Run/Ride McGregor 2025 – A Weekend of Trails, Art & Gees

Every September, McGregor turns into a playground for trail runners and mountain bikers as Dirty South Events hosts the legendary Run/Ride McGregor 2-Day Staged Trail Run. For those of us who have been here before, it’s a pilgrimage — a chance to escape the city, breathe in fresh country air, and reconnect with friends who share our love for the trails.

This year was no different. The gees was high, the weather played along, and the trails gave us everything we could have asked for — flowing singletrack, farmland views, a glimpse of wildlife, and just enough climbing to keep things interesting.

Day 1 – Sunshine, Trails & Familiar Faces

Saturday morning dawned crisp and clear, with the kind of blue sky that makes you smile before you’ve even had your coffee.

The main road through McGregor buzzed with excitement as runners, riders, and supporters gathered at the start line. There’s something special about the start of Day 1 — the hum of nervous energy, the shuffle of trail shoes on gravel, and the sound of laughter as friends reunite.

This year, we were missing one of our own. Ellen, our ever-faithful running buddy, had to sit this one out thanks to a nasty bout of flu. 💛 We carried her in spirit though, and sent her plenty of photos to make her jealous (the good kind).

As we waited for the start, we were delighted to bump into Caryn and her boo, along with a few other familiar Capetonian faces.

And then, as if the morning couldn’t get any better, we found Dave from Nyati-X — another events company we adore — who had come from Montagu to support this event.

It’s always so good to see other organisers taking part in events they don’t organise; it reminds you that they’re as passionate about this community as we are.

And then we were off!

The Day 1 route delivered everything we’ve come to expect from McGregor: gently winding jeep tracks to warm up the legs, playful singletrack that had us grinning, and views of the surrounding mountains that stopped us in our tracks more than once. There’s something meditative about running here — the crunch of stones underfoot, the occasional bird call, and the stillness of the farmlands around you.

Of course, there were enough climbs to keep us honest, but every uphill came with the promise of a sweeping view or a joyful downhill on the other side. Dirty South Events knows how to design a route that’s both challenging and rewarding, and they never disappoint.

And — in what might be the biggest win of the weekend — this was the first year I didn’t get lost on the trail! 🙌

I actually followed the markers properly and stayed on course the whole way. Small victories matter, and this one made me laugh all the way to the finish line.

Crossing the finish line back in McGregor felt amazing — that mix of relief, pride, and anticipation for Day 2.

We celebrated with a well-earned lunch, sharing race stories with new friends and old. Our legs were tired, our hearts were full, and we couldn’t wait to do it all again the next morning.

Race Vibes

We Run So Much Cos We Eat So Much...

The Blommies

Day 2 – Cool Skies, Blue Cranes & Dance-Off At The Finish

Sunday arrived with a different kind of beauty. The sky was soft and grey, holding just enough coolness in the air to make for perfect running conditions. If Day 1 was about sunshine and sweeping views, Day 2 was about intimacy — quiet trails, farmland scenes, and a gentler, more reflective mood.

Early on, we were treated to a magical moment: spotting South Africa’s national bird, the blue crane, in a field near the trail. It took off before I could get a picture, its wings wide and graceful against the sky. Even without a photo, the memory is burned into my mind.

The route wound its way through farmland and into more of McGregor’s singletrack, which twisted and turned like a playful puzzle. There were plenty of tripping hazards to keep us sharp, but that’s part of the fun. This is real trail running — not just a flat dirt road, but a proper dance with the terrain.

Day 2 Running Vaaibs

And then, all too soon, the village came into view again. We crossed the finish line laughing, and — in true Dirty South style — dancing with our medals. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of finishing a two-day stage event. It’s not just about the distance you’ve covered, but the community you’ve shared it with, and the memories you’ve made along the way.

McGregor – The Town With a Soul

Part of what makes this event so special is McGregor itself. Nestled at the end of a road that quite literally leads nowhere (you have to turn around to leave), McGregor feels like a step back in time. The streets are quiet, the cottages are whitewashed and picture-perfect, and the pace of life is slow and deliberate.

The Old School – Our Home Away From Home

This year we stayed at The Old School, a former schoolhouse that’s been lovingly converted into holiday accommodation.

It’s one of my favourite places to stay in McGregor because it has so much character. High ceilings, big airy rooms, and thoughtful details make it feel both historic and homely.

After each day’s run, we could kick off our shoes, stretch out in comfort, and relive the day’s adventures. The communal spaces are perfect for sharing meals and swapping stories with fellow runners, and there’s enough privacy to just curl up with a book and recover if that’s what you need.

There’s something special about staying somewhere with so much history — it feels like you’re adding your own little chapter to the building’s story.

First-Timer’s Guide to Run/Ride McGregor

If you’ve never done this event before, here are a few tips to make the most of your weekend:

🛏 Where to Stay

Airbnb & Guesthouses – McGregor is full of charming B&Bs and self-catering cottages, so book early — the town fills up fast for event weekends.

🍷 Where to Eat & Drink

We self-catered but there are many restaurants and coffee shops and the jams are next-level. There is also a Saturday market.

🎒 What to Pack

Trail shoes with good grip — the terrain has loose stones and tripping hazards.
Layers — mornings are crisp, afternoons can be hot.
A sense of humour — because the climbs will test you, but the views make it worth it.
Dancing shoes — or just your medals. The finish line vibes are legendary.

💛 Make Time for the Town

Don’t just run and leave — stay an extra night if you can. Explore the galleries, buy the jams and local food, or take a slow walk through the village.

Part of the magic of McGregor is just being there.

A Weekend To Remember

As we packed up and said our goodbyes on Sunday afternoon, I was reminded why this event has become a fixture on my calendar. It’s not just about the running — though the running is spectacular — it’s about everything that surrounds it:

The gees at the start line, the finish line, and everywhere in between.
The chance encounters with friends old and new — like seeing Caryn and Grant, and Vaness and Dave from Nyati-X.
The magic of spotting a blue crane take flight.
The laughter, the dancing, the quiet moments of gratitude out on the trail.
The soul of McGregor — its art, its people, its timeless charm.
And yes, the fact that I finally didn’t get lost this year — I’ll be riding that victory high until next September.

Dirty South Events once again delivered a world-class weekend, and I can’t thank them enough for the work they put into making this event so special. And a shoutout to Nyati-X, too — seeing fellow event organisers out on the trails is a reminder of how strong and supportive this trail community is.

McGregor has my heart, and this event will always be one I look forward to. Until next year, Run/Ride McGregor — you were everything we needed and more. 💛

Thanks

Pics and videos:

Caryn

MSO (Bapoo)

Rashaad

Saeed

Shanaaz

Suad

Our amazing cooks:

Banoo

Karima