“The Original”, where NFNF all started.
This annual adventure race has become a must do on the calendar, no matter where it is - it is the greatest adventure

In 2020 we explored the valleys of Riebeek Kasteel and the bays of Franskraal, in 2021 we trekked over the mighty Langeberg, in 2022 we traversed the Cederberg, in 2023 we survived the kloofs of the Nuy Valley, in 2024 we paddled down the rarely charted Riviersonderend river, in 2025 we explored the lower reaches of the Breede River.& the De Hoop mountains…

2026 is in Swellendam but where…

As always, iconic to our races are the route choices, tricky terrain that leaves every participant challenged, yet inspired for more. We promise to show you a beautiful part of the Western Cape with beautiful towering peaks, rivers and gravel roads.

Entries OPEN April 2026

40km - 4-6hr

Early bird (first 10 entries overall)

R495 pp

Normal bird (until 31 July)

R625 pp

Late bird (until 11 August)

R745 pp

100km - 12hr race

Early bird (first 10 entries overall)

R995 pp

Normal bird (until 31 July)

R1250 pp

Late bird (until 11 August)

R1595 pp

150km - 24hr race

Early bird (first 10 entries overall)

R1995 pp

Normal bird (until 31 July)

R2495 pp

Late bird (until 11 August)

R2695 pp

21-23 August 2026

Approximate timings. Exact timings will be communicated via email in race week.

Friday 21st -

14:00-15:30 - Registration 150km

16:00-20:00 - Registration 100km

16:00/16:30 - 150km START & briefing

Saturday 22nd

4:00 - 100km START & briefing

10:00 - 40km START & briefing

14:00 - 150km Expected first team

15:00 - 100km Expected first team

24:00 - 150km & 100km cut-off

Sunday 23rd

10:00 - Awards ceremony

40kms - Approx. 3-7hrs. This race is aimed at novice AR’s and families - Winners expected in 3-4hours

100kms - Approx. 10-18hrs. Beginners and experienced - Winners expected in 10hrs.

150km - Approx. 22-32hrs. Experienced - Winners expected 22-24hrs.

Disciplines and percentage distances may vary per race.

Mountain biking = Approx 60-70% of total distance

Trekking/Hiking = Approx 25-35% of total distance

Kayaking = Approx 5-15% of total distance

There may be added disciplines too…

Swellendam Region,
Western Cape,
South Africa.

The venue will have multiple options, first come first served.

Swellendam will have additional options

Final exact list will be sent in race comms (generally the week before the race) but this will be sufficient:

Mandatory list HERE

(Download and save)

Important additions:
The race may include inflatable boats, not plastic kayaks.

A harness, carabiners, descending device, etc (see kit list) will be required for the abseil.

Inflatable Boats are required for all distances.

Boat/kayak paddles and PFD rental to be added as part of your entry - R500 per boat. (Add as merchandise, limited numbers available and need to be booked in advance)

If you choose not to rent - an inflatable boat with the same specs (or similar) as an ARC croc is required, not a plastic sit-on-top.

SEVEN EDITIONS DONE- Many memories have been made, many ridgelines traversed, many mountains crossed, many rivers paddled, many checkpoints found and ultimately so much adventure has been had.

Now, steeped in history - click HEREfor past results and images

• At least two members of the team must be capable of navigating by compass (JOIN US for some nav courses) and map during the day and night. The team must be able to orientate a map, take a bearing between two points on a map, and understand the impact of magnetic declination.

• The teams must be able to describe what your team will do if it became lost.

• All team members must be suitably competent in all the disciplines included in the event as specified by the race organizer and be able to complete the event without any assistance from any person other than their own team members.

• Swim 100 m of any stroke.

• By entering this event, teams acknowledge that they are competent in all skills as stated above to complete such an event.

Click HERE if you struggling to find a team, we want to help!

People looking:

Add your name here (click above)

If you want to be a pivotal part of the race but not race itself, click HERE for more

Or contact Robert at: +27 72 602 2418 or mail at nfnfadventures@gmail.com

We will contribute to Volunteers cost where possible.

Accommodation will be provided.

The ARWS Africa Circuit is a collection of the best mid-distance adventure races in the Africa region. Event organisers set unique courses to test athletes over 125-250km of non-stop day and night racing in the disciplines of trekking, mountain biking, kayaking, and navigation. Participating teams earn points towards their AR Regional Ranking and the winner of each round gains entry to the ARWS Africa Championship. The series winner of the Regional Championship gains and entry to the global Adventure Racing World Championship.

More about the Africa series, click HERE.

More about the world series, click HERE.

NFNF is the last race within the 2025 year and forms part of the 2026 series.

Click HERE for race rules and additional info.

Click HERE for terms & conditions