Celebrating 30 Years of The PUFfeR
A Personal Journey with the PUfHie
The PUFfeR Trail Run isn’t just an event; it’s a rite of passage for trail runners, mountain lovers, and endurance enthusiasts in Cape Town.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the PUFfeR has grown from a local challenge to a respected fixture on the South African running calendar, attracting athletes from all walks of life.
And this year, I’m excited to be a part of this incredible legacy by running in the PuFfie, the 24-kilometer baby version of this iconic race.
The OG: A legacy 30 yrs in the making
What began as a humble idea in the early ’90s has now become one of the most legendary endurance races in the country.
The PUFfeR, short for “Peninsula Ultra Fun Run,” is far from a casual jog. It stretches across roughly 80 kilometres, from Cape Point at the southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula, all the way to the Green Point Lighthouse near the Cape Town Stadium. Over the years, it’s tested the grit and determination of countless runners with its punishing climbs, diverse terrain, and unpredictable weather.
This year, however, the route had to be adjusted to accommodate recent mountain fires and roadworks along Tafelberg Road, so the crazy runners only had to contend with 64 kms of running, a big chunk of it on tarred road at the start and toward the latter part, maybe the last 8 kms or so.
The great debate for the big boys is… do we or do we not change shoes when the terrain changes? To each his own, I suppose. For those of us who chose the more sensible 24 km option, trail shoes would suffice, even on the tarred road sections.
For us baby PUfHies, the debate is how much sunblock is too much?
The PUFfeR typically starts before dawn, with headlamps bobbing like fireflies through the wild, desolate beauty of Cape Point Nature Reserve.
As the sun rises, runners make their way through the lush forests of Silvermine and Constantia Nek, traverse the infamous slopes of Table Mountain, and eventually descend into the heart of Cape Town. The sense of adventure, camaraderie, and personal triumph that PUFfeR fosters is hard to match. Even for observers.
But for those looking to experience the magic of the PUFfeR without committing to the full ultra-distance, there’s the PuFfie.
This 24-kilometer race, now in its second year, gives runners a taste of the PUFfeR’s thrill in a more manageable format. Starting at Beau Constantia, the PUfHie winds through some of Cape Town’s most scenic trails, before finishing at the Green Point Cricket Club, offering a perfect mix of challenge and beauty.
Even the PUfHie course changed more times than Mr. O could light a smoke while running a marathon. The poor organisers!
Not gonna lie; I was not looking forward to running down Platties. So when the final course remained mostly on the contour path, I was relieved.
Running the PuFfie: A Personal Milestone
This year, as the PUFfeR celebrates three decades of incredible trail running and I’m thrilled to be part of the journey by participating in the PuFfie.
Although shorter than the main event, the PUfHiepacks its own punch with one particularly challenging climbs – they said it was 400 steps, but I think I counted 7 569 – at least, technical-ish terrain, and breathtaking views.
Running through the mountains, forests, and urban landscapes of Cape Town, it’s more than just a race — it’s a celebration of the trails, the community, and the spirit of endurance.
For me, being part of the PUFfeR legacy is special. There’s something incredible about knowing while I’m tackling my 24 kilometres, other runners are pushing through their own physical and mental limits over 64 kilometres. It’s the same journey on a different scale, and the shared energy of the runners, volunteers, and supporters makes for an unforgettable experience.
The Route: More Than Just Distance
The beauty of both the PUFfeR and the PUfHie lies in their variation.
Whether you’re running the full distance or the shortened version, the route offers a mix of rugged trails, coastal views, and urban backdrops.
The first half of the PUFfeR takes runners through the wild terrain of Cape Point, while the PUfHie offers its own unique experience, starting in the stunning Beau Constantia wine estate before winding up and over Table Mountain’s trails. Very posh!
Both races share the common thread of crossing through some of Cape Town’s most beloved natural landmarks, with the final descent leading to Green Point.
As you approach the finish line, the city sprawls out before you, offering a moment of triumph — not just for your body but for your spirit.
The PUFfeR and PuFfie: Races for Everyone
Despite its toughness, the PUFfeR is known for its inclusive atmosphere, and the introduction of the PUfHiehas only enhanced that.
The PUfHie allows a wider range of participants to experience the joy and challenge of trail running in Cape Town, opening the doors for more runners to join in on the celebration of 30 years of PUFfeR history.
Whether you’re an elite athlete chasing a personal best, or a recreational runner like me taking on the PuFfie, the race offers something for everyone.
Hip Hip Hooray!
As the PUFfeR marks this incredible milestone, the excitement around the 30th edition is palpable.
The organizers have hinted at special celebrations and commemorations to honour the event’s rich history – as evidence in the amazing box of swag we received.
For those who were lucky enough to toe the start line this year — whether in the PUFfeR or the PUfHie— the experience turned out to be memorable.
Participating in the PUfHie this year was about more than just running for me; it was about being part of something bigger.
About celebrating 30 years of trail running history, pushing personal limits, and connecting with a community of runners who share a love for the great outdoors.
As the PUFfeR embarks on its next decade, one thing is certain: this iconic race will continue to challenge and inspire all who dare to take it on.
Here’s to 30 years of the PUFfeR — and to many more years of adventure ahead!
Thanks:
Very special thanks to the organisers, from the training runs with the legendary Mr O, the marshals and everyone behind-the-scenes doing work we will never know about. For free!
Also TBOM (Take Back Our Mountain) and The Bo-Kaap Neighbourhood Watch for watching over us.
You can rewatch the livestream on YouTube here.
Photo and video creds:
PUFfie Organising team
Rifqah
Rugayah
Ruwaidah
Roy
Laila
Impressive blog post, Gabiba! It clearly captures the essence of an amazing day spent with incredible people. Well done to all who were part of the organisation and safety efforts (Take Back Our Mountains – find them on Facebook and Instagram).