for the person who enquired about cheaper stage races...

[Zebra]

...taken from another thread )non-Hub), recently a Hubber wanted to do the Epic as their 1st stage race, was shocked at the cost; at the time, I did think about just how MANY less-expensive alternatives there were; here, pinched from a different Forum, is a handy quick (rough) comparison of cots of various (n-o-t all!) stage races, obvs of differing length/differing offerings:

• KAP sani2c: ~R15,000 – R20,000 per team (~R7,500 – R10,000 per person).
• FNB Wines2Whales: ~R16,000 – R20,000 per team (~R8,000 – R10,000 per person).
• Cape Pioneer Trek: ~R20,000 – R25,000 (Solo/Tented).
• Berg & Bush: ~R12,000 – R15,000 per team (~R6,000 – R7,500 per person).
• The 36ONE MTB Challenge: ~R3,700 – R3,900 (Full 361km Solo).
• The Munga: ~R29,999 (1,130km Solo).
• The Freedom Challenge (RASA): ~R35,000 – R45,000 (2,150km, including support stations).
• Absa Cape Epic: ~R113,750 per team (~R56,875 per person).

Cheers

Chris

[Michael S]

• KAP sani2c: ~R15,000 – R20,000 per team (~R7,500 – R10,000 per person). R3333pp/pd
• FNB Wines2Whales: ~R16,000 – R20,000 per team (~R8,000 – R10,000 per person).R3333pp/pd
• Cape Pioneer Trek: ~R20,000 – R25,000 (Solo/Tented). R6250pp/pd
• Berg & Bush: ~R12,000 – R18,000 per team (~R6,000 – R9000 per person). R3000pp/pd
• The 36ONE MTB Challenge: ~R3,700 – R3,900 (Full 361km Solo).
• The Munga: ~R29,999 (1,130km Solo).
• The Freedom Challenge (RASA): ~R35,000 – R45,000 (2,150km, including support stations).
• Absa Cape Epic: ~R113,750 per team (~R56,875 per person). R7109pp/d

 

Added a per person per day. but should be further refined to per km, as there is a lot of cost racking up in route costs. 

[Danger Dassie]

Great list, there are plenty of alternatives out there. Think a lot of the time people get caught up in 'Epic' and dont take the time to understand the implications such an event can demand of you. It's not a first timer challenge for most. 

Berg & Bush has to be one of my absolute faveroutes (yes spelling) the organisation, location and terrain, routes, not over subscribed and overall gees make it a no brainer. 2 and 3 day options.

[Zebra]

@ChrisF maybe ADD Trans Augrabies to the list?

[ChrisF]

Trans Augrabies

2 days (82 & 90km) - MTB : R 4 000

2 days (118 & 90km) - Gravel : R 4 000

 

PS - Early entries were a bit less

[ChrisF]

1 minute ago, Zebra said:

@ChrisF maybe ADD Trans Augrabies to the list?

 

Snap .. was busy typing ...

[Shebeen]

5 hours ago, Zebra said:

...taken from another thread )non-Hub), recently a Hubber wanted to do the Epic as their 1st stage race, was shocked at the cost; at the time, I did think about just how MANY less-expensive alternatives there were; here, pinched from a different Forum, is a handy quick (rough) comparison of cots of various (n-o-t all!) stage races, obvs of differing length/differing offerings:

• KAP sani2c: ~R15,000 – R20,000 per team (~R7,500 – R10,000 per person).
• FNB Wines2Whales: ~R16,000 – R20,000 per team (~R8,000 – R10,000 per person).
• Cape Pioneer Trek: ~R20,000 – R25,000 (Solo/Tented).
• Berg & Bush: ~R12,000 – R15,000 per team (~R6,000 – R7,500 per person).
• The 36ONE MTB Challenge: ~R3,700 – R3,900 (Full 361km Solo).
• The Munga: ~R29,999 (1,130km Solo).
• The Freedom Challenge (RASA): ~R35,000 – R45,000 (2,150km, including support stations).
• Absa Cape Epic: ~R113,750 per team (~R56,875 per person).

Cheers

Chris

easy measure on affordability of stage races

Are finishers getting the race logo as a tattoo?

YES - you're paying for hype                         NO - the race could be considered affordable

[Long Wheel Base]

I did the Fedgroup cradle 100 this weekend. Not really sure you can call it a “proper” stage race as you don’t stay over and get all the food etc but it was 2 days of racing for R950 I think. 
The amohela in clarens is also 2 days, I’ve done that a couple times, also pretty cool but I can’t remember what entry costs. Don’t think it was too bad. 

[Danger Dassie]

African Icons, Summerplace.

Summerplace trails are incredible, as is the venue and catering. Typical bushveld environment.

Another event to diarise. It’s not a race but a three day riding social vibe that follows the stage/organisation format. Organised by an NPO it’s dully catered and has a 60 rider limit (excl families/partners) 

Not sure on the entrance fee and what it includes, approx 10/12k which is matched by the goodie bags. Two sets of riding kit, hoodie, T-shirts, nutrition etc in a proper zip up kitbag.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DXD9E5dDYne/?igsh=MWwzaWh2cnJ6ZHR4Yw==

[HdB]

There is also the Swartland Stofpad, 3-day gravel stage race. 5 - 7 June, luxury option is <R8k

https://www.entryninja.com/events/83102-swartland-stofpad

 

PE to Plett race price looks to be a bit less than the Cape Pioneer, albeit one day less.

[milky4130]

On 4/14/2026 at 8:21 AM, Zebra said:

...taken from another thread )non-Hub), recently a Hubber wanted to do the Epic as their 1st stage race, was shocked at the cost; at the time, I did think about just how MANY less-expensive alternatives there were; here, pinched from a different Forum, is a handy quick (rough) comparison of cots of various (n-o-t all!) stage races, obvs of differing length/differing offerings:

• KAP sani2c: ~R15,000 – R20,000 per team (~R7,500 – R10,000 per person).
• FNB Wines2Whales: ~R16,000 – R20,000 per team (~R8,000 – R10,000 per person).
• Cape Pioneer Trek: ~R20,000 – R25,000 (Solo/Tented).
• Berg & Bush: ~R12,000 – R15,000 per team (~R6,000 – R7,500 per person).
• The 36ONE MTB Challenge: ~R3,700 – R3,900 (Full 361km Solo).
• The Munga: ~R29,999 (1,130km Solo).
• The Freedom Challenge (RASA): ~R35,000 – R45,000 (2,150km, including support stations).
• Absa Cape Epic: ~R113,750 per team (~R56,875 per person).

Cheers

Chris

Thanks for reminding me why I took up running 🤪

[babse]

5 minutes ago, milky4130 said:

Thanks for reminding me why I took up running 🤪

Okay see you at w2w (probably shortest and most expensive of the lot) in November again 

[milky4130]

20 hours ago, babse said:

Okay see you at w2w (probably shortest and most expensive of the lot) in November again 

Is it not your turn this year? 😝🤪