Cancelling your entry + Refunds:

50% refund up until 18 April (3 months before).

No refunds from 19 April onwards.

Substitutions are permitted between 1 June & midnight 14 June - a R250 admin fee will be applicable.

No deferrals are allowed.

Notice must be emailed to robert@thecogmans.run

PLEASE NOTE: The following items MUST be shown upon your registration; [10KM items displayed with *]

1. Space Blanket*

2. Thermal

3. Waterproof Jacket (closed Seams)*

4. Mobile Phone*

5. Whistle*

Including, but not limited to, any transgression of the following are grounds for an imposed time penalty, disqualification and/or being banned from the race in future:

COMPULSORY GEAR LIST FOR ALL RACES: [10KM items displayed with *]

1.Waterproof Jacket*

Must be lightweight waterproof, breathable as specified by the manufacturer. Hood to be integrated and seams tape sealed. Wind proofs or ponchos WILL NOT be considered.

2. Buff/ Beanie

Close fitting and of synthetic or wool fabric. Lightweight, moisture wicking/ quick drying.

3. Running Pack/ Race Vest

Race pack: COMPULSORY. Combination of race pack and storage belts are allowed.

4. Long Sleeve Thermal

Fabrics to be synthetic or wool fabric - no cotton. Long sleeve thermal - preferably kept in a dry bag or zip lock bag to keep it dry.

5. Space Blanket*

Size: 1m x 2m minimum.

6. Whistle*

Easily accessible to sound an alert if required.

7. Charged Phone*

Leave in 'Flight Mode' to conserve battery. Turn phone cell signal ON during emergencies.

8. Adhesive Bandage

Size: 5cm x 100cm minimum.

9. Food Reserve

Ideally a minimum of 250 calories of food in reserve at all times.

10. Hydration *

Minimum 1.5L (750mL for 10KM). Any combination allowed, e.g. bottles or bladder or both.

11. Personal Cup/Bottle*

All drinks will be served into your own drinking vessel.

12. Race Number*

Must be fully visible at all times facing the front.

**NFNF will never change this list items according to weather conditions.

SUPPORT

The Cogmans Trail Run is fundamentally a race true to the spirit of semi-self sufficient mountain running. We appreciate, equally, the the camaraderie that comes with seconding crews who support the runners. However, it is important that all runners have equal access, and thus benefit, to their seconding crew. Thus, to ensure an equal playing field for all, and, more importantly, in the spirit of fairness, we will penalise or disqualify runners for any of the following transgressions:

1. Accepting any form of mobile support along the route, eg: pacing or muling

2. Not carrying on your person at all times the full set of mandatory gear.

3. Switching of running packs is NOT allowed. Start with one pack and carry it for the full duration of your race.

4. You are not allowed to accept any assistance outside of the designated Aid Station areas from crew.

5. Race participants may take as much supplies as needed from each aid station provided by the organiser. To ELIMINATE littering, race participants will not be allowed to take any bottles, cans or cups from Aid stations and should plan on carrying and refilling their own hydration systems at the aid stations.

6. Race participants may run, walk, crawl or roll, but may not make use of any motorised or wheeled transport during the race.

7. You must make forward progress solely using your own power. Carrying, pulling or pushing in any form by other racers, or members of the public, is prohibited.

8. If you choose to use poles they are to be carried on you at all times from start to the finish. You may not discard, stash or give to crew for keeping. Please be aware of those around you when using poles, they can be dangerous.

ENVIRONMENT

Mountain running is pure, prestine and powerful, largely thanks to the many like-minded users before you - please take care of it and leave it pristine for those that will follow you. Simply put, leave only footprints.

Any littering on the course is forbidden. It is the race participants responsibility to ensure that anything they discard of goes into a bin. Strictly adhere to the “take photos and leave only footprints” policy.

You will be in a wild area with wildlife, and, potentially, other animals. Never scare any animals – give them a wide berth where possible and announce your presence appropriately to prevent possible dangerous situations (horses, baboons etc). When/if around horses, follow the direction from horse riders and don’t use loud noises. If any animal is purposely scared or harmed it may lead to disqualification.

Respect all trail users - participants, recreational users and residents - especially when passing – be aware of your blind spots and slow down when needed.

No taking short cuts, especially, when avoiding switchbacks (even when it may be tempting or the line of less resistance). Stick precisely to the marked route at all times.

No overtaking by going off trail. Wait until there is adequate space to do so, runners be respectful and aware of runners behind you.

If you deliberately ignore any rules of conduct the trail, road and checkpoints - safety, waste, erosion and hygiene - you will at minimum receive a time penalty, and likely risk being disqualified.

No Pets

FOOD & DRINK

Participants may take as much supplies (food and beverage) as needed from each aid station provided by the organiser. No bottles, cans or cups may be taken from the aid station area. Participants must plan on carrying and refilling their hydration systems at the aid stations.

Carrying your own drinking vessel is mandatory.

​CUT OFF TIMES

The race has cut-off times, during and at the end, that will be strictly enforced. Cut offs are in place for administrative and safety reasons, allowing enough time for Medical/Search and Rescue teams to deploy the required services during the event. Also, it allows the event to to meet requirements set by by the authorities/organisation/permit.

To be allowed to continue with your race, you must depart the specfici checkpoint/aid station before the set time, regardless of the arrival time at the checkpoint.

You must obey all directions of marshals if you miss any time cut-offs. You can find the specific cut off times in the race info.

GENERAL

DNF (Did Not Finish): Should you need to drop out of the race, you will need to continue to the nearest Aid Station along the marked route and inform the aid station captain. NOTE: If you are unsure who that is, please ask until you find them - this is your responsibility. If you are unable to continue the medical team will inform the Race director.

Receiving an IV drip from Medical Crew will result in disqualification and you will not be allowed to continue.

Runners are to have their mandatory equipment on them at all times during the race. Gear checks will be performed randomly during the event. Penalties, from time penalties to disqualification, will be applied based on the severity of the offence.

Runners must follow the marked route the entire way and check-in at each aid station/timing checkpoint.

Your race number must be visible at all times, on the outside of your clothing and on the front of your body - with the ONLY exception being when a waterproof layer covers it. In the case, your number must either be attached to you bag our your number must be remembered and communicated to marshal where required - this is the participants’ responsibility.

EMERGENCIES

If you leave the race route and fail to notify the race official(s), you will be banned from participating in the future (unless assisted by medical teams and were unable to notify anyone). We will provide transport back to the start/finish but cannot guarantee the frequency of this service. It is recommend you be self-sufficient in this regard (put somebody on standby, call for a taxi).

If you become immobile and need medical assistance, you will need to take the following steps:

STEP 1: Initially, stay warm, dry and be visible, and remain on the marked course. Where possible, use your first aid kit.

STEP 2: Phone the emergency number located on your race number; provide your details when asked - your race number, name and location​. Help will be sent.

IF THERE IS NO CELL RECEPTION

STEP 1: Initially, stay warm, dry and be visible, and remain on the marked course. Where possible, use your first aid kit.

STEP 2: Attempt to alert another runner on course that can assist, if not you directly, they can assist in alerting race officials.

STEP 3: Wait for the assisting participant to find and alert the nearest race official/marshal, who will then make contact with Race Director.​​

STEP 4: A medical/rescue team will be sent.

Based on the severity, you will be treated and allowed to continue or be evacuated off the route to the nearest medical asset by ambulance or, in life-threatening situations, by helicopter.

GENERAL INFORMATION

​Timing & Recording:

You will be electronically recorded at points along the route. You may not skip these points and will have to present yourself/your timing band at each Timing Point for recording. Failing to do so, will most likely result in an unofficial result/DNF.

Lost and Found:

Any personal items left after the race will be kept briefly, in not claimed within a week, they will be donated to a charity or to other local runners in need. Any shipment of items will be at your cost.

Results:

Preliminary results will be available on the website. Official/final results (with any corrections) will be posted on this website within a few days of the race.

Runners wishing to lodge a dispute must notify the race command centre within 60 minutes of finishing the race.

Disputes will be adddressed by a three-person committee consisting of the race director and two independent third parties.

Decisions of this committee are final.

Safety Considerations:

As a participant, you are responsible for yourself and should know all the rules and regulations of the race. You need to know your ability and clearly evaluate your mental and physical condition (during the race especially). You need to be physically and mentally equipped/trained and to keep all the mandatory equipment on you. Runners should be able to complete the race in a largely independant manner in terms of: food and drink, clothing and safety. This requires an ability to adapt and withstand expected and/or unexpected problems (darkness, bad weather, physical ailments, injury, etc.).

The races take place in wild, remote, rugged, single-track hiking trails. Running on such trails comes with inherent risks that runners accept and are aware of upon entering the event. Due to the remoteness of many of the trails, where help is not always nearby for extended periods, runners need to be prepared accordingly in cases of emergency.

Additionally, the trail conditions may include potential dangers but are not limited to: Wet / slippery trail conditions (mud, roots and rocks), wet/slippery boardwalks and bridges, bees/bee stings, road crossings and steep drop-offs/cliffs. Due caution is required with regards to personal safety and, while highly unlikely, incidents of crime.

We get it - you left after work, chowed traffic. All you looking for is a cold beer and a juicy burger.

Registration is on Friday night ONLY - book your burger through your entry. You can book for as many as you want! Montagu is a small town - restraurants close early - so rather book ;)

If you cannot make registration on Friday evening - someone needs to collect for you. They will need a copy of your ID to collect on your behalf.

2026 elite Applications are now closed.

The Cogmans Trail Run is committed to building a wholesome mountain run for the trail running community, but also, equally so, to host a race that is competitive, has a high-quality racing field and showcases some of the best trail running talent in the country and beyond. 

If you feel you can add to the competitive standard of the race, we welcome you to apply for an elite entry. We are excited to have you!

✍️ Sign up HERE

Timing Schedules:

• 17km

• 34km

• 50km

• 100km