Mont-Aux-Sources Ultra Trail: an iconic race in the heart of the Drakensberg

RUN Magazine
3 days ago
4 min read

Two runners on the trail during the Mont-Aux Ultra Trail in Drakensberg, mountains in the background and orange grass

The Mont-Aux-Sources Ultra Trail (commonly known as Monties) is one of the oldest and prestigious trail running events (33 years) in South Africa with its first event held in 1992. It set a precedent for trail running as a unique, year-on-year event which was originally limited to 100 runners. It has become a sought-after event and one of the premier trail running races in the Drakensberg, raising thousands of rands for the conservation efforts of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife at the Royal Natal National Park, in collaboration with WILDTRUST.

Race Weekend

For all those who make the trip to Monties, it’s more than just a race. It’s an opportunity to slow things down, breathe some mountain air, and immerse yourself in one of the gems of the Drakensberg in a relaxed setting with like-minded people. While all racing happens on Saturday, runners start arriving from midday on Friday and stay through Sunday — giving them plenty of time to explore Royal Natal National Park beyond the race routes. There’s just something so lekker about a weekend in the Berg — the kind of vibe where everyone’s chilled, sharing stories, and getting properly amped for race day.

Two runners on the trail during Mont-Aux Sources Ultra Trail in the Drakensberg, beautiful mountain range visible in the background

Race Village

Runners and supporters are welcomed into the Monties race village at Mahai Campsite (voted one of the top 10 campsites in South Africa). You can pitch your own tent or book from a selection of pre-set camping options. The idea behind the race village is simple: create a warm, easygoing base that meets every runner and supporter’s needs for the weekend. With catering, coffee vendors, a full beer/gin tent, and various stores, the village has evolved into a proper mountain sanctuary in the remote Royal Natal National Park.

Race Options - Prologue, 50km & 21KM

The 6km prologue was introduced in 2025 and was a major success. The prologue takes place late on Friday afternoon and is open to all registered runners as well as supporters. For the runners, it's a chance to stretch out the legs after what may have been a long journey (runners travel from all corners of the country) and for the families and friends to get a taste of what the Monties challenge is all about.

The 50km ultra distance offers some of the most unique and breathtaking views in the world. Boasting the world-renowned chain ladders, every participant’s ‘dream’ or ‘fear’ as they are then able to summit to the top of the highest waterfall in the world. This is 3100 metres above sea level (more than a third of the way up Everest) and is the Tugela River source, a vital and strategic water source for KZN and Gauteng. As the runners make their way back down the Gully, they experience a sharp descent that leaves them in awe of the expansive views second to none experienced in South Africa.

Introduced in 2021, the 21km route is a challenging out and back route following the 50km route up to the turning point at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge. A fast and flowing descent to the finish line gives these runners an enticing sample of what the legendary 50km route is like.

A steep section of the trail, Mont-Aux Sources Ultra Trail, Drakensberg

A Deeper Purpose

Dr Roelie Kloppers, WILDTRUST CEO comments, “Monties is engrained in the DNA of the Trust, being one of the first trail running events we ever staged to raise funds for conservation. It is also a great opportunity to get people into the WILD, thus raising awareness of the amazing natural heritage of our country and the need to celebrate and protect it. We are extremely grateful for all the sponsors, partners and participants who share our vision.”

Funds from the Mont-Aux-Sources Ultra Trail event go directly to Royal Natal and are spent in line with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s conservation mandate. The park has several Bearded vulture nest sites, and a comprehensive program of camera traps, nest surveys and second-egg collection.

These vultures are critically endangered — with only around 350 left in South Africa — and rely heavily on conservation work to survive. A portion of the funds is dedicated to trail maintenance, employing large teams of community members, while other funds help purchase anti-poaching equipment for the rangers who also assist on-route during the event. It makes Monties not just a race, but a rare experience with real purpose — one worth putting firmly on the bucket list.

Entries for the 2026 event (01 December) are now open and we encourage every proud South African trail runner to take part in this event at least once in their lifetime. This is a run for good, a run for conservation, a run to protect our heritage and for future generations to leave a lasting legacy for all. And once you’ve done it, you’ll get why so many runners keep coming back — Monties has that proper South African magic that just gets under your skin in the best way.