MUT by UTMB 2026

UTMB World Series in South Africa's Garden Route

MUT by UTMB (Mountain Ultra Trail) is a multi-distance trail running festival set in the Outeniqua Mountains above the garden city of George on South Africa's Garden Route. As an official UTMB World Series event, MUT offers runners the opportunity to earn UTMB Index points and Running Stones while experiencing some of the most beautiful mountain trails in the Western Cape.

The Outeniqua Mountains rise from the urban edge of George with hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails criss-crossing peaks that reach 1,578 metres above sea level. The trails wind through ancient indigenous forest, fields of fynbos — one of the world's most biodiverse floral kingdoms — and across exposed mountain ridgelines with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and the Garden Route coastline.

Courses and Formats

MUT Miler — 163 km

The flagship 100-mile distance takes runners on a massive traverse of the Outeniqua range, covering the full extent of the mountain trail network with massive elevation gain through indigenous forest, fynbos and mountain ridgelines.

MUT 100 — 98 km

The 100-kilometre mountain ultra features big climbs, rocky trails, technical downhills and panoramic views of the Outeniqua Mountain Range. This is the classic MUT distance — demanding, spectacular and deeply rewarding.

MUT 60 — 58 km

The 58-kilometre distance delivers a substantial mountain ultra through the heart of the Outeniqua trails, covering the most dramatic climbs and descents in a challenging but achievable format.

MUT Marathon — 44 km

The 44-kilometre marathon distance provides a full-day mountain trail experience with significant climbing and technical terrain.

MUT Challenge — 25 km

The 25-kilometre MUT Challenge offers a challenging introduction to the Outeniqua mountain trails.

MUT 11 — 11 km

The shortest format provides an accessible entry point to the MUT festival and the Outeniqua trail network.

Terrain and Conditions

The Outeniqua trails are characterised by indigenous forest paths (often root-covered and technical), exposed fynbos ridgelines, rocky mountain passes and steep technical descents. The old-growth forests are particularly atmospheric — dense canopies of yellowwood and stinkwood trees create a cathedral-like running environment. May in the Garden Route brings autumn conditions — mild temperatures (12-22°C) with the possibility of rain and mist on the mountain.

Practical Information

• UTMB World Series: MUT is an official UTMB World Series event — qualifying distances earn UTMB Index points
• Registration: opens July 24, 2025 via the UTMB platform
• Getting there: George Airport (GRJ) has regular flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg — the Outeniqua trailheads are just 15 minutes from the city centre