Midmar Dam set to welcome multisport athletes and spectators on 13 September
The Midlands Ultra Triathlon will be held at Midmar Dam on Sunday, 13 September, offering competitors routes mapped to highlight the KwaZulu‑Natal Midlands' rural scenery rather than urban streets. Race organisers say the course blends open‑water swimming, undulating cycling roads and a final run inside the dam precinct to create an event that celebrates the region as much as athletic endurance.
The event features two formats: an Ultra distance for seasoned triathletes and an accessible Sprint option for newcomers and club competitors. Both courses begin with a lake swim at the main slipway and finish with a spectator‑friendly stretch inside the Midmar Dam grounds, where family and friends can gather to watch the race conclude.
Race distances are as follows:
| Category | Swim | Cycle | Run |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra / Aquabike | 1.6 km | 55 km | 12 km |
| Sprint | 750 m | 20 km | 5 km |
Routes thread through Midlands landmarks and pastoral scenery
After the swim, cyclists will follow a route that takes them onto the R103 and through green, rolling countryside. The course passes several well‑known Midlands points of interest — the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, the Lions River station precinct, and the Horseshoe Bend area — before looping back towards the dam.
Participants will also cycle past the Piggly Wiggly Farm Stall and head in the direction of the Dargle, using smooth tar roads that race organisers describe as both scenic and suitably challenging for riders. The emphasis is on open air and wide views rather than busy traffic, providing a different race atmosphere to those held in urban settings.
Who can take part and what to expect on race day
The Sprint distance is pitched at athletes seeking an introduction to multi‑discipline events, while Ultra and Aquabike entrants should expect a longer, more demanding day. The swim takes place in calm inland water and will be marked by buoys, with transitions from water to road set up at the main slipway.
- Venue: Midmar Dam precinct (Howick area)
- Date: Sunday, 13 September
- Facilities: spectator areas around the finish, parking within the dam grounds
Organisers advise competitors to plan for variable Midlands weather and to arrive early for mandatory registration and safety briefings. Cyclists should check their machines for roadworthiness because the route includes rolling hills that will test gearing and braking over longer distances.
Local benefits and spectator information
Events such as the Midlands Ultra typically draw participants and visitors to local businesses, from farm stalls to cafés in towns like Howick and Dargle. The race route’s exposure of Midlands attractions offers a promotional boost for tourism, with riders and supporters able to explore nearby landmarks before or after the event.
For those coming to watch, the finish inside the Midmar Dam precinct provides an accessible vantage point. Family members are encouraged to bring warm clothing and sun protection — the Midlands can swing between cool mornings and bright afternoons even in early spring.
Further logistical details, including entry lists, start times and marshals’ instructions, are available from the event organisers. Competitors and spectators are urged to follow road‑safety guidance and event signage on the day.
The Midlands Ultra returns as part of a growing calendar of multisport events that promote participation across age groups while showcasing KwaZulu‑Natal’s interior countryside. For athletes, it is both a physical test and an opportunity to race through one of the province’s most recognisable landscapes.
