Trail Running With Purpose: RMB Ultra Trail Drakensberg 2025

By Blake Dyason

I had the privilege of joining around 800 runners in one of South Africa’s most breathtaking mountain regions for the RMB Ultra Trail Drakensberg (UTD). I was lucky enough to be invited to run by our friends—and long-time CN&CO client—RMB, who stepped in this year as the headline sponsor of UTD for the very first time.
And wow, what a weekend it was.

For those who haven’t yet had the chance to witness the magic of UTD, this event is much more than a trail run. It’s an experience. Set in the dramatic and pristine Southern Drakensberg, the UTD offers five race distances—from a brutal 100-miler that starts at the top of Sani Pass in Lesotho, to a stunning 25km route that offers beautiful views and river crossings.

This year, the excitement was palpable—especially around the 100-miler. Kicking off with a 4×4 ride up Sani Pass to the start line at over 2,800m, with breathtaking views. Just before the start, a few bearded and Cape vultures soared overhead—considered a sign of luck by the locals. Quite significant knowing that the conservation of these incredible birds is one of the projects supported by RMB through their involvement in UTD.

The runners faced the full spectrum of mountain weather—blazing sunshine one minute, icy winds and rain the next. The top male runner, Kennedy Sekhuthe, completed the gruelling route in a time of 25:08:26 while Nicolette Griffioen, the top female (and third overall!), finished in 25:56:06. Absolute legends.

I was there to take on the 36km Sundowner Run—though my watch clocked closer to 38km (not that anyone’s counting when you’re surrounded by that kind of beauty). We started at Castleburn at 1pm and ran as the sun dipped behind the peaks, painting the sky in candy-floss pinks and blues. The route was challenging, but rewarding—winding through valleys, across rivers and over rolling green hills.

What makes UTD truly special isn’t just the mountains—it’s the community. From volunteers and spectators to the runners themselves, there’s an incredible sense of shared purpose and passion.

On Sunday, I joined the RMB team at the Mzimkulu Vulture Hide to see what this conservation project is all about. We heard from a dedicated conservationist about the challenges facing the endangered Cape and bearded vultures, and the inspiring work being done with local communities and farmers to protect them. This kind of involvement is what sets RMB apart—they don’t just sponsor events, they invest in the ecosystem around them.

We’ve worked with RMB for years at CN&CO—from their sponsorship of SA Rowing to cultural events like the Starlight Classics—and we’re always struck by their authentic commitment to the things they support. Their involvement is never just transactional—they show up, roll up their sleeves, and contribute meaningfully to every initiative they back.

The RMB Ultra Trail Drakensberg should be on your race list. Hope to see you in the race village in 2026.

Blake Dyason – CN&CO partner.