Winter is rarely associated with blossoming flowers and time on the beach, but in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, late July is when the fynbos explodes in colour, and Southern Right whales gather in numbers to calve. It’s truly magical to witness an abundance of both, especially when you’re one of the few who get to experience it on foot.

2025 marks the 10th edition of the iconic Merrell Whale of Trail, a limited- numbers annual opportunity to run the 5-day Whale Trail hiking route in a single effort. Usually closed to runners, this exclusive event is the ONLY chance each year to experience this breathtaking coastal journey at race pace.

Paul Ingpen, editor of RUN magazine, describes the experience: "One moment that will stay with me forever is when... I stood breathing deeply with the early morning sun in my face on the cliff top... gazed out east over the Breede river, vultures circling overhead. All around me, weather-shaped rocks covered in multi-coloured lichen were dotted between a brighter and more splendid variety of blossoming fynbos... Ahh! This is what makes South Africa the best country in the world, and so worth going beyond your comfort zone, off the beaten track, to explore."

Runners can choose between the 53km ultra, tackling the entire five-day route in one day, or the 35km trail run, which offers a shorter yet equally stunning experience. For those wanting to soak in the trail over two days, the ultra- limited Journey experience caters to just 12 participants. With gourmet meals, sundowners, and a pampered post-race finish that includes a massage and medal, this is trail running in its most indulgent form.

Jessica Barrow, who finished fifth in the 53km race, considers it an "absolute bucket-list event with enormous depth and huge character." While noting that the first 25km are quite fast, she states that "it’s as technical as UTCT 55km, MUT and Otter over the last 28km." Despite its deceptively tough nature, she feels the "well-spaced aid stations and generous cut-offs do make it very achievable to all levels of trail runners."

A Once-a-Year Opportunity to Run the Whale Trail

This event is held in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, CapeNature's flagship reserve. Unlike hikers who must book a year in advance, runners have just ONE weekend per year to claim their place on this legendary trail. Mountain Runner Events secures the entire trail for five days, making this a truly unique chance to experience De Hoop’s untouched beauty.

Aside from the obvious attraction of the whales, De Hoop is home to abundant wildlife, including rare buck species and an incredible array of birdlife. The reserve also hosts the last remaining Cape Vulture colony in the Western Cape near Potberg, making it a bucket-list race for nature lovers and trail enthusiasts alike.

A Celebration of Trail Running & Community

The 10-year anniversary promises to be more than just a race—it’s a celebration of the adventure, grit, and camaraderie that have made Whale of Trail an iconic event.

All entries include:

● Friday Night Race Welcome Dinner & Wine Tasting

● Exclusive 10-Year Anniversary Race Medal

● Post-Race Finish Line Meal, Massage & Gin & Tonic Celebration

● Prize-Giving Celebration at De Hoop’s Spectacular Lakeside Setting

Whether you’re a first-time trail runner, a seasoned ultra competitor, or someone who thrives on bucket-list experiences, this is your year to run wild and be part of trail-running history.

Limited entries available—secure your spot now! https://bit.ly/whaleoftrail