The Hell Run follows the old Donkey Trail into Gamkaskloof, or as its better known: Die Hel. The Donkey Trail, which originates on the Living Waters farm outside of Calitzdorp, was once the only link between Die Hel and the outside word; used by traders looking to sell goods to the isolated community and by the hardy inhabitants of the kloof to get their famous dried fruit and Witblitz to market. The Donkey Trail is still in operation today as a guided four day hike (visit www.donkeytrail.com for more information), in the company of the sturdy animals from which it takes its name, but for The Hell Run the route is otherwise closed to trail runners and hikers.

It is trail running at its South African best, crossing untamed mountains along a path that’s seldom trod and descending into the valley that time forgot. It’s pure mountain running, as tough as the farmers who once tilled the fertile soils of Gamkaskloof. But with startling rewards around every twist in the trail – unspoilt fynbos, vistas that’ll take your breath away (even more so than the climbs…), and sections of trail that’ll encourage your weary legs out of a trot and into a gallop as they appeal to your inner mountain goat.

At 22km per day The Hell Run might not sound all that tough but distances are deceiving in the Swartberg Mountains. The climb up to Die Wyenek on Day One is a relentless 10.4km slog that’ll take you double as long as your usual trail 10km. And the 4km climb up the Elands Pass on Day Two is sure to be a psychological battle with the summit ever insight but oh-so slow in approaching. Both days feature 1 300 meters of altitude gain, with the highest peak of the race topping out at over 1 500 meters above sea level.

If you think you have what it takes to conquer the inaugural Hell Run you can enter online at www.tohellandback.co.za or directly via the entry portal by clicking here. The entry fees are R2 250 per person and include accommodation in the tented camp for Saturday night (21st May), Saturday dinner in Die Hel, Sunday breakfast in Die Hel (22nd May), exclusive race apparel and a finishers’ medal. Supporters are also welcome at a cost of R2 000 per person, which includes: accommodation in the tented camp for Saturday night (21st May), Saturday dinner in Die Hel and Sunday breakfast in Die Hel (22nd May).

To find out more visit the www.tohellandback.co.za website and click on the Run the Hell and Back option. To see teasers of what to expect from The Hell Run and for regular updates follow @runtohellandback on Instagram, like The Hell Run on Facebook and follow @EcoBoundMTB on Twitter.

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Notes for the Editors:

For more information on The Hell Run please contact Zane Schmahl on 072 076 8623 or zane@ecobound.co.za.

Photo Credits:

All photos by: Seamus Allardice

Photo Captions:

1. Charl Pienaar and race director Zane Schmahl setting off to recce the Donkey Trail for The Hell Run.
2. There’s lots of climbing to conquer before you reach Die Wyenek.
3. Photos simply can’t do the views justice.
4. Neil Ungerer and Mikayla Oliver pressing on towards the summit of Day One at Die Wyenek.
5. Tarryn de Beer trotting through the fynbos.
6. The water point is located at a cool mountain pool, perfect for filling up your hydration pack (upstream) and taking a dip as Juan Botes did.
7. The narrow, river-side, strip of fertile land which makes up Die Hel.