Clarens Cosmos Challenge 2022
Sat 19 Mar - Sun 20 Mar 2022 @ Clarens, Free State

Whether it is the cosmos flower blossoming or the sound of your shoes on the gravel, or whether it is getting lost in paradise offering wide mountains and lush green valleys... To walk and run while experiencing the fresh clean air on your skin where game, mountain and sky form a visual paradise indescribable that only the  experience itself can explain... This is where you will find the ultimate high in The Clarens Cosmos Challenge.

Venue: Die Bus Stop ( 12Km outside Clarens )

Date: 19&20 March 2022

(21 March is a Public Holiday)

2 Days 2 Distances.

Stage 1 Long Route:

28Km Long Distance. Elevation Gain 1180 meters. 

Stage 1 short route:

 16Km Short Distance. Elevation Gain 610meter

Stage 2: 18Km Elevation Gain: 1205meters

Registration Friday 18H00-20H00 at Die Bus Stop

Venue: Die Bus Stop (Next to Golden Gate Main Gate)

Entries open 12 January 2022

STAGE 1 ROUTE DESCRIPTION: LONG COURSE

Stage 1 sets off towards the Eastern side of the Maluti Mountains with a serious 6km climb. At 6.2km the race will split and the long-distance runners continue to climb another 1.5km before a technical descent awaits them.

A gradual 3km single track climb takes them from 1885m to 1980m above sea level.
Participants will enjoy technical jeep tracks for 5kms then descent to the first FULLY STOCKED WATER POINT.

With your legs all warmed and the adrenaline flowing you can look forward to a climb up the Sandstone Caves which will reward you with beautiful views of the Maluti Mountains. The 28km runners will join the 16km runners over the Sandstone water pools to the second Water Point.

Estimate Winning times:
Male: 3H00min
Female: 3H20min

STAGE 1 ROUTE DESCRIPTION: SHORT COURSE
Stage 1 sets off to the East side of the Maluti Mountains with a serious 6km climb. At 6.2km the race will split where the 16km runners take a right turn on a beautiful newly cut single track which takes them to their highest point of the race at 2281m above sea level. Here the runners can enjoy incredible panoramic views of the Lesotho Mountains.

The trail takes you on the edge of the mountain descending over the Sand Stones which will join the Long Course athletes at 1993m above sea level.

There will be a fully Stocked Water Point at 13km.

Please note this is the only water point on the route because of the difficult terrain. Please ensure your hydration pack is full at the start.

Estimate Winning times:
Male: 2H15min
Female: 2H35min

STAGE 2 ROUTE DESCRIPTION

Stage 2 is a real Challenge.

The route starts out flat, giving runners the opportunity to take it easy before the hard work starts. A 5km steep climb where the advanced runners may break away while others choose to enjoy the hike.

The terrain for stage 2 is very tricky and technical with steep climbs and accents, but once over the climb the views are spectacular.

The descent to the water point at 10.5km is very technical and runners will have to take precaution.

The scenery is truly breath-taking, and we are excited to see you there.

Estimate Winning times:
Male: 3H00min
Female: 3H40min

Entry Options

Option 1:

Race Ticket & Meals Included:

Friday Dinner: Chicken Potjie & Salad

Saturday Lunch: Hamburger , Chips & Salad

Saturday Dinner: Lasagne & Salad & Milk tart Pancake

Sunday Lunch: Spit braai & Cheesecake

Coffee and rusks each morning for breakfast

Long Distance  R1650

Short Distance R1350

Option 2:

Race Ticket Only

Long Distance  R1000

Short Distance R700

COMPULSORY GEAR:


1.5 Litre Hydration Pack
Waterproof Jacket
Space Blanket
Cell Phone
Snacks
Whistle

Water Points:
Runners can look forward to amazing water points including:
Ice Cold Water
Coke
Cream Soda
Energy Drinks
Potatoes
Bananas
5 Different kind of sweets
Biscuits
Nuts & Raisins

Number of water points on route:
Long Stages - 2 Water Points
Short Stages - 1 Water Point

Event Schedule
Friday 18 March:

17h00 - Registration Die Bus Stop
19H00 - Dinner at Die Bus Stop

Saturday 19 March:

06H00 – Coffee @ Rusks
06h25 - Race Briefing Long Distance
06h30 - Race Start Long Distance
06h55 - Race briefing Short Distance
07h00 - Race Start Short Distance
09h00 - Leading men expected
11h00 - Lunch at Die Bus Stop
18h00 - Dinner at Die Bus Stop

Sunday 20 March:

06h00 – Coffee & Rusks
06h25 - Race Briefing
06h30 - Race start
09h30 - Leading men expected
10H10- Leading Lady Expected
11h00 - Price giving and lunch

General Information
Medical Services:
There will be medics on route as well as at the finish line.

Medals
All Finishers will receive a Trail Hunter Finisher Medal

Accommodation
Accommodation can be booked at die Bus Stop
http://www.dibusstop.co.za/