There really isn't another trail route quite like the Monties 54km ultra anywhere in the world.

 

The race begins before sunrise at Mahai Campsite, Royal Natal. Runners will set off and traverse the mystical Mahai valley along existing maintained hiking footpaths until they are welcomed at the first aid station at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge (12km mark). From there they follow a 4x4 dirt road linking the Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge to the second aid station at Sentinel Car Park (20km mark).
 
Using a mix of paved and natural hiking footpaths, runners make their way up to the adventure testing chain ladders. Once runners have reached the top of the chain ladders, the new route will take them in a northerly direction towards a newly revamped Research Unit and aid station. This is a trial year so one can call it the ‘limited edition’ Monties 2025. On this new route, runners will now turn right and visit the Research Station and bank around to the Crows Nest (3128m) and down to the Tugela Falls checkpoint, the worlds’ highest waterfall then finally scrambling down the gully.

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 This extra loops will add roughly 5km onto the traditional 50km route and a few extra meters of elevation. A challenge not to be missed.

Runners are encouraged to take the opportunity to savour the panoramic views on offer before descending the gully and joining back on the route just before Sentinel car park, to make their way back down to the finish line at Mahai.