Run2Nowhere Reboot
A Weekend of Sport, Art, and Sunshine
The inaugural Run & Ride McGregor event, nestled in the heart of the Western Cape, promised a weekend filled with adventure, and it more than delivered.
Following in the footsteps of the Run2Nowhere event, this year’s new offering provided runners, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts with a fresh take on the beauty and history of McGregor.
We were excited to take part in both sporting and cultural festivities, found ourselves immersed in the quirky charm of this small town, as well as the camaraderie of the event itself.
Day 1: Sunlit Trails and a Chilled Atmosphere
As we gathered on Saturday morning, there was an undeniable sense of excitement in the air. It was a perfect spring day—the sky was clear, the sun warm but not overpowering.
The first stage of the 35 km run kicked off with great energy, setting the tone for a relaxed yet invigorating experience. The town of McGregor is the ideal backdrop for an event like this: surrounded by vineyards, farmlands, and dramatic mountain vistas, the scenery kept us all motivated as we set off down the trails.
Saturday morning couldn’t have been better for the start of the trail run. The sun beamed down, warming the early spring air and lighting up the vibrant countryside. We kicked off the day’s 17 km run with excitement and a sense of adventure, winding through the farmland that surrounds McGregor.
The route meandered through open fields and undulating hills, all set against a backdrop of majestic mountains. Every step of the way, we were reminded why McGregor is such a drawcard for outdoor enthusiasts.
The trails, generously made available by local farmers, were the highlight. Thanks to their partnership with the event organizers, Dirty South, we got to explore paths that are typically off-limits to the public.
The McGregor Municipality also played a key role in making this event possible, ensuring the town and its surrounding areas were prepared to host us.
The event felt both intimate and well-organized. There were no large crowds or overly competitive energy—just people out to enjoy the day, the company, and the landscape. The relaxed vibe matched McGregor’s character perfectly. This is a town known for its slow pace, where art, nature, and history coexist harmoniously.
The Town of McGregor: Quirky Charm and Rich History
McGregor, located a couple of hours from Cape Town, is a small town steeped in history and character. It’s one of those places that feels like it exists in its own time, untouched by the fast pace of city life.
Originally founded in the mid-19th century as a mission station, it has since evolved into a hub for artists, nature lovers, and those seeking a simpler, slower lifestyle. The town’s architecture, with its thatched cottages and whitewashed walls, adds to its old-world charm.
Walking down the main street, you can’t help but feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.
During our stay, we had the pleasure of meeting some members of McGregor’s heritage society.
They mentioned the challenges they face in maintaining the town’s historic buildings, especially in the poorer areas where resources are scarce.
It’s a struggle that many small towns in South Africa face—balancing heritage preservation with the pressures of gentrification and economic hardship.
The influx of new residents, drawn by McGregor’s charm, has its benefits, but it also threatens the very character that makes the town unique.
This is one of the reasons why events like the Run & Ride McGregor are so important. They bring much-needed economic activity to the town, supporting local businesses and helping to raise awareness of the ongoing efforts to preserve its cultural and architectural heritage.
As participants, it felt good to know that our presence contributed to the town’s economy. It’s one of the reasons we love supporting events in small towns like this, knowing that we’re helping to sustain these communities in our small way.
Day 2: Rain, Blue Cranes, and a Poetic Vibe
Sunday started off wet, with rain making an appearance just as we were gearing up for the second stage of the run.
Some may have been deterred by the weather, but not us. There’s something exhilarating about running in the rain, especially in a place as beautiful as McGregor. By the time we hit the trails, the rain had already begun to ease, leaving the landscape refreshed and sparkling.
The second stage of the run, another 17 km, took us deeper into the farmlands and offered a completely different perspective on the surroundings.
With the rain gone by the time the race started, the clouds parted to reveal stunning views of the distant mountains and wide-open fields.
One of the highlights of the day was spotting blue cranes—the South African national bird—strolling gracefully through the farmlands. Their elegant presence added a sense of magic to the day, as we marveled at the beauty of these endangered birds in their natural habitat.
The second stage felt like a perfect culmination of the weekend’s journey.
The weather had cleared, the atmosphere remained relaxed, and as we neared the finish line, there was a palpable sense of achievement and camaraderie among all the participants.
Two Wheels, One Victory
While most of our group took part in the running events, our Captain Pain opted for the two-stage bike ride.
He’s a talented mountain biker, and his performance over the weekend was nothing short of impressive as he went full-on Ironman on the competition.
He claimed first place on Day 1 and, after a strong ride on Day 2, emerged as the overall winner of the event. His success was celebrated by all of us, adding a layer of excitement to an already unforgettable weekend.
Watching the cyclists navigate the same terrain as the runners, but with the added thrill of speed, gave us a different perspective on the event. The Run & Ride McGregor brilliantly catered to both runners and riders, showcasing the diverse beauty of the landscape and allowing participants to experience it in whichever way suited them best.
Poetry and Jam: The Cultural Side of McGregor
While we didn’t attend any poetry readings ourselves, it was impossible not to notice the artsy vibe in the air.
The annual McGregor Poetry Festival was happening at the same time, attracting a creative crowd to the town.
The combination of a trail event and a poetry festival might seem unusual, but it felt entirely fitting for a place like McGregor. The town’s reputation as a haven for artists was only enhanced by the presence of poets, and it added an extra layer of charm to our weekend.
The quirky energy of the town—its art galleries, the eccentric locals, and the creative spirit—made for a unique backdrop to our adventure.
We even found time to explore some of McGregor’s artisan shops, picking up homemade jams that added to the sense of connection we felt to the town.
Supporting local businesses, like the jam makers and the small eateries, was another way we felt we were contributing to the town.
Thanks to the organisers
It’s important to acknowledge the hard work that went into making this event happen.
Dirty South, the event organizers, the volunteers, everyone did an excellent job of pulling everything together, from the trail markings (except for the time I got lost) to the post-race atmosphere.
The cooperation of local farmers, who opened up their land for us to run and ride through, was a generous gesture that gave us access to some of the most beautiful areas of McGregor. The McGregor Municipality also played a significant role, ensuring that everything ran smoothly.
This kind of collaboration is what makes small-town events so special. It’s a team effort, with everyone pitching in to create something memorable. As participants, we felt grateful to be part of something that not only brought joy to us but also benefited the town and its residents.
Looking forward to 2025
As we packed up and said our goodbyes to McGregor, we couldn’t help but feel excited about the prospect of returning next year.
The event exceeded our expectations in every way, and we can’t wait to see how it grows. With any luck, next year will be even bigger and better, attracting more participants and bringing even more attention to the town’s beauty, heritage, and challenges.
The Run & Ride McGregor is more than just a race. It’s a celebration of community, history, and the natural beauty of the Western Cape. We’re already counting down the days until we can return to this special place, lace up our trail shoes, and hit the paths once again. Here’s to 2025—and to many more weekends spent supporting McGregor, its people, and its future.
Photo and video creds:
Pippa
Marisa
Shanaaz
Love ❤️ reading this blog. Beautiful pics. Well done to the runners 🏃♀️ and cyclist 🏄♂️