TZANEEN – Tzaneen ultra trail runner Leon Roode once again proved his endurance on one of South Africa’s toughest mountain trails by claiming victory in the 100-mile race at the 2026 Mac Mac Ultra.

Roode completed the gruelling course in an impressive 24:44:00, securing his second Mac Mac Miler title and his fourth overall podium finish at the prestigious event.

A gruelling escarpment challenge

Held annually during winter on the north-eastern escarpment of the Drakensberg, the Mac Mac Ultra takes runners through the spectacular landscapes surrounding Pilgrim’s Rest, Graskop and Sabie. The event features multiple distances ranging from 25 km to an extreme 200-mile ultra, attracting trail runners from across the country.

Roode was joined in the 100-mile race by fellow Tzaneen athlete Ryan Hyde, who also delivered an outstanding performance.

Hyde crossed the finish line in fourth place overall in a time of 28:36:00, improving his 2025 result by more than two hours.

The 100-mile race started at midday on Friday, July 24, with runners given 42 hours to complete the demanding mountain course linking the Prospector’s and Fanie Botha hiking trails.

Strong showing in the 46km event

Tzaneen athletes also excelled in the 46 km event, a challenging route that climbs the escarpment into the Hartbeesvlakte grasslands before descending the steep and technical Maritzbos at the foot of Mount Anderson.

Mariska Bosch produced one of the standout performances of the weekend, finishing as the third woman in a time of 06:06:0 in the 46km event.

Christopher Atherston also impressed on the 46km distance, placing fourth overall in 05:46:00.

Other local runners who completed the 46km distance were Chanté Pirie, Umelda Roode, Abrie Bartlett and Daneke Coetser.

“Incredibly beautiful” route earns high praise

Bosch described the race as both demanding and rewarding.

“I expected the race to be a little easier than it turned out to be, but it is an incredibly beautiful route and one I would definitely run again. The course takes runners through pine forests, the breathtaking yet highly technical trails of the indigenous Maritzbos, and across the Hartbeesvlakte plateau, which was without a doubt my favourite section of the entire route.

“While it may not be as technical as the Hi-Tec Magoebaskloof Ultra, it is still a challenging and versatile course, with sections where you can settle into a good pace, provided you still have enough strength and stamina left in your legs. I was fortunate to finish as the third female in the 46 km event, a result I am incredibly grateful for. I will certainly be back to race this event again, and perhaps next time I might even take on the 50-miler.”

Tzaneen well represented in the 25km race

The 25km race also saw a strong turnout from Tzaneen, with Doug Pirie, Abrie Nauta, Lori Cilliers, Nasreen Malik, Gyorgy-Lee Hillary, Danielle Hyde, Dean Conradie and Crystal Kirstein proudly representing the town.