Choose Your Adventure

Route Description

 

The race begins Friday at 12:00 PM from the Far and Wide Mountain Centre. Before you set off, ensure you have all the compulsory gear, as it will be checked. You will spend the night unsupported in the mountains, so self-sufficiency is crucial.

 

Stage 1: The Mutarazi Challenge

 

The course starts with a gentle descent along the Honde Valley escarpment, leading to the Mutarazi Falls SkyWalk—Africa’s second-highest waterfall. Strap into your harness and cross the SkyWalk, taking in the breathtaking views before continuing an epic traverse along the escarpment to Ringing Rock. Don’t forget to ring the rock as you pass!

 

From here, descend into the Honde Valley, passing beneath Mutaroro and Mutarazi Falls—some of the most spectacular indigenous forests you’ll ever see. But the real challenge begins now: an extremely tough 7 km ascent, climbing 1,000 meters. The final 2 km alone demand a 600 m gain, pushing you to your limits.

 

Reaching the Far and Wide Mountain Centre marks Checkpoint 1 (32 km)—a chance to refuel with a hot meal. However, the cut-off time is 9 hours (21:00), so pace yourself wisely.

 

Stage 2: Into the Pungwe Gorge

 

Leaving the checkpoint, you descend into the Buwu Valley, before tackling a 2.5 km climb (300 m gain) up Chikorokoto. Once at the top, turn right and follow the ridgeline before descending into the stunning Pungwe Gorge.

 

At the bottom of the gorge, you’ll navigate upstream through lush forests until reaching the confluence, where a mandatory gear check awaits before you cross the mighty Pungwe River.

 

Next comes another brutal climb—3.5 km, gaining 750 meters. Just when you think you’ve reached Golden Pools, a few more rolling ascents await before you finally hit the breathtaking Nyazengu Ridge.

 

At Golden Pools (56 km), you’ll find a major aid station, packed with nutrition and enthusiastic supporters. Take advantage of this stop, as the cut-off time is 16 hours (04:00).

 

Stage 3: Up the Pungwe & Beyond

 

Now, the route heads toward Mt Nyangani, but before the ascent, you’ll veer right, descending back into the Pungwe Gorge. From here, you’ll run along the river, soaking in the views of this untamed wilderness.

 

The next major challenge is a 2.5 km climb (350 m gain) out of the gorge, ascending above Pungwe Falls. After crossing the Pungwe River above the falls, the course continues along the Pungwe grasslands, tracking the Pungwe and Mutenderera Rivers until reaching Golden Pools for the second time (96 km). The cut-off time here is 27 hours (15:00).

 

Stage 4: The Final Push

 

With 32 km to go, the final leg begins with a small descent past Golden Pools, revealing pristine streams and pools. But don’t get too comfortable—you’re about to face the most demanding climb yet.

 

At the base of Mt Nyangani, take a deep breath—the ascent to the summit is 7 km with an 850 m elevation gain. Once at Checkpoint 9 (The Crags), keep straight (instead of turning toward the summit), following a 5 km ridgeline to Little Nyangani. Though this section offers a slight descent, it is still demanding.

 

From Little Nyangani, you’ll enter the never-ending forest descent—a grueling downhill stretch that eventually opens into the Muruwi Nutrition Station. Here, you’ll refuel before crossing the Nyawamba River and tackling The Wall, a 240 m climb over just 1.8 km, leading to the summit of Dzunzwa.

 

The final stretch takes you down one last river, before emerging onto Aberfoyle Golf Course. The last 200 meters will feel endless, but the drums, cheers, and ice-cold beer at the finish line make it all worth it.

 

Entry Requirements

 

To qualify, you must have completed any one of the below:

✅ One 100 km ultra trail run (within 36 hours or less)

✅ One SkyRun Zim Ultra (or equivalent) in 14 hours or less

✅ Three ultra trail runs (56 km or more) with at least +3,500 m elevation gain

✅ A planned training program through 2025 to prepare for the GOAT