Some races live in the legs. Others live in the heart. The Voet of Afrika Half Marathon, held every September in Bredasdorp, manages to do both.
Known as South Africa’s first official cross-country marathon when it launched in 1978, the Voet is more than just a run. It’s a tradition, a test, and a gathering point for runners at the very tip of Africa.
Roots of the Voet
The Voet has always stood out. From the start, it dared to be different: rugged terrain, small-town hospitality, and a route that ran across farmlands instead of city streets.
The half marathon has its own claim to fame. In its early years, it was a ladies-only event — a radical move in an era when women weren’t even allowed to enter marathons. This bit of running history was highlighted when Sean Falconer, now famous as a race announcer, once ran the half as the only man in the field. His entry was allowed only because he was guiding a blind runner. One man, a sea of women, and a reminder that rules sometimes need to be broken.
That inclusive, pioneering spirit is baked into the Voet’s DNA.
Route Changes Through the Years
If you ran the half marathon a few years back, you’ll know the route has changed.
In 2022, the adventure began with runners being dropped off in the middle of nowhere by cattle truck — a delightfully rustic touch that set the tone for a race heavy on gravel roads and farm tracks. The final kilometres into Bredasdorp were tar, but most of the race was rough country running.
This year, things looked different. We started in Napier, a charming little town about 20 km from Bredasdorp. The first four kilometres rolled over gravel, but from there it was all tar straight into Bredasdorp. I’ll admit, there was something I loved about that cattle truck drop-off and the crunch of endless gravel underfoot. Both versions of the course were tough, scenic, and rewarding in their own ways.
Next time, I may even try one of the Voet’s trail races. Word on the grapevine is that those trails are brutal but beautiful — perfect if the training goals line up. As for the 10 km race, our crew reported back that it traversed farmland and single-track trails with some surprisingly beautiful views.
I’ll confess: I was a little jealous. But then again, the rolling hills on the half marathon route won me over so much that on Sunday morning we laced up again for a 10 km out-and-back recovery run. Sometimes the best way to recover is to do what brought you there in the first place.
Ciara loved the half so much she is coming back for the full marathon next year… so is Bev the Unbreakable!
The Shuttle, the Crew, and the Spirit of the Voet
No race weekend is complete without the stories off the road. This year, our group had the luxury of our very own shuttle, driven by Butch. Except Butch wasn’t just a driver this time — he joined the 10 km with Anni, Ellen, Shanaaz, Pacha Mama, and Suad.
I wasn’t sure how he’d survive surrounded by that unstoppable bunch of ladies, but judging by the laughter on the ride back, he had the time of his life. That’s the spirit of the Voet: it’s not just about the race you run, but the people you run it with.
Your Voet Weekend Itinerary
Friday: Arrival and Settling In
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Arrive in Bredasdorp or Napier by late afternoon. Both towns have guesthouses, B&Bs, and farm stays that cater to runners on race weekend. If you prefer a coastal vibe, Struisbaai and Arniston are within a short drive.
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Race registration usually happens on Friday. Pick up your number, browse the stalls, and soak in the atmosphere as runners from across the country roll into town.
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Dinner tip: Book ahead. The town fills quickly, and popular spots like Bredasdorp Square or Napier Farm Stall are buzzing. Keep it simple like we did — pasta, chicken, or whatever carb-loading ritual works for you.
Saturday: Race Day
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Shuttles & logistics: Depending on your distance, you may start in Napier, Bredasdorp, or hop on the shuttle to your drop-off point. Don’t stress if you’re not used to gravel — that’s part of the charm.
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Half Marathon (21.1 km): Expect a mix of gravel and tar, with rolling hills and big skies. The Napier start gives you four kilometres of gravel before settling into a steady tar run into Bredasdorp.
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10 km: A scenic mix of trails and farmland. According to our crew, it was surprisingly tough but gorgeous — a mini adventure in itself.
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Marathon & Trail Options: For the hardcore, the full Voet or the Voet trail races serve up a proper beating, complete with climbs and rugged terrain.
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Post-race: Hang around the finish for a vibe that feels more village festival than race expo. Local food stalls, music, and the satisfaction of having conquered a piece of running history.
Sunday: Recovery Run & Exploring the Overberg
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Recovery run: If your legs allow, try a gentle 5–10 km out-and-back from Bredasdorp. We did a 10 km recovery run on the rolling hills, and it felt like the perfect bookend to race day.
Explore further:
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Cape Agulhas: Visit the lighthouse and stand at the true southern tip of Africa.
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Stanford Flower Show (seasonal): A short drive from Bredasdorp, this is worth the detour. The recreated Chelsea Flower Show winning exhibit was a revelation — the fynbos display was breathtaking.
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Struisbaai & Arniston: Miles of beach, turquoise waters, and fishing village charm. Perfect for stretching out tired legs or soaking up the coast before heading home.
Extra Tips and Suggestions
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Training: Don’t underestimate the hills. Rolling terrain adds up, so build some climbs into your prep.
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Shoes: Road shoes are fine for the half marathon, but trail shoes may suit the marathon or trail events.
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Weather: The Overberg can throw anything at you — from coastal winds to hot inland sun. Pack light layers and sunblock.
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Bring the family: Between the beaches, the flower shows, and the charm of Napier and Bredasdorp, there’s more than enough to keep non-runners happy while you race.
Why the Voet Endures
The Voet of Afrika Half Marathon has stood the test of time because it refuses to compromise. It’s not about fast times or easy paths. It’s about showing up, running hard, and embracing the quirks that make it unique — from cattle trucks to Napier starts, from gravel to tar, from half marathons that once belonged to women alone to trail options that tempt the brave.
Every race tells a story. The Voet tells many: resilience, inclusivity, small-town pride, and the stubborn beauty of running at the edge of a continent.
Final Strides
If you want to run a race that’s about more than medals, the Voet of Afrika Half Marathon should be on your list. It challenges your legs, rewards your spirit, and leaves you with memories that stretch far beyond the finish line.
For me, it was the thrill of a new route, the nostalgia of gravel runs past, the laughter of a crew that knows how to make every kilometre count, and the unexpected joy of a flower show that reminded me how wild and beautiful South Africa really is.
That’s the Voet. It’s not just a race. It’s an experience. And it’s one I’ll happily come back to again and again.
Thanks
Pic and video credits:
Anni
Ciara
Ellen
Soraya
Suad
The read took me right back ! Had a huge chuckle for our synchronized swimmers..lol.
Beautiful read and summary. Well done Gabiba…and thank you Dara…
Gonna be back next year in sha Allah
After running the toontjies from the start, I decided to do the 10km 11th time. After the 10km, I decided to run the 21km for the 3rd time. And I run it with a personal best. From 04:04 in 2023 to 02:53 in 2025. My best Voet so far. 1st Running for Bredasdorp Athletic Club, I decided to join SAPS WP in 2023. I will always be a Bredasdorper, brought and raise here. Next year I will have 02:30 on the clock ⏰️
Wow! My friend, what an achievement, so so proud of you. I wish I were sharing that group