The THIRSTI Spring Half is more than a run, it's a premium race experience set in the heart of the Cape Winelands, bringing together community, performance, adventure and extraordinary moments on every kilometre.
Some ideas begin in boardrooms. This one began standing above the Tulbagh Valley, watching the light move across the mountains and realising just how special this place really is.
At the foothills of the Tulbagh Valley, the source of THIRSTI's natural spring water, came the idea to create something that could bring people together to experience it for themselves. Not just runners, but families, supporters, customers, and anyone wanting to be part of something memorable. At THIRSTI, everything starts at the source, and this race is our invitation for others to experience it too.
Tulbagh is a small town with an extraordinary story. Rich in history, beauty, and community, it deserves to be seen, explored, and celebrated. With scenic routes, mountain views, fully stocked hydration stations, food, drinks, and a vibrant race village atmosphere, the Thirsti Spring Half is designed to be more than just a traditional road run.
Because this is more than a run.
It's a celebration of movement, community, growth, and the extraordinary journey that connects us all.
Starting at the THIRSTI Beverages Facility, runners are immediately treated to a gentle, flowing descent that carries them out into the open countryside and down towards the charming valley of Tulbagh. This early stretch offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and rolling hills, setting the tone for a truly scenic experience.
As the route enters Tulbagh, runners pass through the historic heart of the town, where beautifully preserved buildings—some dating back a few hundred years—line the streets, adding a rich sense of heritage to the journey.
From here, the route turns towards Ceres before bending back toward the mountains, where the landscape opens up into breathtaking vistas of vineyards, fynbos, and rugged peaks. A gradual, steady climb unfolds, allowing runners to take in the beauty of the valley as they make their way toward the 18km mark.
At this point, the course turns onto a short 1.5km gravel section that meanders through natural fynbos and vineyards en route to Theuniskraal, offering a unique and tranquil stretch immersed in nature.
The final kilometre is fast and almost flat, guiding runners smoothly into the finish line. Overall, runners can look forward to a predominantly fast and runnable route, with just 230m of ascent, balanced by unforgettable scenery throughout.
Starting at the Thirsti Beverages Facility, 10km runners set off alongside the half marathon participants, immediately enjoying a gentle, flowing descent that leads out into the open valley. Surrounded by the striking beauty of the Tulbagh mountains and rolling hills, this early stretch offers wide, scenic vistas and a relaxed, runnable start.
At approximately the 3km mark, the 10km route turns right onto a quieter, undulating country road. This section winds gracefully through vineyards and natural fynbos, offering runners a peaceful and immersive experience in the heart of the countryside. The rolling terrain keeps things interesting without being overly demanding, making it both enjoyable and accessible.
This road eventually rejoins the latter half of the half marathon route, where 10km runners merge back onto the main course. From here, the route follows the same scenic path home and at around 7km turns onto a short 1.5km gravel section that meanders through natural fynbos and vineyards en route to Theuniskraal, offering a unique and tranquil stretch immersed in nature.
The final kilometre is fast and almost flat, guiding runners smoothly into the finish line.
Entries Open: 1 June 2026
Online Entries Close: 24 August 2026 (unless sold out earlier)
Race Pack Collection:
Venue: THIRSTI Beverages
28 Aug: 12h00 - 19h00
29 Aug: 05h30 - 08h30
Distance: 21km Road Race
Start Time: 08h00
Distance: 10km Road Race
Start Time: 08h30
Start & Finish Venue:
THIRSTI Beverages, Tulbagh
21km:
R 280.00 (Licensed)
R 365.00 (Unlicensed)
10km:
R 190.00 (Licensed)
R 250.00 (Unlicensed)
R 230.00 (Junior Unlicensed)
