ABOUT

ABOUT THE CEDER

The Ceder offers a weekend of unique experiences and fierce racing. Our race weekend offers a variety of challenges, including 245km, 140km, and 30km gravel races, as well as a 22km trail run & 5km Fun Run. All races start and finish at the iconic Cederberg Oasis, home to the iconic smiley face.

In past years, participants have experienced everything from picturesque snow in 2021 to clear conditions in 2022. 2023 brought near-perfect weather for both cycling and running routes. As we look forward to our new race date on 4-6 October 2024, we wonder what Mother Nature has in store for us this time.

Located just three hours from Cape Town, The Ceder takes participants deep into the heart of the Cederberg, a region renowned for its diverse flora, fauna, and wildlife. This area is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom and is known for its cultivation of the world-famous rooibos tea.

During the race weekend, participants will tackle a variety of terrain, including gravel, tar, technical sections, and mountain trails. With steep climbs, gradual ascents, thrilling descents, and fast-flowing downhills, there's something for every type of rider and runner.

Building on the success of previous years, the 2024 event offers three cycle route options and two trail running events. Additionally, we host a Ceder Social Weekend prior to the race weekend, where participants can explore the terrain, familiarize themselves with the race routes, and connect with fellow adventure enthusiasts.

Join us for The Ceder Race Weekend from 4th to 6th October, featuring events tailored to all levels of participants, including CEDER245, CEDER140, CEDER30, CEDER22RUN, and CEDERfunRUN.

The Ceder offers a course to cater to all - CEDER245, CEDER140, CEDER30, CEDER22RUN, and CEDERFUNRUN.

ABOUT THE CEDERBERG

The Cederberg was named after the endangered Clanwilliam Cedar, a tree endemic to the mountain range. 

What makes the Cederberg particularly special is its isolation and how undeveloped it remains, allowing pure, untouched nature to contrast against a backdrop of daily distractions. 

In 1973, this was threatened by a spell of severe exploitation that saw significant amounts of cedar wood, rooibos tea, buchu and rockwood bark harvested unsustainably. The cedar tree faced the risk of extinction, leading to the launch of a conservancy project that actively supports the Clanwilliam Cedar Tree and individual reserves in the area.

The history of the Cederberg is deeply entrenched within the rock too, with famous mountain sites including Wolfberg Arch, Wolfberg Cracks, Tafelberg, Rocklands, and Sneeuberg. The sites attract hikers, climbers, and mountaineers from across the world. Stadsaal Caves (10km from Cederberg Oasis) is just one example of several that contain San Rock art telling stories of old. 

THE WHY BEHIND THE CEDER

The Why Behind The Ceder, by Race Director and The Ceder Founder Raoul Goetze

If I had to think about it, the Ceder was created out of a deep sense of nostalgia and interest in self-discovery through endurance challenges. My background and history as a founder of Endless Daze Music Festival, combined with the discovery of trail running and then cycling, made this event inevitable.

As a child, I spent weekends exploring the landscapes of the Cederberg, usually camping with the family. 

Those moments left an indelible mark on my soul, creating a connection that would persist throughout my life. The Cederberg has become a sanctuary for me.

My interest and love for endurance sports and the allure of challenging oneself in harsh conditions played a significant role in shaping The Ceder. I believe that it is in moments of adversity that we truly discover our inner strength and resilience. The Cederberg, with its rugged terrain and untamed beauty, provides the perfect backdrop for participants to push their limits and embrace the thrill of testing their mettle.

Over the years, The Ceder has grown beyond just a weekend challenge amongst friends. It has become a gathering of riders and runners from all corners and walks of life, with one goal; to conquer a challenge. 

I am humbled by the enthusiasm and determination displayed by everyone, to conquer the challenges that have set for themselves.

To all those who have been a part of The Ceder, thank you so much! Your presence and unwavering support have transformed this event into a cherished tradition. Let us continue to celebrate the spirit of adventure, paying homage to the nostalgia that inspired it all, and inspiring others to embark on their own unforgettable journeys in the remarkable Cederberg.

The Ceder takes place over the weekend of 4 - 6 October 2024.

Entry to The Ceder is via our Quicket Entry Portal. Visit Quicket.co.za to enter. A link can also be found top right in the menu bar.

All entries strictly close Tuesday 24 September 20:00

The Ceder Race is primarily on gravel roads, making a gravel bike ideal. Mountain bikes are also a popular choice, but any bike suitable for long distances and varied terrains is allowed. E-bikes are not allowed.

While every route is clearly marked, it's mandatory to have the GPX file loaded before starting any race. You can acquire all route GPX files from our online store. A download link is provided once completing the checkout process.

Yes. All races, with the exception of the Fun Run, are timed. Your timing chip and race number are provided in your race bag upon Registration. It's mandatory for riders to affix the race number to their bikes and runners to pin numbers to their clothing. Timing chips are affixed to race numbers.

Please check The Ceder Compulsory Kit & Gear section under 'INFO' to ensure you're prepared.

We do not need an official medical certificate; kindly review the indemnity and waiver thoroughly.

You can book all accommodations at Oasis through The Ceder Quicket portal. Priority is given to participants, and bookings are on a first-come, first-served basis. Explore options on The Ceder Event Page on Quicket.co.za

Certainly! Spectators are welcome along all routes. However, outside support is only allowed within 100m of Aid Stations. Unofficial support vehicles are prohibited, and spectators must follow the race from behind the participants at a safe distance.

The weather in the Cederberg can be unpredictable, but shifting the race dates to October should reduce the likelihood of wet and cold conditions. However, early morning starts in the mountains may still be chilly. Please check The Ceder Compulsory Kit & Gear section to ensure you're prepared for any weather.

Yes, the cutoff time for the CEDER245 & CEDER140 is 22:00, while for the CEDER22 Trail Run, it's 16:00.

Race Numbers can be collected prior to the event at Race Registration. Registration will be in Cape Town on Tuesday, October 1st (Location TBA) and will continue at Cederberg Oasis in the Race Village on Friday, October 4th.

Race registration will be in Cape Town on Tuesday, October 1st (Location TBA) and will continue at Cederberg Oasis in the Race Village on Friday, October 4th.

Yes. Please provide a form of identification, such as a Driver's License or ID, when collecting your race number.

Yes, the prize giving is scheduled for Saturday at 18:00 for the Cycling Races and Sunday at 12:00 for the Trail Running. Prize Giving will take place in the Race Village.

Unfortunately not.

19 years old or older.

Unfortunately, no dogs or other pets are allowed at The Ceder venue, Cederberg Oasis.