uMngeni River Run
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uMngeni River Run
The uMngeni River Run is a trail running event held in the WESSA uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve in Howick. The 2026 edition is the 14th and is headlined by a 50 km route with several shorter loop courses. The event will also serve as a trailing run for the WESSA Ultra Trail Festival on 24 October 2026.
Routes lie within a 900 hectare reserve and move through rolling grasslands, indigenous forests, dense thickets and lush valley bushveld. The course terrain includes flowing singletrack, rugged dirt roads, steep climbs, technical descents and twisting paths along the valley floor.
Distances
- 50 km Ultra Course
- 36 km Extended Course
- 18 km Long Course
- 12 km Medium Course
- 6 km Short Course
Longer courses list compulsory kit items such as a mobile phone, minimum 1 L hydration capacity, at least one energy bar or emergency nutrition item, an emergency blanket, a torch or night light, a whistle and basic first aid bandages. Mandatory kit checks may be carried out before, during or after the race. The 50 km course lists about 1 616 m of elevation and four aid stations; the 36 km course lists about 1 273 m of elevation and four aid stations. The 18 km, 12 km and 6 km courses indicate fewer aid stations and do not list compulsory kit requirements. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
