GEORGE NEWS - The 2025 Jakkalberry Gravel and MTB Race, staged at Jakkalsvlei and Red Berry Farm, once again proved that competitive cycling and community upliftment can go hand in hand.

Altogether 190 riders lined up across a wide range of categories, including extreme endurance routes, half-distance races, junior events and e-bike divisions, underlining the growing appeal of the event on the regional cycling calendar.

Organised by Chain Gang Events with the support of the volunteer group known as the Vryburgers - who also founded the race - the Jakkalberry has evolved into far more than a test of endurance. It has become a meaningful community-driven initiative with a strong charitable focus.

Central to the event is its support of the Kos vir kinders project, a local initiative that provides daily school lunches to children in surrounding communities. Proceeds from the race contribute directly to the programme, ensuring that vulnerable learners do not go hungry during the school day. This purpose-driven element continues to set the Jakkalberry apart from many other gravel and MTB races.

Jakkalsvlei and Red Berry Farm served as the start and finish venues, offering both logistical support and warm hospitality, which contributed to the smooth running of the event. Along the route, riders were treated to a festive atmosphere thanks to the Safari team, who hosted a lively themed station complete with refreshments, braaied wors and enthusiastic encouragement.

At the finish line, the organisers introduced a harvest table instead of the pizza offering used in previous years. The change improved rider flow and reduced waiting times, enhancing the overall post-race experience.

Founder Hanno Maritz (right) takes part in the race he helped build, completing a full-circle moment from organiser to competitor. Photos: Deidre Cloete

On the competitive front, Jean-Pierre du Plessis claimed victory in the solo men’s Jakkalberry extreme in 3:58:51, ahead of Cronje Beukes and Dean Woolley. In the solo women’s Jakkalberry extreme, Mellusca Toovey secured top honours in 4:55:52, with Rethe Mostert second and Midee Potgieter third. Anina van der Merwe won the e-bikes Jakkalberry extreme (open) category.

In the HalfJakk events, Hannes Pienaar dominated the solo senior men’s race, while Carmen Botha took the solo senior women’s title. Junior honours went to Markus Loch (men) and Nika Nortje (women), and Cindy Vlok topped the e-bikes HalfJakk (open) category.

A special highlight of the 2025 edition was the participation of Hanno Maritz, the original founder of the Jakkalberry race. 

Five years after launching the event from a simple vision, Maritz lined up as a competitor himself, completing a symbolic full-circle journey from organiser to rider. His involvement reflected the grassroots origins of the race and its enduring connection to the people who built it from the ground up.

The Jakkalberry Gravel and MTB Race is set to return on 12 December 2026, and the organisers are confident that the event will continue to grow as both a premier endurance race and a catalyst for positive community impact.

Volunteer members of the Vryburgers - who also founded the Jakkalberry Gravel and MTB Race - who assisted with this year's race.

A long line of riders on their way to the finish point at Red Berry Farm.‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’