Every year in May, the sleepy and serene Em’seni adventure camp on the banks of the Tugela River in KwaZulu-Natal bursts into life with the arrival of thousands of Oxpeckers.

Not the feathered variety, but rather running birds of a feather flocking together to participate in the wildly popular Oxpecker Trail Run. Held over three weekends in May and attracting 1000 runners per event, the Oxpecker can surely lay claim to being South Africa’s most popular trail run.

Entries sell out in minutes and committed runners return year after year to tackle the trails and the equally taxing Saturday night party known as the Stiff-Legged Jol.

Based at the Em’seni camp just outside Winterton, the two-day Oxpecker Trail Run takes runners up and around Spioenkop, the scene of the infamous Boer War battle between the British and the Boers. The day one route also includes running through a small nature reserve, where inquisitive giraffes move closer to the trails to inspect the huffing and puffing.

Next year the Oxpecker turns 10 and race organiser, Spoen Green is already plotting to make it the best event yet.

Other route highlights include a riverside finish along the aptly named ‘Garden of Eden’ trail and day two’s scenic farmland trails that combine perfectly with rugged singletrack descents. A final treat for adventurous runners is crossing the Tugela River on the short floating bridge – diving into the cool water is actively encouraged when the weather is warm, as it was this year.

The event is the brainchild of Winterton farmer, Spoen Green. Since coming up with the idea on a trail run with her dad Gary some nine years ago, Green has taken her uniquely flamboyant style and charisma and splashed it all over the Oxpecker Trail Run.

Bright colours and elegant lights pop throughout the festive race village, while every year a happy hunting ground for participants is the well-stocked event shop where runners can find all manner of vibrant, Oxpecker-themed apparel.

Runners are greeted on arrival with a tot of Old Brown Sherry, a tractor ride to the tented accommodation and a race village that practically screams “good vibes only”. Craft beer is on hand (and on tap) in the shape of Nottingham Road Brewery lagers, ales and porters and world-class coffee is provided by the experts from Terbodore Coffee Roasters. It’s truly an event for the runner, hiker, walker, young, old, fit, fast, fabulous, slow, steady, singles, couples, friends, family and everything in between.

“The idea is to give everyone the complete package for the weekend,” says Green. “Runners have to travel a reasonable distance to get to us, so when they are here we want them to feel comfortable and relaxed. Our focus is on fun. Our trails are designed so that every level of runner will enjoy them, while the race village is here to help you unwind and have a great weekend away.”

Next year the Oxpecker turns 10 and Green is already plotting to make it the best event yet. “We love and appreciate the support from the South African running community,” says Green. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the runners arrive here over three weekends in May and every year we strive to put on the best running show possible. Next year will be a huge celebration for us and we can’t wait to share that with our runners.”

Entries for all the events are now full but you can still add your name to the waiting list. Good luck!

2025 Dates

YELLOW-BILLED: 2 – 4 MAY 2025

RED-BILLED: 9 – 11 MAY 2025

AFRICAN: 16 – 18 MAY 2025

JOIN THE WAITING LIST

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