Without doubt this is a trail run that will put any seasoned campaigner to the test. The run from the start to the Lion’s Head Collar might be only five kilometres but the climb is over 400 metres. With that out of the way Table Mountain presents the race's first epic challenge, a climb of over 1,000 metres. To be sure this section is for those made of running’s sterner stuff. The clamber down the other side is also tricky, so watch your footing. There is some respite by the time you get to the 30-kilometre marker and Llandudno, enjoy it because ahead of you there is another mountain to climb. The Karbonkelberg is a climb of almost 600 metres and is sure to leave you scrambling and breathless. Once this edifice is done and dusted you do not have far to go to the halfway mark. From here there is some easy running to the Constantia’s.

The second half features three distinct challenges, Constantia Nek and Klein Constantia at around the 70 kilometre mark, followed by the climb through Newlands Forest at the 80-kilometre marker and finally the summit of the Devil’s Peak Contour with only ten kilometres to go. The route takes you mainly on the mountain slopes but also blends in certain city stretches to add the cultural variety of Cape Town’s rich natural heritage. The intermediate 65 kilometre run is just as much of a challenge. The loop through Llandudno and the climb over Karbonkelberg is avoided but all the other tests are there for you to overcome. Finally there is a short 17 kilometre fun run or walk. It takes you through the Company Gardens, Greenmarket Square and along the length of Signal Hill, Lion’s Head and the lower contours of Table Mountain. The 35-kilometre Urban trail run offers a fair and scenic challenge along Signal Head, Lion’s Head and the Upper Contour path along Table Mountain.