Gravel Rush: Lion and Tiger Edition

The Gravel Rush: Lion & Tiger Edition is a true test of endurance, grit, and mental toughness an ultra-endurance gravel mountain bike race set in the heart of the Free State’s vast and rugged landscapes. Taking place on Saturday, 11 April 2026, this iconic event charges onto the calendar from the spectacular Boskoppie Lion & Tiger Reserve near Kroonstad, offering riders an unforgettable adventure through remote gravel roads, rolling farmlands, and untamed terrain.

Starting and finishing at a working big cat sanctuary, the Gravel Rush delivers a race atmosphere unlike any other. Riders will experience wide-open Free State horizons, the relentless crunch of gravel beneath their tyres, and the raw, primal energy of racing through a region known for its wild spirit and endless roads.

Participants can choose between two demanding ultra-distance routes, carefully designed to showcase the very best of Free State gravel riding—fast sections, long solitary stretches, and challenging terrain that rewards patience, strategy, and resilience.

📍 Event Details

• Date: Saturday, 11 April 2026
• Start Time: 06:30
• Registration Opens: 05:30
• Venue: Boskoppie Lion & Tiger Reserve, Kroonstad
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💧 Facilities & Rider Support

• Water Stations: Every 40–50 km
• Medical Support: Fully staffed on-site medical team

Tiger Route Water Points:

25 km | 62 km | 103 km | 144 km

Lion Route Water Points:

25 km | 62 km | 102 km | 138 km | 178 km | 201 km | 244 km

With well-spaced water points, medical backup, and optional on-site accommodation at Boskoppie, riders can focus on what matters most—pushing limits and embracing the journey.

The Gravel Rush is more than a race. It’s a battle of endurance, a celebration of camaraderie, and a chance to carve your name into the history of South African gravel racing. Are you ready to answer the call of the Lion and the Tiger?