The Format of the Event

The prologue Trail Run will be held the day before the OTTER immediately after registration. Athletes will be seeded for The Otter based on the results of the prologue with race start times on The OTTER  being staggered accordingly and the higher seeded participants starting first. Due to the technical terrain and remoteness of this iconic trail, we will be required to enforce very strict cut-off times.

This year we will offer 2 Otter- African Trail Runs with different Cut-Off Times:

29./30th of Sept: The OTTER RUN will cater for the severe athletes and will have a 8 hours Cut-Off Time
1st/2nd of October: The OTTER RAMBLE – for all those that want to conquer the OTTER in 1 day. (11 hour cut-off Time)

Various safety cut-offs are effected at strategic points along the route and participants have to make sure they pass these points ahead of the cut-off times to remain on the course. Exact Cut-off Points and Times will be communicated to the athletes.

The Otter Race medals will only be awarded to those trail runners who complete The Otter in under the official race cut off time.

What is the nature and difficulty of the Otter Run?

The Otter run is a severely technical trail run yet almost entirely run-able by a proficient trail runner. The trail is mostly single track and the surface of the track varies between jagged sections with sharp and slippery rocks, boulder fields, pebble beach’s, open forest trails with projecting roots and overhanging branches, steep stepped assents and descents, sandy beaches and open cliff top trails. The route is relentless and climbs over 2600 meters of accumulated ascent. Running pace and safety on the trail can be greatly affected by inclement weather.

Timing of the Race

• Athletes enter as individuals and will be timed individually (Male & Female Athletes will be ranked separately).

• Split times and accumulative time will be posted after the race that evening in the race village.

What is the Otter Grail?

The Otter Grail is a trophy cup upon which anyone who completes The Otter in less than 5 hours has their name inscribed. Iain don Wauchope was the only athlete after the inaugural event who had his name on the OTTER Grail, however in 2010 John Collins, Andre Gie joined Iain and he had his name inscribed for the second time.  

Race Categories

• OPEN Men (18+)
• OPEN Female (18+)
• VET Men 40+
• VET Female 40+