Race Across South Africa 2027
Race Across South Africa 2027 starts on 5 April 2027 in Byrne Village, South Africa. It runs until 20 April 2027. The finish is in Wellington, South Africa. The route is 1,986 km long with 25,000 m of climbing. Format: Race, on gravel, without a personal crew (unsupported). There is a waiting list. Entry fee: ZAR 12,000 (as of 28 Sep 2026). Requirement: The 25 places reserved for international riders and podium contenders require proof of experience; all riders must carry a satellite tracker with two-way communication and the mandatory kit. All details come from the organiser, last checked on 28 September 2026.
Price levels and categories
One-off entry fee excluding VAT. Tracker rental (R2000) comes on top; transferring your entry to another person costs R500.
Supplies along the way
Three mandatory checkpoints with food and a bed; in between you are completely on your own: find your own accommodation or camp, personal support or company is forbidden.
Classification
Not stated – please check with the organiser.
Requirement: The 25 places reserved for international riders and podium contenders require proof of experience; all riders must carry a satellite tracker with two-way communication and the mandatory kit.
Registration
- Status
- Waiting list
- Date
- 5–20 April 2027
What it’s about
Self-supported non-stop bikepacking race over around 2,000 km along the Freedom Trail from Byrne in KwaZulu-Natal to Wellington in the Western Cape. Navigation is by GPS, there are three mandatory checkpoints and the time limit is 15 days.
Part of the Freedom Challenge series, whose other races (Race to Rhodes, Race to Cradock and others) have their own dates. Advertised as just under 2,000 km; the cut-off table gives 1,986 km to the finish. A satellite tracker with two-way communication is mandatory; renting one costs an extra R2000.
Similar races
All races in the ultracycling calendar → · More bikepacking races → · More gravel races →
Source: www.freedomchallenge.org.za · last checked 28 Sep 2026 · start location exact