Swapping Stormy Cape Town for the Freezing Karoo
We left Cape Town early on Saturday, 28 June 2025, in pouring rain—one of those relentless winter downpours that feels like it’s soaking through your bones. Our destination? The quiet semi-desert town of Touwsrivier for the Milkyway Marathon—a boutique trail race hosted in the heart of the Karoo.
As soon as we crossed through the Huguenot Tunnel, the rain disappeared behind us. A thick, steel-grey sky followed us the rest of the way, but at least it was dry. Dry… and absolutely freezing.
Arriving at Leeuwenboschfontein Guest Farm
By the time we arrived at Leeuwenboschfontein Guest Farm, the cold was biting. The farm is beautiful—a rustic oasis on the edge of the Drie Kuilen Private Nature Reserve. But let me be honest: camping in the Karoo in mid-winter? Not for the faint-hearted.
We’d entered the race late and missed out on the warm chalet bookings, so camping was our only option. Our tent was snug, but any movement outside—like brushing teeth or boiling water—was an exercise in resilience. Still, we were surrounded by rugged beauty, and that made it worth it.
A Small Race With a Big Heart
There were only about 70 runners in total—50 in the half marathon, the rest in the full. The intimacy of the event was exactly what the organisers were going for, and it worked.
Everyone was relaxed, layered up against the cold, swapping laughs and stories. Trail runners are, by and large, some of the nicest humans you’ll meet—and the vibe here was no different. It didn’t feel like a race. It felt like a community out on a wild adventure together.
Race Start: 3:30 PM and Freezing
The half marathon kicked off at 3:30 PM—a rather unusual start time for most races, but perfect for what this event promised: a run into the night under the stars.
From the get-go, I knew I was in trouble.
My body said ‘nope’ in the first 100 metres.
I’m not an afternoon runner. I’m especially not a post-lunch runner. Within the first 100 metres of the race, my gut was already grumbling, my limbs protesting.
Still, I knew I just had to push through. The beauty of trail running is that it teaches you how to keep moving—even when your body and brain want to call it quits.
Gravel Roads and Rolling Hills That Felt Like Forever
The race began on a relatively flat 5 km stretch through Drie Kuilen Reserve. The terrain was friendly, the temperature unforgiving.
Then came the 4 km of gravel road—a segment that will haunt my calves for weeks to come. It was the kind of gravel that crunches beneath your feet and seems to roll endlessly, never quite uphill, never fully flat. Just enough incline to wear you down.
Back onto Leeuwenboschfontein
When we finally veered off the gravel and back onto the Leeuwenvoet trail section, I breathed a sigh of relief. The real trail running had begun.
Singletrack, soft sand, patches of Karoo scrub—this was what I’d signed up for. And it was breathtaking.
The aid stations were stocked with goodies—from fresh fruit to sweet treats—and manned by the warmest, most encouraging humans you’ll find on a freezing trail in the middle of nowhere.
They cheered us on like we were running Comrades. And in the moment, it really felt like we were.
Night Falls: Headlamps On, Magic Begins
At around 16 km in, the sky dimmed. Headlamps flicked on. And just like that, we were no longer runners—we were explorers in a strange, beautiful, moonlit world.
The crescent moon hung low, casting a soft glow over the land. The Milky Way was mostly hidden behind the cloud cover, but that didn’t matter. We still caught glimpses of twinkling stars, and the night had a magic all its own.
I ran cautiously—trying not to trip over my own feet in the dark, like the klutz I am—but every step felt like a scene from a fantasy film.
The Finish Line: Warm Fires, Warm Hearts
With only the bobbing lights of runners ahead and behind us, we made our way through the last few kilometres. It was pitch dark, eerily silent save for the crunch of footsteps and occasional cheer.
There’s something uniquely humbling about running through vast open spaces in the dead of night. You feel small, yes—but also incredibly alive.
Three and a half hours after we started, Chucky and I crossed the finish line, greeted by a roaring welcome from the organisers. There was a crackling fire, mugs of something warm, and a whole lot of gees (spirit).
Despite the cold—and trust me, it was COLD—it was one of the most memorable race finishes I’ve experienced.
Would I Do It Again?
I would absolutely run the Milkyway Marathon again next year. The organisers nailed the vibe: intimate, atmospheric, and truly unique.
But next time? I’m booking a chalet the minute entries open. Because while I’ll treasure every second of this adventure, I’d also treasure a warm bed after freezing my toes off in a tent.
Final Thoughts: A Race That Captures the Soul of the Karoo
This wasn’t just another race. It was an experience. A slow, freezing, starlit journey across rugged terrain, through personal struggle, and into quiet, unforgettable joy.
Milky Way Marathon, you’ve got me hooked.
Tips for Future Runners
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Book accommodation early – Leeuwenboschfontein chalets are limited and winter camping is brutal.
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Layer up – Thermals, buffs, gloves, the works. You’ll need them.
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Run light but safe – A good headlamp is essential. Don’t skimp.
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Fuel right – Afternoon starts mean tricky race nutrition. Plan meals carefully.
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Embrace the dark – It’s not scary, it’s magical.
Want to Run the Milkyway Marathon? Here’s What to Expect
This race is perfect for:
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Adventure lovers
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Night runners
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Trail newbies looking for a friendly vibe
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Runners who want to experience the Karoo like never before
Whether you’re chasing stars or just chasing a finish line, the Milkyway Marathon delivers a trail running experience like no other.
Author's Note
This post was written by a trail runner who froze her toes off, fell in love with a starlit trail, and is coming back for more next year—with warmer accommodation.
Well written . You get one into the atmosphere & feel the vibe even feel your frozen toes ;
It sounds exciting ,
Its like a must to do on your bucket list ;
Love the pics .
🥶 another adventure for my bucket list. Thanks Gabiba 🙌🏾
Love this