36ONE MTB Challenge
📍 Western Cape, South Africa
mtbgravel
Date
21–23 May 2027
Distance
356km · 196km
Elevation
4,612 m
Difficulty
mtb
The Munga
Karoo, South Africa · 25–30 November 2026
Difficulty: 5/5 — Brutal
Covering 1,130 km of off-road terrain, this brutal single-stage mountain bike race traverses the arid South African Karoo desert under intense summer heat. Competitors must self-navigate and manage their own rest over a non-stop, 120-hour limit.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 1130km
- Elevation
- 6,435 m
- Surface
- dirt, gravel
- Typical W/kg
- 3–4.5
Rider fit
Who it's for
This event is built for experienced ultra-endurance mountain bikers who want to push their psychological and physical limits in a semi-supported environment.
Who will struggle
Cyclists who rely on external support teams, struggle with extreme heat and freezing night temperatures, or cannot handle long-distance self-navigation will highly struggle.
Training focus
Focus on high-volume endurance blocks, mental resilience under sleep deprivation, and dialing in your heavy-load bikepacking setup.
Are you ready for this race?
Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.
FAQs
How long is the race and how much climbing is involved?+
The route covers approximately 1,130 kilometers with about 6,435 meters of total vertical ascent.
Is this a multi-stage race with mandatory daily stops?+
No, it is a single-stage, non-stop race with a total time limit of 120 hours. Riders decide when and where to sleep.
What kind of support is allowed during the event?+
The race is semi-supported. Organizers provide 5 race villages for food, rest, and mechanical assistance, alongside 10 water points. No private support vehicles or external assistance along the route is permitted.
How do riders navigate the course?+
Riders navigate using a pre-provided GPS track; the route itself is not marked.
What are the start and end points of the route?+
The race starts in the city of Bloemfontein and finishes at the Doolhof wine estate in Wellington, Western Cape.
What gear is essential for the race?+
Riders must carry a GPS navigation device, a mobile phone, high-quality front and rear lights (preferably powered by a dynamo hub), and protective clothing suitable for both hot days and freezing desert nights.