42kmThe Cobra Full
- 1stR15,000
- 2ndR7,500
- 3rdR4,000
Men and women each · R53,000 in total
Strike II · Race rules
The Cobra Code
Kit, penalties, cut-offs and how we behave on the mountain. Short, so you read it all.
01 · Earn the entry
Kit
Mandatory · 42, 33 and 21 km · and the 10 km
- Waterproof jacket with hood and sealed seams
- Long-sleeve base layer (thermal or technical)
- Emergency space blanket
- Headlamp or torch, with spare batteries or power
- Whistle
- Phone, with the VOC (083 643 2087) and Taurus Medical (072 388 0440) saved and your route downloaded
- Strapping or support tape
- Water, 1 litre minimum
- Nutrition: enough between aid stations
- Beanie or buff
- Personal cup
- Gloves, if the forecast calls for them
10 km
The same list as the 21 km, unless we officially announce a warm-weather relaxation in race week: then you may leave out the jacket, space blanket, headlamp and gloves. A long-sleeve base layer is still recommended, and bring your own cup.
Suggested, not checked
Small first aid kit (plasters, blister kit; no anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or diclofenac during the race: with dehydration they raise the risk of kidney injury) · sunscreen and sunglasses · trekking poles, only if you've trained with them · electrolytes and fuel (Revive electrolytes and 226ers gels and bars are on the aid-station tables) · spare socks · light gloves and a buff · a power bank.
02 · Penalties
45 minutes an item
Kit is spot-checked on the start line and can be checked on the course. Each missing core safety item costs 45 minutes: two missing is 90 minutes. You may also have to get the item before you start or carry on.
Active phone
+45 min
Water reserve
+45 min
Space blanket
+45 min
Waterproof jacket
+45 min
Cutting the course means disqualification. So does help from supporters away from an official aid station.
03 · Cut-offs
Firm, and for your safety
| Distance | Start | On the course | Finish by |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42 km · The Cobra Full | 06:00 | Leave the Constantia Glen helipad aid station by 13:00, before Vlakkenberg | 17:00 |
| 33 km · The Cobra Strike | 06:30 | — | 17:00 |
| 21 km · The Cobra Half | 07:00 | — | 17:00 |
| 10 km · The Vineyard Labyrinth | 08:00 | — | 11:00 |
The 17:00 finish is before sunset. A captain or sweep who stops you is keeping you safe: hand over your bib and take the shuttle back.
04 · Run it right
On the mountain
The route crosses Table Mountain National Park and private wine farms. We are guests on both.
| Outside assistance | Supporters may help only at official aid stations and within 100 m of them. Not at the Constantia Glen helipad aid station or on the wine farms: both are closed to supporters this year. No pacers, no muling, no help in between. |
| Headphones | Fine with one ear free. Take them out on technical sections and at road crossings. |
| Poles | Allowed, but only if you've trained with them: untested, they slow you down. Keep them low and close in the field. |
| Bib on the front | Always visible, ideally on a race belt. Never on your back. |
| No litter, no trace | Everything you carry in, you carry out. Gel tops included. |
| No shortcuts | Stay on the marked route: red and blue flags, with route boards at junctions. Cutting it means disqualification. |
| No dogs on the course | Dogs on a lead are welcome at the finish. |
| Give wildlife space | Expect baboons and bees. Call out on blind corners. |
| Results and protests | Provisional results after the race, final within a few days. Protests at Race HQ within 60 minutes of finishing. |
05 · Dropping out
Tell the captain
- Walk to the nearest aid station on the marked route.
- Tell the captain before you leave the course. They log you out.
- Take the shuttle back to Constantia Uitsig (expect a wait).
- Never just leave. Leaving without telling anyone starts a search.
Hurt, lost or worried about someone? Call the VOC on 083 643 2087, or Taurus Medical on 072 388 0440 if you can't get through. All numbers: the Runner's Guide.
06 · Prize money and races within the race
R135,000on the line
R135k in prize money, plus prizes for first place in every age category.
Podium powered by Revive, Wellness Warehouse, Vida e Caffè, Suzuki Constantiaberg and our other partners.
33kmThe Cobra Strike
- 1stR10,000
- 2ndR7,000
- 3rdR3,000
Men and women each · R40,000 in total
21kmThe Cobra Half
- 1stR8,000
- 2ndR4,500
- 3rdR2,000
Men and women each · R29,000 in total
10kmThe Vineyard Labyrinth
- 1stR3,000
- 2ndR2,000
- 3rdR1,000
Men and women each · R12,000 in total
Races within the race
The Gozney Pursuit
Most places gained between Kloof Nek and a secret second timing point. Men and women.
Prize2 Gozney pizza ovens
The Crew Showdown
Three runners, one distance, one combined finish time. Men's, women's and mixed crews per distance. Register by midnight, Thursday 22 October.
Prize3 Yeti cooler hampers and a place in the Hall of Fame
The Fang
Fastest up Vlakkenberg. No race escapes The Fang.
PrizeThe Bergskaap Floating Trophy and Zweibrüder headlamps
The Final Strike
Fastest down the last kilometre into Constantia Uitsig: 150 m of descent, straight into the supporter tunnel.
PrizeA Cape Peninsula day in a convertible Cobra from Cape Cobra Hire. Four to win.
Strava segments count when you record the run on Strava and join the Cape Cobra club on Strava. Winners at the mini prize giving, 12:15.
