Welcome to The Owl Route! Grab a beer or something to drink and check in to your luxury-tented accommodation. During registration, you will receive your welcome pack with a quality event garment and some other exciting goodies. You’re welcome to arrive on Friday between 12:00-14:00. Help yourself to the light lunch on offer.
RUN START
15:00 Day 1 is all about exploring the charm of Nieu-Bethesda. This 8 km route winds through the village’s iconic gravel streets, scenic singletrack, and historic water furrows. Along the way, runners enjoy unique local stops, including homemade ginger beer at Aunt Evelyn’s house, a cold beer at Boeties Pub, and a cinnamon-sugar pancake at The Village Inn Restaurant. It’s the perfect introduction to the heart and character of this unique Karoo town.
DINNER
18:30 Enjoy a delicious Fire-Roasted Smoked Lamb dinner and a beautiful star-filled evening in the Karoo.
DAY 2
BREAKFAST
06:00-07:00 Enjoy a delicious breakfast before you set off on your run.
RUN START
07:30 – Day 2 takes runners out of Nieu-Bethesda on scenic gravel roads with sweeping valley views before reaching the historic Doornberg Guest Farm. The route then follows a mix of jeep track and singletrack through classic Karoo landscapes, winding past picturesque koppies and the spring-fed stream that has supplied the village for generations. A gentle descent leads runners back to the finish after an unforgettable Karoo adventure.
LUNCH
11:00-13:00 Runners and supporters can look forward to gourmet wood-fired pizzas at Bruno’s, freshly baked and served hot.
DINNER AND ENTERTAINMENT
18:00 Dinner will entail a delicious Karoo inspired meal. There will be an Owl themed dress-up party. A photo reflection of day two and live entertainment will conclude a great day in Nieu-Bethesda.
DAY 3
BREAKFAST
06:00-07:00 Enjoy a delicious breakfast before you set off on your run.
RUN STARTS
07:30 – The final day of Run the Owl Route is a relaxed 6km leg loosener and, just when you think you’ve discovered all that Nieu-Bethesda has to offer, there’s one last surprise waiting. Runners head out towards the double suspension bridge crossing the Gats River before skirting the edge of town on scenic gravel roads. The route leads to the beloved Tot Hier Toe Padstal, where farm-style treats and steaming moerkoffie await. Take a moment to meet the friendly farm animals – from ostriches and lambs to turkeys and more – before enjoying the final stretch back to the finish, bringing an unforgettable Karoo adventure to a close.
CELEBRATORY LUNCH
11:30-14:00 (May vary) End the day and tour off with a gourmet burger lunch.
DAY 1
REGISTRATION
Welcome to The Owl Route! Grab a beer or something to drink and check in to your luxury-tented accommodation. During registration, you will receive your welcome pack with a quality event garment, a ride guide and some other goodies. You’re welcome to arrive on Friday between 12:00-14:30. Help yourself to the light lunch on offer.
RIDE START
15:00 Go and explore the town of Nieu-Bethesda and see what it has to offer with a scenic trip of 17km through and around town. Going up in elevation to the outskirts of town and back down to be welcomed by a couple of pitstops along the way. Riding along the historic water furrows is another sublime experience to conclude the day.
DINNER
18:30 Enjoy a delicious Lamb spit-braai dinner and a beautiful star-filled evening in the Karoo.
DAY 2
BREAKFAST
06:00-07:00 Enjoy a delicious breakfast before you set off on your ride.
RIDE START
07:30 – Day two is a tough one, but definitely the most scenic of the routes. You’ll also encounter all gravel road on your 69.5km ride. Early in your ride you will be in awe of the scenic backdrop of Compassberg. Throughout the morning you will cycle through a handful of Karoo farms which have wildlife such as Springbuck, Kudu, Zebra, Wildebeest and more, finishing back at Nieu Bethesda for the best pizza in town and a cold drink!
LUNCH
11:00-13:00 Brunos Pizza
DINNER AND ENTERTAINMENT
18:00 Dinner will entail a delicious Karoo inspired meal. There will be an Owl themed dress-up party. A photo reflection of day 2 and live entertainment will conclude a great day in Nieu Bethesda.
DAY 3
BREAKFAST
06:00-07:00 Enjoy a delicious breakfast before you set off on your ride.
RIDE STARTS
07:30 – A circular ride on well-tended dirt roads, through various kloofs and plateaus. Some steep uphills and fast downhills. Notable for the sweeping vistas of the Sneeuberg range. You will be welcomed back in Nieu-Bethesda at the event finish line with a glass of Champagne and a handmade Souvenir to salute a great weekend!
CELEBERATORY LUNCH
11:00-14:00 (May vary) End the day and tour off with a gourmet burger lunch.
