There’s no better way to say farewell to winter than tackling one of Joburg’s favourite mountain bike races, the Garmin MTB Classic, which takes place at Northern Farm on Saturday 23 August 2025.
Paid partnership with Garmin South Africa
The seventh edition of the annual event takes place just before the arrival of spring and offers both seasoned and novice mountain bikers race routes that are challenging but rewarding. The routes have been created to make the most of the popular Northern Farm trails network, which includes a high volume of engaging singletrack.
This year, the Northern Farm trails team has been adding fresh sections to add more speed, more flow and more stoke!
“We’ve reworked the routes and added new features to keep things exciting for both seasoned riders and weekend warriors. With smoother lines, faster segments, and a brand-new finish that crosses back over the start, expect an exciting morning of racing,” said Gavin Kearns of Northern Farm.
The Garmin MTB Classic is a CSA-sanctioned event and the 50km marathon is expected to attract some of the region’s top mountain bike racers, who will be dicing for their share of the R12 000 prize purse.
The 35km half-marathon offers the ideal distance for the speedy Under-18s to engage in a podium battle and for recreational mountain bikers to enjoy a stimulating few hours in the saddle. A 20km fun ride and a 10km kids race complete the day’s events and ensure a fun, fulfilling experience for all ages.
Although there isn’t a specific eBike race or prize offering, eBikes are welcome, but will not start in A or B batches.
The Garmin MTB Classic always offers great entry-fee value. In addition to the well-marked, carefully planned race routes, there’s a Garmin goodies race pack (early-bird entries only), a free post-race bike wash, a finisher medal and a Garmin cycling products discount voucher.
There will be electronic chip timing as part of your entry. Mechanical support will be provided by Cycles United and energy and recovery supplements provided by USN.
Northern Farm is an established and popular mountain biking venue, located just 25 minutes north of Johannesburg and 30 minutes south west of Pretoria. On race day there will be secure parking as well as food and beverage vendors.
As the world’s leading cycling performance brand, Garmin’s now-legendary pay-off line is ‘Beat Yesterday’, a sentiment that all ambitious mountain bikers can relate to and a good reason to enter the 2025 Garmin MTB Classic.
- Garmin MTB Classic 2025 summary:
Date: Saturday 23 August 2025
Venue: Northern Farm, Johannesburg - Distances: Marathon – 50km/300m ascent | Half-marathon – 35km/210m ascent | Fun Race – 20km/110m ascent | Kiddies Race – 10km/40m ascent.
- Start time: From 07h00. Number collection from 06h00 at the race venue.
The Garmin MTB Classic would not be the success it is without the following partners: Hydration & nutrition: USN | Mechanical support: Cycles United | Recovery: Hyperice | Gifting: Subaru.
To find out more or enter online, click here. https://northernfarm.org/garmin-mtb-classic/
