"Race to the Smiley Face..."

ENTRIES OPEN MONDAY 27 MARCH 12:00 - ENTER HERE

Inspired by Cape Cycle Routes’ Cederberg Circuit, The Ceder started in 2021 as a 245km, self-supported, single-stage bicycle race in the spectacular Cederberg – Western Cape, South Africa. A circular route, on mostly gravel roads, along sweeping historical mountain passes, through pristine floral landscapes passing crystal clear rivers. 2022 saw The Ceder grow to a portfolio of events, taking place over two separate weekends.

For 2023, we’ve built on the success of previous years, adding more cycle race options as well as two trail running events – taking the number of events to six – over the two weekends.

THE CEDER SOCIAL WEEKEND | 19-21 MAY | FREE

THE CEDER RACE WEEKEND | 8-10 SEPTEMBER | TICKETED EVENTS

THE CEDER SOCIAL WEEKEND | 19-21 MAY | FREE

Taking place from 19-21 May, this weekend allows for a gentle introduction into what The Ceder, and the Cederberg, has to offer.

A chance for prospective entrants (along with their families and friends) to scout out some of the race routes, meet fellow participants and generally familiarise themselves with the area – with respect to accommodation options, weather environment and road conditions.

The intention of this weekend is to lower the perceived barrier to entry that exists in cycling and trail running. Feedback from people starting the sports say it can be intimidating. We want to diminish this. The Ceder Social Weekend offers the perfect, relaxed opportunity to join along – with zero pressure or intimidation.

There are organised rides and runs over the weekend. However, it’s not mandatory to join. We provide guidance and route options for all levels of experience.

THE CEDER RACE WEEKEND | 8-10 SEPTEMBER | TICKETED EVENTS

Starting and finishing at the iconic Cederberg Oasis (home of the smiley face), racing gets underway early on Saturday (cycle) and Sunday (run).

Picturesque snow greeted riders in 2021. 2022 brought about crisp and clear conditions. With the weather playing such a big part in the riders’ race strategies, WhatsApp groups are alive with predications as the race weekend nears. We can’t control the weather but we can guarantee a memorable weekend.

Five events cater for beginners to the experienced. Each with unique challenges, joys and goals.

THE CEDER CYCLE EVENTS

THE CEDER245

Distance: 245km

Elevation Gain: 3700m

Date: Saturday 9 September 2023

Start time: 04:00am

Cut-off: 22:00pm

The OG. A spellbinding adventure through other-worldly rock formations and fynbos floral kingdoms. Departing at 4am from Cederberg Oasis, Grootrivierhoogte, Blinkberg Pass and Middelberg Pass loom large, before racers find themselves at the (roughly) halfway point in Citrusdal for a much needed refuel. Some choose to pitstop earlier, at Op-die-Berg.

Rolling out of town, the route tracks the Olifants River as it winds it way into Clanwilliam Dam. At the 180km mark, riders ‘turn for home’ with the soul-destroying Uitkyk Pass in the forefront of their minds.

Once over the pass, it’s 40km to the finish line and prayers of a tailwind.

THE CEDER140 | NEW EVENT

Distance: 140km

Elevation Gain: 2200m

Date: Saturday 9 September 2023

Start time: 06:00am

Cut-off: 18:00pm

New to the roster of races this year, the Ceder140 is a welcome addition – an intermediate option for those who prefer to dice over a shorter distance. We expect a strong and deep field of the best gravel racers South Africa has to offer.

Leaving Cederberg Oasis, riders head towards the vineyards of Sanddrif. Following a white-knuckle descent of Uitkyk Pass, riders pass Cape Nature’s Algeria complex – worthy of a pitstop for an ice cold Coke. Shortly after Algeria, the route forks left onto Nieuwoudts Pass, ensuring all passes in the Cederberg get equal attention. The descent promises to put a huge smile on everyone’s face.

Reaching a four way crossing at the bottom, the course goes right – placing riders onto the same route as the Ceder245. A legendary frozen orange juice awaits participants at the Jamaka aid station, providing that final motivation to complete the 40km left to go.

THE CEDER30 | 30KM SOCIAL ROUTE

Distance: 30km

Elevation Gain: 600m

Date: Saturday 9 September 2023

Start time: Riders can start at own time throughout the day

Cut-off: 18:00pm

Billed as a social event, riders taking on this 30km route can start when they please and enjoy the picturesque course at their own leisure. Unique to the race weekend, riders pass through Kromriver – the oldest tourist destination in the heart of the Cederberg. Surrounded by fynbos and the iconic majestic orange rock formations – this event is the perfect option for beginners, younger riders, and social racers.

Kromrivier Cederberg Park restaurant provides the perfect incentive to soak up the incredible, millions of years old scenery, while sipping on a cold beverage – of which there are many to choose from.

THE CEDER TRAIL RUN EVENTS

The Cederberg is a world class trail running destination. Tapping in expert experience and local knowledge – say hello to CederRun.

Adding trail runs to the portfolio’s existing cycle events makes for a fun-fuelled, festival-feel weekend of activities and adventure. With kilometres of pristine single-track on offer, runners are in for a treat.

THE CEDERRUN | 5KM | FREE EVENT

Distance: 5km

Elevation Gain: 100m

Date: Saturday 9 September 2023

Start time: Runners can start at own time throughout the day

Cut-off: 18:00pm

A short and sharp 5km shakeout the day before the main event, or run on its own to experience the network of trails around Cederberg Oasis. With no official start time, runners can choose when to get going on Saturday.

THE CEDERRUN | 22KM | NEW EVENT

Distance: 22km

Elevation Gain: 1200m

Date: Sunday 10 September 2023

Start time: 06:00am

Cut-off: 12:00pm

A tough, 22km trail run on the mountains standing over Cederberg Oasis, trail runners take on a circular route – arriving at the finish where The Ceder cyclists will be cheering home the runners.