20th Edition
SATURDAY
2 MARCH 2024
THE RACE
The Batrun is held annually in late February or March on an evening around the full moon for those who enjoy the magic of the mountain at night with a group of like-minded folks. Non-competitive, party-mood, good time to be had by all.
The event is the only night run/walk within Table Mountain National Park. The challenge of this event is to ascend the three summits (Devil’s Peak, Maclear’s Beacon and Lion’s Head) in the dark in a special atmosphere that exists on the mountain at night above the city.
THE
HISTORY
The first BATRUN was held in 2002 and started from the V&A Waterfront. A small group of nutters arranged by Michelle Santilhano set out to conquer Cape Town's three peaks in the dead of the night. The mist came down after Maclear's and only a handful of folk led by Christo Steyn did Lion's Head (in zero viz), arriving back at the Waterfront as the sun was rising.
In 2003, a more "organised" approach led by Andre Proctor and Andrea Pulfrich, but again only small party starting and ending at Kloof Nek.
2016 saw a slight change in proceedings with the race moving its start/finish venue to the Gardens Rugby Club situated at the foot of Table Mountain.
2019 the Bat was cut short by 10km and the Sprint Edition happened. Shortly after this, the event was denied a permit to run at night on TMNP. In 2022 we were given the green light to run Batrun again. A big thanks to Friends of Table Mountain for their help and to the Park for being open to allowing this iconic event to take place.
2024 will see in the classics 20th edition. Nobody forgets what Batrun is but few can describe it. So best you experience it.
