Eselfontein Trail Run 3 Day Stage Race | 2026

The 2026 Eselfontein Trail Run Festival takes place from Friday, 23 October to Sunday, 25 October 2026, with 1-day trail events taking place on Saturday, 24 October 2026. The festival includes trail running, walking, kiddies cycling, camping, food vendors, coffee vendors, and a full weekend outdoor atmosphere.

Participants can choose from 1-day trail run options or take on a 3-day stage race. The Saturday events include a 21km trail run, 10km trail run, and 5km fun run, walk, or kiddies cycle, making the event accessible to experienced trail runners, social runners, walkers, families, and young participants.

For those looking for a bigger weekend challenge, the festival also offers 3-day trail run stage race options, with both long and short formats limited to 150 entries each. Both stage race options begin with a 7.5km night-style opening stage on Friday evening, followed by Saturday and Sunday trail stages.

Entrants can enjoy free camping grounds, access to food, beverage, and coffee vendors throughout the weekend, and use of the swimming pool. Massage bookings will also be available during the festival weekend.

1-Day Events – Saturday, 24 October 2026

Race start window: 07h00 – 08h00

• 21km Trail Run – R300
• 10km Trail Run – R200
• 5km Fun Run / Walk / Kiddies Cycle – R100

3-Day Trail Run Long

Entry limit: 150 entries

Entry fee: R1,000 per entry

• Friday, 23 October: 7.5km at 18h00
• Saturday, 24 October: 21km at 07h00
• Sunday, 25 October: 14km at 07h00

3-Day Trail Run Short

Entry limit: 150 entries

Entry fee: R1,000 per entry

• Friday, 23 October: 7.5km at 18h00
• Saturday, 24 October: 10km at 07h00
• Sunday, 25 October: 14km at 07h00

Extras & Festival Facilities

• Free camping grounds for all entrants
• Food, beverage, and coffee vendors throughout the weekend
• Swimming pool
• Massages available:
• 30 minutes – R450
• 60 minutes – R700