Mont-Aux Sources Ultra Trail 2025
Fri Sep 5, 02:30 - Sun Sep 7, 09:00
Royal Natal National Park
ABOUT
- Date: 05-07 September 2025
- Venue: Royal Natal National Park
Mont-Aux Sources Ultra Trail is a premier trail running event that takes place in the Royal Natal National Park which forms part of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site.
Set against the backdrop of the world renowned Amphitheater, the distances offered include a 55km and 20km. Both distances boast iconic views and offer runners a trail running experience like no other.
55KM: 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.
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.
20KM: The new 20km route which was run for the first time in 2023, is a beautiful contouring route which in its own right encompasses the nature of the Drakensberg Valley in all its beauty. One will truly feel like they are a part of the Drakensberg mountains without having to endure the gruelling climb. Runners leave Mahai and navigate the existing trails which will take them past the base of Tugela Falls, Gudu Bush, Sunday Falls, Fairy Glen and back around to Mahai.
Prologue
Introducing the all new Mont-Aux Sources Ultra Trail prologue. This will be a short sharp 6km circular route which will take runners from Mahai Campsite through the first 4km of the race route. The final 2km will have you running down the Mahai Valley through the wooden paths along the river and back into the Mahai Campsite, giving our runners a quick taste of what lies ahead on race day.
While this prologue is not intended for seeding purposes, our intention is to give our participants the opportunity to shakeout their legs after the long travel as well as give them a chance to witness the spectacular sunset against the Drakensberg skies.
Spectators are also invited (for a small fee) to take part in the prologue to enjoy the beautiful trails surrounding the race village and to take notes of spectator points for the main races on Saturday.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
RUNNER TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. The contents hereof apply equally to any of my minor dependents who may accompany me.
2. I voluntarily participate in the Mont-Aux Sources Ultra Trail, including any of the activities associated therewith offered by WILDTRUST and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (the Service) at Royal National Park from the 5th of September 2025 – 7th of September 2025.
3. My general health is good; I am in my sound and sober senses and there is nothing which renders me unfit to participate in the event. I have sufficiently trained to participate in this event. I agree to comply with the rules, conditions of entry and regulations for this event which includes the payment of the entry fee. I hereby release and discharge the organizers of the Mont-Aux Sources Ultra Trail, WILDTRUST, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, landowners, all sponsors, volunteer groups, medical personnel, and any and all local authorities, from any loss or damage, however caused, arising from my participation in the event, including pre-race and post-race activities. I grant permission to the organizers and sponsors, in section 51 of the Electronic Communications Transactions Act 25 of 2002, to use my name, race information and any photographs, video reel / clips, broadcast and/or telecast footage in which I may appear, for whatever use, at no charge.
4. I may be exposing myself or my property to the risk or possibility of danger, harm or damage.
5. I understand the meaning and effect hereof and assume all risks whatsoever which may be inherent in, arise from or be associated with the event.
6. I release the Service, WILDTRUST and/or, any of their members, officers, employees, or agents from any duty of care towards me or my property for the duration of the event, and indemnify and hold them harmless from any liability whatsoever, and from any claims which would otherwise have accrued to me arising from my participation in the event, whether or not any such claims may arise through the negligence of the Service, WILDTRUST or any of their members, officers, employees or agents or from any of the risks or possibilities of danger associated with the event;
7. This indemnity shall be valid and binding upon my dependents, heirs and my estate.