Description
CHEESE, WINE & OLIVE TRAIL
Sat, 28 February 2026. 6km, 12km, 16km
Exclusive Trail Running on Private farmlands in the country with shaded streams. Limited to 400 Entries
Venue: Van Gaalen Cheese Farm : https://www.vangaalen.co.za
Distance & Entry Fee :
16km – R370 pp
12km – R350 pp
6km – R330 pp
Children under 12 years – R180 pp
What’s Included in Your Entry: Your entry fee covers more than just a trail run; it’s an all-access pass to a premium country experience. All participants will receive; The Finisher’s Reward: A unique finisher medal and a branded wine glass waiting for you at the finish line. Gourmet Tastings: A complimentary wine tasting and a curated cheese and olive vendor experience. On-Course Support: Fully stocked water points, professional medical support, and clearly marked, exclusive trail access. The “Wild Africa” Vibe: Live music, a professional photographer to capture your highlights, and a festive atmosphere.
The Post-Trail Celebration: Once you’ve crossed the finish line, head over to our “Pace Village” to unwind on the lawns. The festivities include a Vineyard Showcase: A comprehensive wine tasting featuring selections from at least five different vineyards. Live Entertainment: Relax to the sounds of live music in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Optional Extras: Looking to elevate your afternoon? We also offer a Satellite Massage Station: Treat your tired muscles to a post-run recovery session. Pop-up Restaurant & Bar: Enjoy a delicious meal and a full range of beverages.
Start Time / Batches:
Max. 50 pax will depart every 10 min
06h30 / 06h40 16km batch
06h50 / 07h00 / 07h10 12km batch
07h20 / 07h30 / 07h40 / 07h50 6km batch
Kindly note that numbers are strictly limited, not only due to the impact on the reserve & neighbouring farms but because we like to keep these trails exclusive & intimate
*** 2026 Ambassador Programme: See below
Registration: 45–60 minutes prior to batch start, beginning from 05:30am (first briefing at 06h20 sharp for A Batch)
Lucky Draw: As our ethos is around Experiences, we don’t do prizes for placings however a lucky draw with some great prizes will take place after the run so everyone has a chance.
Timing: Runners are required to record their individual time using their own devices if required. Once you cross the finish line please drop your wrist band into the bucket for our virtual lucky draw and write your timing down at the timing zone if needed for points. Timings will be published on our website in the week for Discovery Vitality Point submissions etc
General Information: Experience the scenic beauty of the Magaliesberg at the Van Gaalen trails. Whether you are weaving through lush reed tunnels and forest canopies or trekking past pecan nut plantations and peaceful farmlands along the river, this event offers a perfect morning escape into the countryside.
Route Options & Distances: We offer various distances designed to be relatively flat and fast, ensuring a great experience for all fitness levels;
16km: A diverse route for those looking to push their pace.
12km: Open to both runners and walkers/hikers.
6km: A shorter, scenic loop open to both runners and walkers/hikers
Event Highlights:
Diverse Terrain: Cross charming bridges and explore a mix of riverfront paths and open farm trails.
A “Tasting Sensation”: After your time on the trails, treat your palate to the unique flavours South Africa vineyards are famous for.
Festive Atmosphere: A welcoming, country-style event suitable for the whole family.
Important Note: To maintain the quality of the experience, entries are strictly limited to 400 participants.
Don’t miss out on this invigorating morning in nature—secure your spot today before they’re all gone!
Route: As it’s a somewhat flat & fast route, Wild Africa Experiences have rated the trail a 2/5 for the 6km & 12km and a 2.5/5 for the 16km which ascends to the base of the Magalies Mountain Range (5 being the most difficult). Routes are largely single track meandering along both Rivers with lots of shade & magnificent bird life. The 16km traverses along the base of the valley to the foothills of the Magalies mountain, passing an enclosed Buffalo camp. We cater for all fitness levels from 6km to 16km routes so it’s a great way to kick off the new year & stretch those legs! Walkers / hikers are more than welcome to join us.
Medals: Participants will receive a branded wine glass as your medal at the finish line along with a well-deserved wine tasting, including at least 5 fabulous wine farms (for those who are 18 years & over). There will also be several cheese & olive vendors, offering a great experience to compliment the wine tasting. Don’t miss this trail & festival, it promises to be a great one!
Take Note:
Walkers / hikers are more than welcome to join us
Cut off time is estimated at 03h00 hours from first batch – finishing field 09h30
Thank you for supporting our ethos “Tread Lightly” – all we leave behind are our footprints
There will be No Refunds due to rain or lightning cancellation
No licence is necessary to take part in the run
Minimum age of 18 years to partake in any of the wine tasting activities
All athletes participate at their own risk
Toilet facilities available at start / finish
Good secure parking available
Refreshments table available at various points including water / coke
Late entries on the day will be charged an additional R30 per person (subject to availability should the event not be sold out)
General Information:
Coffee & tea will be on sale before the run and there will be an optional runners breakfast available at Van Gaalens afterwards as well as the restaurant onsite.
Your safety is our number one concern. Whilst so much has changed, some things will thankfully still stay the same. We will continue with our exclusive & intimate trail runs in some hidden away valley and runners can be rest assured that your safety remains our absolute priority.
2026 Wild Africa Experiences Ambassadors Challenge: Fitness is all about the journey, the sunrises you catch on the trails, the friends you meet along the way & the summits you celebrate – these are the real rewards. The Ambassadors Programme really is based around a group of like minded adventure seekers with some phenomenal camaraderie, gees and support all around.From January through to December 2026, you’ll need to log a minimum of 12 Wild Africa Experience Trails in order to qualify for the 2026 “Ambassador Society”. The time you put in will bring a few surprise & delight elements along the way followed by a Year End Celebration (on us) as well as access to the exclusive Ambassador Society Club Tech Tee. The Rules; Zero fee to register & qualify, but One challenge – you must complete at least 12 Wild Africa Experiences Trail Events in person within 2026. Make sure you sign up in at Registration, the Adventure Calls!
Withdrawal, Substitutions, Roll-overs:
All entry fees for the Event are non-refundable / non-transferable under all circumstances permitted by law, including, but not limited to, cancellation of the Event for any reason including withdrawal of your participation in the Event, or change in the date, nature, or format of the Event.
7 days and more prior to the event, refunds or roll-overs are permissible at the sole discretion of the organizer and based on medical grounds only. For refunds, an administration fee of 25% will be applicable. Alternatively, roll overs are valid for a maximum of 3 months with a maximum of one date change. If the participant does not, for any reason utilize the entry within 3 months, their entry will no longer be valid nor refunded.
0-6 days prior to the event, NO refunds or roll-overs are allowed, however substitutions are permissible at any time leading up to the event. Kindly ensure you email us on explore@wildafricaexperiences.co.za in order to assist further.
You acknowledge that the Event may be cancelled or changed due to government directives, severe weather or any other factors that may be considered to threaten the safety of participants as determined by the Event organiser in its sole discretion. We have always strived to deliver on each & every event but due to the nature of our activities, some natural elements are out of our hands. Unfortunately, there is a no refund policy on bookings due to rain or lightening.
Enquiries
Contact : Wild Africa Experiences. Paul or Belinda
Contact number : 083 642 6698 / 081 018 2320 explore@wildafricaexperiences.co.za
