The Gauntlet | 18-Hour Ultra | 2026

The Gauntlet is South Africa's most unpredictable ultra. For 18 hours, you run laps - one per hour, on the hour. Miss the start bell and your race is done. No exceptions.

What makes The Gauntlet different is the card draw. Before each lap, a playing card is pulled from a hat. That card determines the distance. You won't know if you're running 4km or 8km until the moment the card is turned. You cannot pace a race you cannot predict. The only plan that works: show up again. And again. And again.

NB: PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE FARM REGARDING ACCOMMODATION. FOR ANY QUESTIONS POP US AN EMAIL AT GHOSTMILESEVENTS@GMAIL.COM

The Format

The race starts at 18:00 on Saturday, 29 August 2026, and ends at 12:00 on Sunday, 30 August 2026 - 18 continuous hours. Every hour, on the hour, runners line up and a card is drawn. The card decides the lap distance. Complete the lap, rest until the next hour begins, then go again.

The darkness is not a backdrop - it's part of the challenge. Headlamps are required.

Lap Distances

Lap distances range from a minimum of 4km to a maximum of 8km, determined by the card draw each hour.

To make the event accessible to all fitness levels, the full deck is introduced in two phases:

• Hours 1-6: Cards in play are 4km, 5km, and 6km only. The longer distances (7km and 8km) are not yet in the deck.
• Hour 7 onwards: The full deck is in play - 4km, 5km, 6km, 7km, and 8km.

This means beginners have time to find their feet before the harder draws are introduced.

You Set Your Own Finish Line

You do not have to complete all 18 hours. Run one lap or run all eighteen = the choice is entirely yours. Every participant who completes at least one lap receives a finisher's medal. There is no minimum distance, no minimum time commitment. Show up, run a lap, earn your medal. What happens after that is up to you.

What To Expect

• A night start at dusk with headlamps on
• A different lap distance every hour - you won't know until the card is drawn
• 18 hours of running, rest, and community
• A base camp where you recover between laps
• Fellow runners who are figuring it out alongside you
• A finisher's medal for every participant who completes at least one lap

Event Details

Date: Saturday, 29 August - Sunday, 30 August 2026

Start time: 18:00

End time: 12:00

Location: Kruistementvlei Farm, Piketberg, Western Cape

Format: 18 Hour Backyard Ultra

Lap distances: 4km - 8km (card draw determines each lap)

Organised by: Ghost Miles Events

What's Included?

Race shirt: first 70 entries only (38 remaining)

Finisher's medal: all participants who complete at least one lap

Goodie bag: all entries

Aid station & refreshments: limited so please also bring your own!

Camping - on-site at Kruistementvlei Farm

Medical support - on-site for the duration of the event

Awards

1st, 2nd & 3rd place trophies: fastest three runners on the final lap

Heaviest runner on the final lap: because grit comes in all shapes

The Wild Card: race director's award, given to whoever embodied the spirit of The Gauntlet

Contact: ghostmilesevents@gmail.com