In an extraordinary year, where 2020 would have been the 6th year running of the Trans Elands MTB Marathon “SA’s TOUGHEST 100 miler”, we’ve had to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown regulations, thus we’ve cancelled the 160km BUT will still be staging the 60km on a brand new and exciting route!

The 160km “extreme” race was founded by Lex Holmes, who sadly passed away on 31 December 2016. The great turnout of riders for the first five years of our event is evidence of firstly the influence that Lex has had over many years in mountain biking circles throughout the Eastern Cape and secondly the dedication and commitment of the new organising team to continue with and grow Lex’s legacy.

The 60km MTB marathon race distance was added in 2017 with great success, and acts as a stepping stone for those who in future years would like to tackle the 160km. The 5-hour time limit allows for riders of varying capability to take part in and complete this 60km event.

With the new 2020 60km route riders will experience the breath-taking scenery of the Gamtoos River Valley, Mondplaas cattle farms and the Kabeljous River Estuary. Riders who have ridden the pre-2020 route should be glad to hear that the new route has about 200m less elevation gain. The 60km event caters for solo entries only.