Rhodes Trail Run
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Rhodes Run
Rhodes Run is a trail running event staged in the southern Drakensberg mountains of the Eastern Cape Highlands, around the Victorian-era village of Rhodes. The event is noted for a festive atmosphere before and after the race and for often cold conditions at the start, commonly below zero and sometimes around -10 degrees Celsius.
The first Rhodes Run was held in July 1989 and the event continued annually until a two-year interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A local family became involved from the second event in 1990 and led race organisation from 1998 to 2023, after which organisational responsibility passed to new local organisers. The event follows trail-running traditions by offering no financial prizes apart from a few floating trophies; all runners receive the same pre- and post-race hand-outs. The run includes a system of permanent numbers and run colours to recognise repeat participants, with categories noted for long-term involvement such as Gold for 30+ runs, Mauve for 20+ runs and Blue for 3+ runs.
The 37th Rhodes Run is scheduled for 10 July 2027 and is presented as a community-centred trail event set in a highland mountain environment. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.