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.