GEORGE NEWS - If you see a bunch of trail runners in and around Wilderness this weekend, don't fret. They're here for a good reason.

Athletes from across the country will be arriving at the Fairy Knowe Hotel in Wilderness today, Thursday 6 August, in preparation for this year's Southern Cross (SOX) Trail Run, which gets under way tomorrow and runs until Sunday 9 August.

This year's event has also seen George Tourism and George Municipality join hands with SOX in a partnership to show off the region as one of South Africa's premier outdoor adventure destinations.

Over the three days, the runners will experience some of the Garden Route's most spectacular scenery, travelling from the rugged Outeniqua Mountains to ancient indigenous forests and the pristine Wilderness coastline.

SOX has earned a reputation as one of the country's most diverse three-day trail runs, offering participants access to trails that are seldom open to the public.

The SOX Full starts with a challenging 25km mountain stage through the Outeniqua Mountains, featuring single-track trails and demanding climbs. 

Day two moves into the indigenous forests around Rheenendal for a 25km forest stage on SANParks trails, before the final 16km coastal stage takes runners along the Wilderness coastline.

The final stage includes the iconic crossing of the floating bridge over the Touw River, before the runners make their way back to the Fairy Knowe Hotel.

SOX Sport offers a 13km mountain stage, a 15km forest stage and a 12km coastal stage.

The final stage includes one of the trail’s most iconic moments - crossing the floating bridge over the Touw River before heading back towards the Fairy Knowe Hotel.

There is also a SOX single-day option on Sunday, and runners are able to choose between a 12km or 16km coastal route.

The 2025 SOX Trail Run saw strong performances from some of the country's top trail runners. AJ Calitz won the men's SOX Full in a combined time of 5:31:06 after winning all three stages, while Jeanne Brink dominated the women's race in 6:01:33, also winning every stage.

In the SOX Sport category, Mark McArdle won the men's race in 3:53:06, while Jeannie Koster claimed the women's title in 3:59:41.

With preparations now in their final stages, the organisers are looking forward to welcoming runners and their supporters to Wilderness.

The final 16km stage of the SOX Full takes runners along the stunning Wilderness coastline. 

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