Houtkapper Trail Run | 2027

The 2026 Houtkapper Trail Run takes place on Sunday, 5 July 2026, starting at 08h30 from Quinta Da Montanha in Rheenendal, Western Cape.

This scenic Garden Route trail running event offers three route options — 27km, 15km, and 9km — each taking runners through the beautiful indigenous forests made famous by beloved South African author Dalene Matthee, known for works such as Circles in a Forest, Fiela’s Child, and Moerbeibos.

The routes pass through iconic forest landmarks including Krisjan-se-Nek, where Dalene Matthee’s ashes were scattered, the Dalene Matthee Memorial, and the site of the ancient Dalene Matthee Big Tree, an 880-year-old yellowwood tree. With varying distances and difficulty levels, the Houtkapper Trail Run caters to experienced trail runners, recreational athletes, and nature lovers looking for a memorable forest running experience.

Whether you’re taking on the longer 27km challenge or enjoying the shorter 9km route, this event offers a unique blend of trail running, literary heritage, and natural beauty in the heart of the Knysna forest region.