Two iconic Pretoria venues. Two unforgettable endurance races. One series that is quickly becoming a must-ride on the Gauteng MTB calendar.
Paid partnership with Changan Motors Hill & Valley MTB Series
Every endurance rider knows the feeling – the nervous energy on the start line, the quiet focus before the countdown, and the long beam of bike lights stretching into the darkness as riders disappear onto the course. Somewhere in the early hours of the morning, when legs are heavy and the night air bites a little harder, the real reason for endurance racing reveals itself: it’s not just about speed, it’s about grit.
In 2026, the Changan Motors Hill & Valley MTB Series returns for its second edition, inviting riders to take on two distinctive endurance challenges right here in Pretoria. With races hosted at two iconic venues – one on the Hill and one in the Valley – the series is fast building a reputation as one of the most rewarding endurance experiences on the Gauteng mountain biking calendar.
Riders can enter either race as a solo competitor or as part of a team, choosing between the demanding 6-Hour format or the ultimate test of endurance, the 24-Hour race. Whether the goal is chasing a podium, building team spirit, or simply seeing how far you can push yourself, the Hill & Valley Series offers something for every type of rider.
What makes the series special is not just the racing. It’s the atmosphere. Both race weekends are designed to feel more like mountain biking festivals than traditional races. Expect lively race villages, supportive spectators, great food, music, and a few stories shared around the lights of the transition area long after the sun sets.
Participants can also expect excellent value from their entry. Generous goodie bags, professional race organisation, and competitive prize purses ensure the experience feels like a premium event from start to finish. In a unique twist for 2026, both races will offer identical prize money, with additional incentives for riders who manage to win their category at both events in the series.
Although the races are hosted at schools, these events have grown far beyond their original origin. Over the past decade, Pretoria Boys High School and Eduplex School have jointly hosted more than 14 successful mountain bike races, attracting riders from across Pretoria and the wider region. The venues themselves give the series its character.
Perched above the city in Brooklyn, Pretoria Boys High School — affectionately known as The School on the Hill — is one of South Africa’s most historic and respected public schools. In 2026, the school will celebrate its 125th anniversary, a milestone marked by a number of major events, including the much-loved Pretoria Boys High 24-Hour MTB Race.
A few kilometres away in Queenswood lies Eduplex School, a dynamic and forward-thinking private school located in what locals fondly call the Valley or the Moot. Despite being younger as an institution, Eduplex has built a reputation for innovation, strong community involvement, and events that consistently punch above their weight — something clearly reflected in the growing popularity of the Eduplex 1440 MTB Race.
Together, these two venues form the heart of the Hill & Valley Series — one race on the Hill, one race in the Valley — giving riders the opportunity to experience two completely different courses, atmospheres, and race communities within a single endurance challenge.
THE HILL & VALLEY SERIES
- 6-Hour and 24-Hour race formats
- Solo and team entries
- Equal prize money at both races
- Friday evening trail runs to start each weekend
- Two iconic Pretoria venues
2026 RACE CALENDAR
Eduplex 1440 MTB Race
- Queenswood, Pretoria
- 24–26 April 2026
- Includes a Friday evening trail run.
Pretoria Boys High School 24-Hour MTB Race
- Brooklyn, Pretoria
- 4–6 September 2026
- Also featuring a Friday evening trail run.
Endurance racing isn’t only about distance or time. It’s about the quiet satisfaction of pushing through the night, the encouragement shouted from teammates in the transition area, and the moment the sun rises over the course as another lap begins.
Two races. One hill. One valley. The only question left is simple: will you be on the start line?
To find out more or enter now, click here.
Paid partnership with Changan Motors Hill & Valley MTB Series
