If you’ve been meaning to get an entry for the Garmin MTB Classic, now is the time. Entries for one of Gauteng’s most popular mountain bike events close on 19 August, with absolutely no late entries being accepted.
Paid partnership with Garmin Southern Africa
The 2026 Garmin MTB Classic takes place at Northern Farm on Saturday 22 August, giving riders one final opportunity to line up for a high-energy morning of mountain biking on one of Johannesburg’s most established and favourite trail networks.
And this year’s event has plenty to get excited about. Northern Farm has more than 110km of singletrack within the venue, and the Garmin MTB Classic will make full use of this extensive network. The race routes have been reworked with smoother lines, faster sections and new features designed to add more speed and flow – a formula that’s appealing to both competitive riders and weekend warriors.
Riders can choose from 50km, 35km, 20km and 10km options, making the Garmin MTB Classic an event that can accommodate everyone from serious racers to families looking for an enjoyable morning on the bike.
The top three male and female finishers in each distance will qualify for prizes, while in the 50km marathon, the first male and female finishers in each of the following categories will qualify for a prize: Junior (17-18 years); Sub-veteran (30-39 years); Veteran (40-49 years); Master (50-59 years) and Grand Master (60 years and older).
A RACE FOR EBIKES TOO
One of the biggest changes this year is the introduction of a dedicated 35km eBike race.
While eBikes remain welcome on the other distances as social entries, the dedicated 35km eBike race is aimed squarely at riders who want to race. There is no speed cap, and the racing eBike field will be started separately, creating a less congested opportunity to enjoy Northern Farm’s singletrack at speed.
MORE THAN JUST A RACE
The Garmin MTB Classic is also about the experience after the finish. The 2026 event promises a race village with food, a beer garden, live music, chill and recovery areas, a premium bike wash and Garmin product giveaways.
There’s also an interesting Garmin-specific challenge called The Pursuit. The complete course has been mapped into a Garmin segment set against the course record-holder’s time. Riders can load the track onto their Garmin device and use their data to see how they compare with the benchmark as they ride.
“We can’t wait to welcome riders to Northern Farm for another epic Garmin MTB Classic. Whether you’re racing, riding with friends, or enjoying the atmosphere, it’s set to be a fun-filled day of great trails, good vibes and unforgettable memories” said Archie Rankhododo, Garmin Marcomms Manager Sub-Saharan Africa.
Northern Farm’s location also makes this one of the more accessible major MTB events for Gauteng riders, situated on Johannesburg’s northern doorstep.
If the Garmin MTB Classic has been sitting on your “maybe” list, this is your reminder to make a decision. The trails are ready, winter is almost behind us and entries close on Wednesday 19 August.
There will be no late entries, so don’t leave it until race morning.
Garmin MTB Classic
Date: Saturday 22 August 2026
Venue: Northern Farm, Johannesburg
Distances: 50km | 35km | 20km | 10km
Dedicated eBike race: 35km
Entries close: 19 August 2026
Late entries: None
Paid partnership with Garmin Southern Africa
