The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) invites runners, families, and outdoor enthusiasts to the inaugural WESSA Ultra Festival on Saturday, 24 October 2026.
Set within the 900-hectare WESSA uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve near Howick, the festival brings people together to experience the landscape through three interconnected elements: trail running, music, and markets.
“The WESSA Ultra Festival is an invitation to experience conservation as a shared celebration,” said Cindy-Lee Cloete, CEO of WESSA. “Whether you are taking on a trail, enjoying the music, exploring the market or bringing your family for the day, you are joining us in celebrating 100 years of people caring for the earth.”
The festival’s centrepiece is the inaugural WESSA Ultra Trail Run, with seven distances ranging from 5.85 km to 100 km, offering challenges for both experienced trail and ultra runners and those looking to take on a shorter route.
This year, the event also marks a significant milestone for trail running in KwaZulu-Natal, with the festival incorporating the inaugural KZNA Trail and Mountain Running Championship.
The championship, introduced by KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA), creates a new platform for provincial competition, talent identification, and excellence in the province’s growing trail-running community.
For athletes with ambitions of representing KwaZulu-Natal and potentially South Africa, the championship also provides an important pathway towards provincial colours and the national selection process ahead of South Africa hosting the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in October 2027.
“The WESSA Ultra Festival gives us an opportunity to bring trail running to a much broader audience while creating a meaningful competitive platform for athletes,” said Andrew Booth, lead organiser of the WESSA Ultra Trail Run and partner representing KZNA. “Having the inaugural KZNA championship as part of WESSA’s Ultra Trail festival is an exciting milestone for trail running in the province.”
Beyond the trails, the festival offers a full day out for families, friends, and supporters. The music festival starts at approximately 12h00 midday, with Jason Hartman headlining alongside local artists. A curated market will showcase local vendors, including food and a variety of crafts products, with a dedicated kids’ programme to ensure younger visitors can also take part in the day.
Guests and runners can look forward to indigenous forests and rolling grasslands, river crossings, dramatic escarpments, and valley views at the WESSA uMnegni Valley nature reserve, the backdrop will provide a spectacular setting for a day centred on nature, movement, and community.
Event details:
WESSA Ultra Trail Run:
- Entries and information: https://kzntrailrunning.co.za/races/wessa-ultra-trail-festival/
- Trail distances: 5.85 km, 12 km, 18 km, 36 km, 48 km, 75 km and 100 km
- Registration: From 02:30
- Race briefing: 15 minutes before each race
- Race format: Loop
- Music festival and market open at 12:00 midday.
About the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA)
WESSA, established in 1926, is one of South Africa’s oldest and most respected environmental non-profit organisations. In 2026, WESSA celebrates its centenary and 100 years of action for nature, continuing a proud legacy of advancing conservation and sustainability through education, advocacy and action that supports both people and the planet. Through its diverse programmes and strategic local and global partnerships, WESSA has played a pivotal role over the past century in fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and care across South Africa’s landscapes, coastlines, schools and communities. Visit the website to learn more: WESSA.
