In the days leading up to the 29th K-Way SkyRun, intense weather warnings from the South African Weather Service set a tense tone for the iconic mountain ultra. A powerful low-pressure system was forecast to bring heavy rain, flooding, severe thunderstorms, and strong winds to the Witteberg Mountain Range, putting the race organizers on high alert.

“From early on, we knew this was going to be no ordinary race,” said Race Director Mike de Haast. “The harsh weather warnings had us constantly reviewing our plans and preparing for multiple scenarios. Our priority was always the safety of every runner and crew member.”

The event, which normally features a gruelling self-supported, self-navigated 100km challenge, was reshaped by these extreme conditions. The start was moved to a safer location, and as the storm hit, the course was shortened to under 40km to avoid the most dangerous sections.

De Haast described the day, “When we saw the river starting to flood on the route that took athletes up to Bridal Pass, we had no choice but to concede that Mother Nature had won this one. The call was made to reroute all athletes to the finish line, to receive their medal and finishers jacket.”

First time 65km SkyRun runner, Ray Fincham said, “The rain was coming at me sideways – it felt like pieces of ice hitting into me. I had to dig deep and had many conversations with God just to make it safely to the finish line where my family was waiting.”

After finishing on the route, competitor, Martie Botes laughed and said, “I never knew I could swim so well!”

38km Route
As the 38km race was the only one that could not start on the Saturday, a new 20km route including the infamous Wall was opened for the following morning, with 92 runners taking to the start line to enjoy the mountains under much better conditions.

Frances van der Merwe, daughter of SkyRun stalwarts, Riana and Mynhardt van der Merwe, won the women’s title in the 20km race. “I really enjoyed this route, especially the Wall. The Westcliff stairs in Joburg definitely helped me when it came to climbing the Wall today,” laughs Frances.

De Haast praised the community spirit, “Our runners, marshals, and medical teams showed incredible resilience and teamwork. The safety-first approach was tough but necessary, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”

As the 2025 K-Way SkyRun closes the chapter on one of its most challenging years, it leaves a legacy of respect for nature’s power and the strength of human spirit.

“The mountains always win,” said de Haast. “But they also teach us why we return year after year – for the challenge, the camaraderie, and the privilege of being part of this extraordinary journey.”

The 30^th edition of the K-Way SkyRun will take place on Saturday 14 November 2026 – early bird entries open 27 November 2025.

For more information, please visit www.skyrun.co.za

Results:

100km shortened route winners:

1. Rory Pelser – 04:50:31
2. Louis le Grange – 04:51:30
3. Dirk Immelman – 04:54:54

 100km shortened route women:

1. Jess Barrow – 05:11:30
2. Tarrin van Niekerk – 05:25:04
3. Nicolle Zietsman – 06:01:14

 65km shortened route winners:

1. Jimmy Mofokeng – 05:09:07
2. Sifiso Buthelezi – 05:16:24
3. Kennedy Sekhuthe – 05:25:04

 65km shortened route women:

1. Jeanne Botha – 06:03:22
2. Maricel Cloete – 06:05:24
3. Michelle Fourie – 06:31:51

20km Overall Winners:

1. Travis Brigg – 02:06:29
2. Zako Kruger – 02:17:48
3. GJ Ferreria – 02:18:17

 20km women Winners:

1. Frances van der Merwe – 02:47:21
2. Elise Wiese – 02:52:38
3. Tatum White – 03:06:11

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