Haarkappers Coastal Challenge

A glimpse of what awaits.

This is the kind of terrain that makes the Haarkappers Coastal Challenge so special.

Winding single-track trails, rugged mountain paths, endless fynbos, and breathtaking views across the Klein River Mountains. Every climb rewards you with scenery that reminds you why you love trail running.

The route is challenging, beautiful, and unforgettable – a true Overberg adventure.

📅 Race Day: 8 August 2026
📍 Start: Gledsmuir Farm
🏃 23km of pure trail running

Who else can’t wait to experience these views?

Race village is set just outside Stanford on Gledsmuir Farm - 47 hectares on the banks of the Klein River, anchored by a thatched homestead dating back to the 1890s, with an old oak forest standing watch over it all.

This is where it all begins on the 8th of August. Registration, briefing, start and finish - all on the farm🌱✨

22km through some of the Overberg’s finest terrain🏔️

Details and entries at haarkappers.com ✏️

Before there was a race, there was a man. 🌿

Jannie Willemse was a Tesselaarsdal farmer with an extraordinary Saturday habit. Every week for over 20 years, he walked 20km over the Klein River Mountains to Stanford, cut hair, and walked straight back home. Every single week, without fail.

By the end, he’d covered more than 42,000km on foot. Further than the circumference of the earth 🌍

Haarkappers means hairdresser in Afrikaans. Now you know why✂️

The Haarkappers Coastal Challenge follows his exact route. 22km. 8th August. Klein River Mountains🏔️

There’s nothing quite like running through the fynbos with the Klein River Mountains as your backdrop. 🌿

Join us on the 8th of August for Haarkaapers Coastal Challenge - a 22km trail run through one of the most beautiful corners of the Western Cape. The Overberg is waiting, and so is the trail.

Whether you’re chasing a PB or just want to lose yourself in the landscape for a few hours, this one is for you.

📍 Klein River Mountains, Overberg
📅 8th August
🏃 22km

Tag a friend who you’d want to experience this race with👇🏼

🏔️ Take a good look - THIS is what’s waiting for you on race day.

Sweeping Overberg valley views, ancient fynbos, rugged rocky peaks and pristine singletrack trail… this is the route for the 2026 Haarkappers Coastal Challenge and it is absolutely breathtaking. 🌿☀️

22km through some of the most spectacular terrain the Hermanus mountains have to offer. Whether you’re chasing a PB or just soaking in the views - this one will stay with you long after the finish line.

📅 Date: 8 August 2026
📍 Start/Finish: Gledsmuir Farm, Hermanus
🏃 Distance: 22km
🚩 Cut-off: 14:00

After the race enjoy live music, a beer tent, massages and food trucks - because you’ll have earned it! 🎵🍺🍔

📩 [email protected]
📞 +27 83 326 7453
🌐 www.haarkappers.com

Tag someone who needs to see this trail! 👇🏽

⛰️ RACE DAY ⛰️

Mark your calendars - the 2026 Haarkappers Coastal Challenge is ON! 🙌

📍 Gledsmuir Farm
📅 8 August 2026
🏃 22km of pure fynbos trail magic

Registration opens at 7am, race kicks off at 8am ⏰

And the best part? The fun doesn’t stop at the finish line 🎉
- Live music
- Beer tent (11–2pm)
- Massages
- Food trucks

This is more than a race - it’s a vibe. See you on the trail! 🏃‍♀️🌱

👉 Register now: www.haarkappers.com

An icon along the Haarkappers route🌳 This lone tree at the top has marked the journey of countless runners and hikers. On 8th August 2026 it will mark yours. 22KM | www.haarkappers.com

📣 IMPORTANT UPDATE - Date Change & Race Format!

We’re excited to announce that the 2026 Haarkappers Coastal Challenge Trail Run has moved to Saturday the 8th of August 2026 and will now be held as a 1-day trail race!

🏅 22KM of stunning mountain terrain
📍 Running route to be shared soon
🗓️ One epic day - everything you’ve got!

Spots are limited, so don’t wait - head to www.haarkappers.com to register today!