoints up to 55km’s apart. Second 100miles(back) will be shared with the 100mile race and check points at least every 10miles.

Start: Wednesday 26June 14h00 Merry Pebbles Sabie
Registration: Wednesday from 12h00- 13h00 Merry Pebbles Sabie
Compulsory race briefing:  13h00
Time Limit: 90Hours 10h00 Sunday 30June
Prize Giving Brunch: 10h00 Sunday Merry Pebbles Sabie
Meal Tickets for friends and family can be bought at registration.

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46 KM ULTRA TRAIL

Compulsory Gear

List is compulsory for all athletes

You will be spoiled with fully stocked aid stations  every 8 to 17km.

Quick Facts

Mac Mac Ultra is registered as a UTMB® INDEX RACE. 

46 KM - Route Overview

Start: Saturday 5 July 07h30 Merry Pebbles Sabie

Registration: Friday from 16h00- 20h00 Merry Pebbles Sabie

Time Limit: 12 Hours

Prize Giving: 19h00 Saturday Merry Pebbles Sabie

Meal Tickets for friends and family can be bought at registration.

The Sabie River is a river in South Africa that forms part of the Komati River System.

The catchment area of the Sabie-Sand system is 6,320 km in extent.

The Sabie is one of the most biologically diverse rivers in South Africa, with generally good water quality.

It rises in the Drakensberg escarpment of Mpumalanga province, flowing eastwards into the lowveld. It crosses the breadth of the Kruger National Park before cutting through the Lebombo range into Mozambique. Some 40 km from Moamba it enters the large Corumana Dam before finally joining the Komati. Settlements on its banks include Sabie, Skukuza and Lower Sabie.

Merry Pebbles to Ceylon Hut

Distance: 5.5km

Ascent: 160m

Descent: 113m

Spectator point: Yes 

The 46km route will start at Merry Pebbles next to the fast free flowing Sabie river.

The first 5 km will have a fast start with some single track and jeep track.

The runners will be able to warm up the legs properly with a slight uphill to Ceylon hut.

Ceylon Hut to Stables Hut

Distance: 11.2km

Ascent: 1064m

Descent: 360m

Spectator point: No

Cutoff: Yes - 12h00 Saturday 

From Ceylon hut you will make your way up to the Loerie walking trail up to Bridal Veil and Glynis Falls and you will also be able to view Bridal Veil Falls from above after a spectacular single track section.

From here you will continue UP via the Pine tree plantations on single track and plantation road.

Eventually you will reach the top where you will be met by the friendly people at the Stables hut

Stables to Mount Anderson Split

Distance: 6.1km

Ascent: 261m

Descent: 150m

Spectator point: No

Cutoff: Yes - 15h00 Saturday 

If you are able to pull yourself away from the festivities at Stables, back on to a plantation road, warming up the legs on a nice uphill, the falling into the magnificent  Hartbeesvlakte with a free flowing single track.

Watch out not to miss the rock pool to the right and feel free to stop , smell the flowers and take a goef in 'Pik se Gat'.

Be on the lookout for Eland, Hartebeest, and Zebras to name a few.

The single track will continue across the valley below Mt Anderson to the Mt Anderson split.

Mount Anderson Split to Maritzbos Hut

Distance: 6.2km

Ascent: 290m

Descent: 900m

Spectator point: No

Cutoff: Yes - 17h00 Saturday 

Now we are getting to the business end of things, you should welcome some downhill.  

Some call it the Towerbos or Magic Forest others call it Pain forest. A super steep slippery wet descent to Maritzbos that never ends.

This section is a real gem of 6km indigenous forest, rivers, rock pools and the most spectacular waterfalls. You will cross several streams on slippery wooden bridges.

The final stretch flattens out till you get to the Party at Maritzbos aid station

Maritzbos Hut to Ceylon Hut

Distance: 8.7 km

Ascent: 250m

Descent: 466m

Spectator point: Yes - Ceylon Hut

The first section between Maritzbos and the Ceylon Hut is a runnable 8.7 km jeep track section with one or two climbs to negotiate.

At Ceylon hut you can almost see the end, and this is where you are going to start swearing at the RD ...

Ceylon Hut to Merry Pebbles

Distance: 9.5km

Ascent: 320m

Descent: 380m

Spectator point: Yes - The FINISH LINE!

This is a real tester for the mind training you have done over the past year.

Steady jeep tracks climb to the top of the “The Why the F” koppie, aka Frikkies Folly.

A really spectacular descent on a MTB single track brings you to the bottom were you will follow the Sabie river, one more river crossing and a cold Sabie Brewery beer awaits you at the finish.

Race Rules

Participants’ Minimum qualifications and experience

  1. The minimum age is 18 years old for the 46k on race date.
  2. The weather in the area can be unpredictable and the terrains can be very technical and challenging. All runners must have prior experience in Trail Running, and any additional experience associated with mountain activities will be an advantage. In order to be considered for participation in Mac Mac Ultra an applicant must at least meet the following requirements:

kilometer
Have completed trail-running events of distances greater than 30Km or participated and finished a traditional city marathon (42Km).

Trespassing on the Mac Mac Trail. 

It is illegal to trespass onto the Mac Mac Trail without a permit. Whilst the organisers of the Mac Mac Ultra actively encourage participants of this event to hike the Fanie Botha and other Trails we relinquish any attempt to trespass on Private Property.  As the Mac Mac Trails is equally off bounds to everyone for the purposes of training the event organisers will not hesitate to disqualify anyone who trespasses onto the Trail outside of this event and ban them from future participation. Past participants guilty of trespassing will have their previous results annulled and names publicised on the event websites and in event correspondences.

Enter the 200 Mile Ultra Trail Run

Private: 200 Miler Entry 2024 Zama Zama Edition

R8,800.00

Race Details

The New Mac Mac Monster is an out and back 200miler. First 100miles(out) self navigate, unsupported except for checkpoints up to 55km’s apart. Second 100miles(back) will be shared with the 100mile race and check points at least every 10miles.

Start: Wednesday 26June 14h00 Merry Pebbles Sabie
Registration: Wednesday from 12h00- 13h00 Merry Pebbles Sabie
Compulsory race briefing:  13h00
Time Limit: 90Hours 10h00 Sunday 30June
Prize Giving Brunch: 10h00 Sunday Merry Pebbles Sabie
Meal Tickets for friends and family can be bought at registration.

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25 KM MACatini

Compulsory Gear

List is compulsory for all athletes

You will be spoiled with fully stocked aid stations  every 8 to 17km.

Quick Facts

Mac Mac Ultra is registered as a UTMB® INDEX RACE. 

25 KM - Route Overview

Start: Saturday 5 July 07h30 Merry Pebbles Sabie

Registration: Friday from 16h00- 20h00 Merry Pebbles Sabie

Time Limit: 5 Hours

Prize Giving: 12h00 Saturday Merry Pebbles Sabie

Meal Tickets for friends and family can be bought at registration.

The Sabie River is a river in South Africa that forms part of the Komati River System.

The catchment area of the Sabie-Sand system is 6,320 km in extent.

The Sabie is one of the most biologically diverse rivers in South Africa, with generally good water quality.

It rises in the Drakensberg escarpment of Mpumalanga province, flowing eastwards into the lowveld. It crosses the breadth of the Kruger National Park before cutting through the Lebombo range into Mozambique. Some 40 km from Moamba it enters the large Corumana Dam before finally joining the Komati. Settlements on its banks include Sabie, Skukuza and Lower Sabie.

Merry Pebbles to Ceylon Hut

Distance: 5.5km

Ascent: 160m

Descent: 113m

Spectator point: Yes 

The 25km route will start at Merry Pebbles next to the fast free flowing Sabie river.

The first 5 km will have a fast start with some single track and jeep track.

The runners will be able to warm up the legs properly with a slight uphill to Ceylon hut.

Ceylon Hut to Ceylon Hut

Distance: 8.5km

Ascent: 527m

Descent: 527m

Spectator point: Yes 

From Ceylon hut you will make your way up to the Loerie hiking trail up to Bridal Veil and Glynis Falls. 

Halfway down the fast jeep track, with spectacular views, you will say your goodbye to the 46km runners as they split of to a monster climb up to Stables hut.

Back on a single track trough an old plantation brings you back to Ceylon hut for a second helping of all their yummy snack. 

Ceylon Hut to Merry Pebbles

Distance: 9.5km

Ascent: 320m

Descent: 380m

Spectator point: Yes - The FINISH LINE!

This is a real tester for the mind training you have done over the past year.

Steady jeep tracks climb to the top of the “The Why the F” koppie, aka Frikkies Folly.

A really spectacular descent on a MTB single track brings you to the bottom were you will follow the Sabie river, one more river crossing and a cold Sabie Brewery beer awaits you at the finish.

Race Rules

Participants’ Minimum qualifications and experience

  1. The minimum age is 16 years old for the 25k on race date.
  2. The weather in the area can be unpredictable and the terrains can be very technical and challenging. All runners must have prior experience in Trail Running, and any additional experience associated with mountain activities will be an advantage. In order to be considered for participation in Mac Mac Ultra an applicant must at least meet the following requirements:

kilometer
Have completed trail-running events of distances greater than 15Km or participated and finished a traditional city marathon (21Km).

Trespassing on the Mac Mac Trail. 

It is illegal to trespass onto the Mac Mac Trail without a permit. Whilst the organisers of the Mac Mac Ultra actively encourage participants of this event to hike the Fanie Botha and other Trails we relinquish any attempt to trespass on Private Property.  As the Mac Mac Trails is equally off bounds to everyone for the purposes of training the event organisers will not hesitate to disqualify anyone who trespasses onto the Trail outside of this event and ban them from future participation. Past participants guilty of trespassing will have their previous results annulled and names publicised on the event websites and in event correspondences.

Race Week Itinerary

This is the itinerary for race week. Please note it is subject to change.

Wednesday 2 July

11:00 to 12:45
200 Mile Race registration at Merry Pebbles

12:45 - 13:30
200 Mile Mandatory Race Briefing

14:00
200 Mile Race Start

Thursday 3 July

12:00
Shuttle departs from OR TAMBO AIRPORT.
Meeting Point: DOMESTIC ARRIVALS INFORMATION DESK
Please don’t be late as the shuttle will not be able to wait for you!

16:00 to 20:00
Race registration at Merry Pebbles

Friday 4 July

08h30
A SHUTTLE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO TRANSFER 100 MILERS FROM MERRY PEBBLES TO THE VINE RESTAURANT IN PILGRIMS REST

09:00 to 11:00
100 Mile Race registration at Pilgrims Rest

11:00 - 11:45
100 Mile Mandatory Race Briefing

12:00 - 100 Mile Race Start

16:00 to 20:00
Race registration at Merry Pebbles

Saturday 5 July

06:00
50 Mile Race Start at Graskop Gorge Lift

07:30
46KM Race Start at Merry Pebbles

07:30
25KM Race Start at Merry Pebbles

12:00
25 km PRIZE GIVING @ Race Village MERRY PEBBLES

19:00
46 km PRIZE GIVING @ Race Village MERRY PEBBLES

Afternoon Entertainment, Bands and Beer Garden

Sunday 6 July

08:00 - 11:30
Breakfast/Brunch at the restaurant

10:00 to 11:30
200 Mile, 100 Mile & 50 Mile Prize Giving & Buckle Ceremony at Merry Pebbles

12:00 - ?
Beers & war stories at Merry Pebbles

Enter The 2025 Mac Mac Jock Edition

Select your entry from the table below to add it to your cart.
We will collect your athlete entry details on the checkout page.

Standard Entries

Payment Plans

Cancellations & Refunds

IN THE EVENT OF CANCELLATION

BEFORE 31 JANUARY 2025 – 25% CANCELLATION FEE
BETWEEN 1 FEB 2025 AND 2 June 2025 – 50% CANCELLATION FEE
AFTER 2 June 2025 – 100% CANCELLATION FEE – NO REFUND

TRANSFER OF ENTRIES

ENTRIES CAN BE TRANSFERRED/DEFERRED BEFORE 2 June 2025.
THERE IS A R400 ADMIN FEE.

Mac Mac Training Camp

26 to 29 April 2025 - 4 Full days of training camp Route Recces and info sessions combined with a unique Night Run!

Are you feeling a bit nervous? Do you want to know what you got yourself into on the Mac Mac Ultra in June, or can’t make the Mac Mac this year and you are suffering from FOMO? Or do you just want to have fun with like-minded trailies and the family?

We have the answers to all your questions!!

And this year its again in conjunction with the Sabie Forest Festival.

Saturday 26 April

18h00 : ‘Ken Mekaar Braai’– Merry Pebbles at Mac Mac Designated Camp

Sunday 27 April

06h00 : Coffee & Rusks @ Merry Pebbles at Mac Mac Designated Camp

06h30 : Route Recce Run no 1

11h00 : Return from Run

12h00-14h00 : Lunch & Info Session @ Sabie Brewery.(Lunch Own Account)

16h00 : Route Recce Run no 2

Monday 28 April

06h00 : Coffee & Rusks – Merry Pebbles at Mac Mac Designated Camp Area

06h30 : Route Recce Run no 3

08h00 : York Bark in the Park and Trail Run @ Engelhard Park Sabie (Forest Festival) not Compulsory entry not included - 10km 5km 2.1km

11h00 : Return from Run

12h00 – 14h00 : Lunch & Info Session

18h00 : Night Run (remember headlight)

Tuesday 29 April

06h00 : Coffee & Rusks – Merry Pebbles at Mac Mac Designated Camp Area

06h30 : Route Recce Run no 4. Last of scheduled runs

12h00 : Lunch & Info Session @ Johnny’s Pub Pilgrims rest. (Lunch Own Account)

14h00 : End of formalities. Opportunity to enjoy the festivities of Forest Festival and even enter the popular 3 day Sabie Experience starting 1May.

Info Sessions

The various info sessions over the weekend will include the following topics:

Trail Gear : Understanding gear for training & racing

Navigation for Trail Runners : Map your run, planning your trail, navigational skills, GPS navigation

Training Plans : Train smart & avoid injury

Nutrition : Eating right for training & racing

Strength & Mobility : How cross training helps for trail runners

Recovery & injuries

Question & Answers

Self camping at Merry Pebbles is included in your training camp package for the weekend (4 nights). You must bring your own camping gear.

Spacious canvas tents for 2 people with mattresses are available at R1000 per tent for the weekend (4 nights). You must provide your own bedding.

Self camping for non participants is available at R1200 for adults, and R1000 for children under 18 for the weekend (4 nights)

Chalets are available for your own account. Book direct with Merry Pebbles (limited due to Forest Festival)
Training Camp Mac Mac Entrants - R2000.00 – Individual Entry, includes self camping (bring your own camping gear)

Training Camp NON Mac Mac Ultra Entries - R3000.00 – Individual Entry, includes self camping (bring your own camping gear)

Enter any of the Mac Mac Ultra Distances for July 2025 after doing the training camp and we will discount your entry with R1000!!! T’s & C’s

BASIC CAMPING FACILITIES INCLUDED.
BRING YOUR OWN TENT AND GEAR
Included in your booking:

Great time with family and friends!!!
New TRAIL RUNNING FRIENDS GUARANTEED!!
Route permits
Ablution facilities
Self-camping (bring your own camping gear)

Optional - transfer to and from Recce Runs
Optional - book a supplied tent (bring your own bedding)

** Excludes all meals and other accommodation**

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Race Merchandise

Don't miss out!

Order your limited edition race merchandise below, and collect it when you get to the event.

Accommodation

Sabie

(Start of 25KM, 46KM & 200 Mile)

Our Race Village is at Merry Pebbles and we have negotiated a discounted rate for Mac Mac Weekend.

This is the Start venue for the 25km, 46km and 200mile race and the Finish line for all our races.

All reservations can be done direct with Merry Pebbles or on line

Website: www.merrypebbles.co.za

Email: info@merrypebbles.co.za

Call us: 013-764 2266/ 764 1502

Self Catering options 

Merry Pebbles Chalets are all self catering.

Each Chalet has~

  • Fully equipped kitchen with a fridge/freezer; microwave; stove; all the crockery and cutlery.
  • Own braai area.
  • Own bathroom
  • Towels are provided
  • All linen is provided
  • Bring your own swimming Towel
  • TVs with DSTV (hotel package).
  • All the chalets have lounges except for the Cabanas which are like bachelor flats so there is a couch in the sleeping area.

Camping/Caravanning options

Merry Pebbles works on a first come basis we DO NOT reserve specific sites

Free U2’s

The tariff includes the site plus the electrical point.

Merry Pebbles Holiday Resort is situated on the banks of the upper reaches of the Sabie River and is a lovely setting to relax after a hard day’s trail run.

  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the resort and chalets.
  • ATM on site in the convenience store which has all the basic amenities.
  • A La Carte Restaurant
  • Liquor Store

One may make use of the many leisure activities at the resort like the heated pool, tennis court, mini-golf, outdoor chess, play park, trampolines & fly fishing in the Sabie river.

No Day visitors allowed. However for the Mac Mac trail run there will be an area opened up for the general public but still no access into main accommodation/camping area.

NO MOTORBIKES OR QUAD BIKES OR MOTORBIKES ON TRAILERS ALLOWED AT MERRY PEBBLES

MacMac Tented Accommodation

Upgraded tented camp at Merry Pebbles (excludes race entry).

Accommodation is for a maximum of 2 people per tent.

Rate is for the entire weekend, and includes:

  1. A large canvas tent,
  2. 2 mattresses,
  3. electricity,
  4. 2 comfy pillows,
  5. 2 warm duvets & sheets.

For more info contact us at info@macmacultra.com

 

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Pilgrims Rest

(Start of 100 Mile, Halfway of 200 Mile)

Mount Sheba

Mount Sheba Check Point for 100M & 200M tel:+27137681241

Mount Sheba is situated in the Rainforest near the famous town of Pilgrim’s Rest in Mpumalanga.

Superb Cuisine and Luxury Rooms with crackling wood Fireplaces, give a magical feel to this one-of-a-kind Forest Resort.

Tranquil Hiking Trails through the Rainforest, rare Samango Monkeys and joyful bird calls will transport you to utter Relaxation.

Mount Sheba is one of the Aid Stations and Spectator points on the 100mile & 200mile routes. 

Huge accommodation discounts for Mac Mac Entrants and their Families.

Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge

Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge is now an official aid station on the Mac Mac Ultra 100 Mile and 200 Mile routes!  Not only is it a perfect spot to refuel and recharge, but it’s also an amazing spectator point for your friends and family to cheer you on.

Stay Close to the Action!
Crystal Springs is offering an exclusive accommodation special for runners and supporters. Book your chalet now and experience the race from the heart of the trail!

Book directly with Crystal Springs here!

Attractions

Mac-Mac is a historical area in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa and the site of the country’s earliest gold rush. It is located near the town of Sabie, 5 km from Pilgrim’s Rest.

Gold was discovered in 1872 by Thomas Mclachlan and partners. This triggered the first gold rush in South Africa and diggers from all over started to flock to what later became ‘Mac-Mac’. Alex “wheelbarrow” Patterson discovered rich gold deposits in the Pilgrim’s Creek in September 1873. The nearby Mac Mac twin falls, originally a single stream, acquired their current appearance when gold miners blasted the stream to reach the gold-bearing reef over which it drops.
The quaint old gold mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest is the starting point of the epic journey. The history of gold mining operations in the Pilgrim’s Rest area goes back more than 160 years. The trail passes many relics from these early days of mining as one climbs away from the start.

The Fanie Botha Trail is situated in the Sabie area and located on the Drakensberg escarpment. On this trail, runners can admire the Lone Creek and Mac Mac Falls – both national monuments – or just get carried away by the scenic grandeur of the Drakensberg. Some of the main attractions on this section are Mount Moodie, Mac Mac Pools, Mac Mac Falls and more than 5 other waterfalls.

The Prospector’s trail is a unique trail that beautifully combines the historical interests and natural environment of the area.

THE PANORAMA ROUTE, SOUTH AFRICA

When traveling through the southern half of Africa, there is an abundance of wildlife, untouched landscapes, and natural beauty to be found. The Panorama Route of South Africa offers all of this in an easy-to-follow map.

The route starts near Nelspruit/Mbombela, a town in South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province, and ends at the Limpopo Province border, near the well-known Kruger National Park. It’s an incredibly beautiful trip, ideal for families and nature lovers.

Things to See Along the Panorama Route, Mpumalanga

Graskop Gorge Lift Company

Graskop Gorge is located just outside of the town of Graskop.

It’s a naturally rich gorge that offers stunning views of the Lowveld. There are many activities to enjoy here, such as the lift, a short walk or even zip lining.

We ventured out to try out the gorge lift. The lift can fit 26 passengers, who will be lowered 51m into the forest below.

Once at the bottom, you can take a wander through the 500m of walkways and bridges. Then, you’ll be taken back up to the top where you can continue on your adventure.

HOURS
Monday to Sunday: 08h30 to 17h00.

PLEASE NOTE: WE ARE A DAY VISIT VENUE AND DO NOT HAVE ACCOMMODATION.

If you need accommodation, please google accommodation in Graskop.

To view our entrance fees and prices, click here

For more information, visit www.gglc.co.za or call 066 305 1572.

Pinnacle Rock

Standing prominently against a majestic backdrop of Driekop Gorge is Pinnacle Rock. This 98 ft natural formation is a popular stop on the panorama route self-drive map, attracting many visitors looking to admire and photograph its beauty.

The rock is located in a protected area, so you’ll pay a small fee to enter this area. Inside the area, you’ll find toilets, curio stalls for souvenirs, and a car park for around 30 cars.

There is one main viewpoint (REALLY close to the car park) to view Pinnacle Rock and a few others where you can see the surrounding waterfalls and the canyon’s vegetation and wildlife

HOURS: Daily 07:00 – 17:00

God’s Window

This magnificently gorgeous viewpoint over the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve gets its name from the breathtaking views over the world’s greenest canyon.

It’s easy to feel like you’re, quite literally, on top of the world as you look over the stunning Lowveld landscape.

Open daily, during daylight hours

Bourkes’ Luck Potholes

A stunning natural water feature, the Bourkes’ Luck Potholes mark the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon. Named after Tim Burke, a gold digger who predicted gold deposits in the area, although he himself was unsuccessful in finding any.

The ‘potholes’ in the riverbanks have been formed from hundreds of years of water rushing from the Treur River into the Blyde River Canyon. The natural formation is a sight to behold and brings many admirers to the visitors’ center.

There are walkways and bridges that lead to a railed viewpoint. This offers amazing views of the potholes and the surrounding natural wonders.

Opening hours: Daily 07:00 – 17:00

The Three Rondavels Viewpoint

Another incredible natural formation, the Three Rondavels are named for their resemblance to traditional African huts. Viewing these hilltops is best done from the viewpoint, which looks out onto the Blyde River Canyon as well.

The viewpoint is located just 200m from the parking, and it’s an easy walk – perfect for small kids to enjoy as well. The parking lot also often has small stalls selling African crafts for souvenirs and gifts.

Opening hours: Daily 08:00 – 17:00

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info@macmacultra.com

+27 (0) 83 3999564

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