Mountain bikers and trail enthusiasts are gearing up for the return of the iconic Sappi Mankele Challenge, taking place on 16 May at the Mankele Adventure Park in Mpumalanga. After several years of wet and muddy race conditions during the traditional March event window, organisers have moved this year’s event to May — a decision expected to deliver cooler temperatures, drier trails and some of the best riding conditions the venue has seen in years.
Paid partnership with Sappi
Presented by Sappi and organised by 2D Adventures, the event remains one of Mpumalanga’s most accessible and scenic mountain biking experiences, with route options catering for everyone from first-time riders and families to experienced marathon racers.
Race director Danie Botha says riders can look forward to flowing, non-technical trails, spectacular views and fast racing across all distances.
“The trails are in fantastic condition and the move to May should make a massive difference to the overall riding experience. Riders can expect great weather, fast gravel roads, flowing single track and some incredible views across the Mankele and Schoemanskloof valleys,” says Botha.
Route Options for Every Rider
The event offers four mountain bike race distances – 16km, 35km, 50km and 70km — each designed to showcase different aspects of the region’s terrain and scenery.
The 15km route provides an ideal introduction to mountain biking, beginning with a neutral tar section before heading onto dirt roads, jeep track and an exciting bush tunnel section through a nearby game farm, where riders may even spot wildlife along the way. Riders finish with scenic riverside single track back into Mankele.
The 35km route builds on the experience with longer gravel-road sections, rewarding climbs and sweeping views before transitioning into flowing, non-technical single track for a fast final 15km back to the finish.
For more experienced riders, the 50km and 70km races feature the event’s signature “King and Queen of the Mountain” climb, taking riders high above the valley before rewarding them with long descents, flowing trails and panoramic views across the Schoemanskloof region.
The 70km route includes an additional climb and descent section before rejoining the 50km route for the high-speed return home.
Across all routes, riders can expect a combination of open gravel roads, jeep track, flowing single track and the natural beauty that has made Mankele one of South Africa’s most-loved trail destinations.
Fun Beyond the Bike Race
The event also includes the hugely popular 5km Fun Run, a non-timed run and walk that attracts more than 200 participants each year. Families, casual walkers and runners can enjoy an active morning on some of Mankele Adventure Park’s most accessible trails in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.
Supporting the Next Generation of Riders
An important part of the event each year is the inclusion of local riders from the Mataffin Development Team, many of whom use the Sappi Mankele Challenge as an opportunity to gain valuable race experience alongside more seasoned competitors.
The event continues to play a role in creating accessible opportunities within the sport while exposing young riders to high-quality race organisation and trail riding in a supportive environment.
A Welcome from Sappi
Lucas Esterhuizen, General Manager of Forestry for Sappi in Mpumalanga, says the company is proud to continue supporting an event that celebrates both outdoor adventure and community participation.
“The Sappi Mankele Challenge has become a special fixture on the Mpumalanga outdoor calendar and one that our Sappi community looks forward to every year. We are excited to welcome riders, runners and families back to Mankele this May. The event showcases the incredible landscapes of the region while creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy an active lifestyle in the outdoors.”
Entries for the 2026 Sappi Mankele Challenge are open online, with riders encouraged to enter early and experience the fast, dry and flowing conditions expected on this year’s trails.
For more information and entries, visit 2D Adventures or Mankele Adventure Park.
Paid partnership with Sappi
