The Moolmanshoek Valley is a hub of excitement when the annual K-Ways 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge takes place on 24 September 2021. Dubbed as the toughest 24km trail race in South Africa with a vertical accent of over 1800m, the race takes place on the picturesque Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve.

“We always tell people that the 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge Race exists to enlighten all those who think the Free State is that flat part on the N1 on your way to Cape Town,” laughs race organiser, Mike de Haast from Pure Adventures. “The race is self-supported and self-navigational and as the route is circular it makes it a good entry level event for those that are looking for something more challenging than running on the trail. The 24km, though, should not fool you into a false sense of security as this is Extreme Mountain running and is the equivalent to an ultra-marathon.”

The terrain is definitely not for the faint of heart and good preparation is a must.  Four very distinctive peaks make up the race as one circle around the Moolmanshoek valley.  The route is not marked, but is very easy to traverse with marshals and very clear signage at key places.  There are some very steep sections along the route that need to be navigated with the two toughest places being behind Jakobsberg and Visierskerf.  4 Peaks is a completely unsupported race, meaning that all athletes will need to carry everything they will need for the race on their person.

“The race is a combination of steep up hills and equally steep descends with some parts that are just amazing to run,” explains Mike. “The total distance is only 24km, but one will never think of 24km in the same way.”