The original VWS Trail Challenge on the slopes of Table Mountain is back for its 16th year in 2020, and now with a brand-new start location – Gardens Tech Rugby Club, Oranjezicht. The race offers runners a chance to do two routes: 20km or 10km (for runners and walkers).

This race is designed as a trail run with stunning views over the city of Cape Town while enjoying invigorating trails on one of the 7 Wonders of Nature – Table Mountain. The start of the route has changed slightly to accommodate the new start venue at Gardens Tech Rugby Club but otherwise remains the same iconic route that you have grown to love. It presents a great running (or walking) experience to all who dare to partake in this great event.

Take in the beauty of the lower slopes of Table Mountain and Devils Peak, the rambling tracks of Deer Park, the glorious single-track contour above Tafelberg Road and experience the majesty of early morning Cape Town.

You can also purchase awesome Limited Edition VWS Trail Challenge merchandise including 3 different ‘tubular bandanas’ to wear on the day, or as a reminder of a great day out! We really love the 2020 race design…. so get it now before the members buy them all 🙂 Merchandise can be collected at the number collections.

Organised and run entirely by us, wildland firefighters of the Newlands Station of the VWS, all proceeds go towards our organisation, an entirely volunteer-run, non-profit entity dedicated to the protection of biodiversity and the preservation of our natural heritage. We receive no official or municipal funding and all funds (raised by our volunteers, via donations or events like this) are used for operational and logistical expenses when fighting devastating wildfires in the Western Cape.

Race Number (and merchandise) Collections

Race numbers can be collected in the days leading up to the race. These collections will take place at Newlands Fire Base, Newlands Forest (along the M3 / Union Avenue) at the following dates and times:

• Friday, 8th May, 14:00 – 19:00
• Saturday, 9th May, 09:00 – 13:00

Event Prizes

There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each race, for both male and female runners and a King and Queen of the Mountain for the 20km Race.

There will also be awesome random spot prizes for any runners and walkers (especially the amazing mothers running on the day) at the prize givings. Spot prizes will be awarded in two different time slots based on when runners / walkers are finishing. Everyone will stand a chance to win!

Indemnity
Please note that by submitting your entry form you declare that you are physically and medically fit and able to participate in this event and assume all risks of such participation upon yourself. 

You participate in the race at your own risk and hereby indemnify the organising committee, officials, all race helpers, all sponsors, the national and provincial race bodies, local authorities, City of Cape Town, SANParks, Table Mountain National Park and the Volunteer Wildfire Services (including its director and members) against any injuries or any other claim whatsoever which may arise as a result of your participation.

Volunteer Wildfire Services reserves the right to cancel the race (without refund) if the conditions on the day do not allow for the race to be run safely, should there be a large wildfire at the time of, or just before, the race or in the event that the permit is cancelled at the last minute.

Race Rules

• All entrants must be in possession of a race number, issued by the organisers, which must be worn on the front of the runner’s shirt.
• Participants must keep to the designated race routes (as indicated in the race maps) at all times. 
• Marshals and traffic officials must be obeyed at all times. Failure to comply with these instructions may lead to immediate disqualification.
• No seconding shall be allowed on the route. Some refreshment stations will be provided however each runner is required to have sufficient water for their own needs.
• No littering permitted at any stage. Failure to comply will lead to immediate disqualification.
• Damage to Flora/Fauna or any historical site will lead to automatic disqualification.
• No unauthorised cyclists, vehicles, rollerblades or scooters will be permitted on the route.
• It is the responsibility of each participant that he/she is medically fit and healthy to participate in the event.
• The Volunteer Wildfire Services reserves the right to accept or reject any entry.
• Minimum age of 16 for the 20km race. Minimum age of 12 for the 10km race. Between 12 and 14 year olds allowed if accompanied by guardian.
• Pets are not permitted.
• While the Volunteer Wildfire Services places participant and member safely above any other priority or obligation, Volunteer Wildfire Services will not be held liable for any injuries.