Aid stations
Stocked like a buffet, with ice-cold Revive when you needed it most.
Strike II feedback · Strike III · Saturday 23 October 2027
You spoke.
We listened.
More than 140 of you told us how Strike II went: on our feedback forms, in voice notes and in your RacePass reviews. Here's what we heard, and what changes for Strike III.
- 4.7out of 5 from runners
- 141runners, crew and elites had their say
- 50RacePass reviews
First things first · The 21 km
Sorry, 21 km. You ran 18.
If you ran the 21 km at Strike II, the route came up about 3 km short. That's on us, and we're sorry. We hope you still enjoyed every one of the 18 km you did get.
Here's what happened. The start loop was there for one reason: to spread the field out. Every marshal was briefed and in position. One of them sent you the wrong way. Human error, and it can happen to anyone. But the Cobra can't allow mistakes.
So we've put him in the snake pit.
+3 km
To make it up to you, next year's 21 km comes with an extra 3 km, free of charge.
Relax, we're kidding. Strike III's 21 km is a proper 21 km. The marshal has had plenty of time in the pit to study the map.
What you loved
We're keeping it
The build-up
Recces, the briefing vlog and a goodie bag worth carrying home.
The gees
Fast results and certificates, and the energy from the start to the village.
The marking
Many of you called it the best-marked trail run you've done. The markers stay, and they get reflective tape.
Your first trail race
Plenty of you started trail running with us, and told us you're hooked. Welcome to the pit.
What we're changing
For Strike III
- 01
The route
Too much vineyard and jeep track at the end of the 42 and 33.
Less vineyard, more mountain in the closing kilometres of the 42 and 33, and more single track on the 21.
- 02
Finish village
Hard to find, hot and slow.
A signposted finish into the village, shade, free cold water and faster food.
- 03
Prize-giving
A long wait until 16:00.
Prize-giving moves earlier, closer to when each distance finishes. No waiting until the end of the day to see your podium.
- 04
Race packs
Out of town and can't make the weekday collection.
Travelling in from out of town and can't make any collection? Ask us and we'll make a plan for you.
- 05
Photos
No photo of my own race.
More Bossfotos photographers spread across the course, so more of you get a shot of your own race.
- 06
The start
Crowded on the first single track.
On the morning, the MC splits the start into groups by pace, so you set off with runners at your speed.
- 07
Road crossings
Fast traffic at Spaanschemat River Road and the Constantia Nek intersections.
We're reviewing every busy crossing, and looking at traffic officers and warning signs where they're needed. Your safety comes first.
And more for every runner
A better day for everyone
Cheer zones on course
Places supporters can reach, with parking and a shuttle, so your people see you on the mountain and not just at the end.
Your kit on race day
Drive in, take the Cobra shuttle to the start and leave your kit in the car, so nothing travels with you. Getting a lift or an Uber? We're looking into lockers at the finish.
Coffee at the start
The 42 km start had coffee at Strike II. We're working on bringing it to every start.
A medal for your fridge
Every medal gets a magnet on the back.
More clubs on course
Clubs ran some of our aid stations at Strike II. We'd love more. Your club, your station, your gees.
Kids' runs
Every child gets a t-shirt, a medal and an ice cream, plus a few obstacles and a mascot race.
A shirt that fits
Small like a wetsuit, medium like a tent? A size guide with real measurements when you choose yours.
Where the loos are
There were toilets at the main aid stations. For Strike III we'll show you exactly where, on the route maps and in the race guide.
Water on the final stretch
The aid stations are already closest together on the last stretch. We'll make that clearer on the route maps so you can plan your bottles.
Family-friendly stage
Big tunes, PG lyrics, so the kids can sing along too.
Your flag on your bib
Runners have joined us from 17 countries beyond South Africa: the UK, France, Germany, the US, Belgium, Ireland, New Zealand, Namibia, Austria, Brazil, India, Italy, Kenya, Portugal, South Korea, Switzerland and the UAE. For Strike III we want your flag on your bib, so Cape Town can welcome you properly.
Keep telling us
The feedback form stays open. Every answer is read.
Photos: George Hardwick
