RMB backs trail running rise to unlock tourism, conservation, and community impact in the Southern Drakensberg

As trail running continues to gain momentum globally, RMB is deepening its long-term commitment to the sport through RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg (RMB UTD), supporting a platform that connects tourism development, environmental stewardship and community upliftment in South Africa’s Southern Drakensberg.

Taking place from 24 to 26 April 2026 within the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage site, RMB UTD represents more than a race. It is a growing ecosystem where sport, conservation and local participation intersect to create sustainable economic and social value for the region.

“For RMB, this is about far more than an endurance sport,” says Michael Edwards, RMB Sponsorship Marketing Lead, “it’s about investing in a high-growth global movement while unlocking tangible opportunities for local communities, supporting conservation and helping position South Africa as a world-class adventure tourism destination.”

Trail running has grown 15% in the past decade, with 8,000 races across 57 countries, and is projected to expand another 6–10% by 2030, led by women. RMB UTD is at the forefront of this global phenomenon, offering races for everyone from first-timers to seasoned ultra-runners and contributing more than R850,000 to its beneficiaries over seven years, while protecting the World Heritage Site it crosses. Locally, the sport has surged in popularity as more runners seek meaningful outdoor experiences that combine physical challenges with mental wellbeing.

Against this backdrop, RMB UTD has established itself as a leading South African high-altitude trail event and one of the few races in the world to traverse two countries, South Africa and Lesotho.

From rural roads to global stages

Central to RMB’s vision is accessibility and transformation within the sport. Through its support of LIV2Run, RMB is helping nurture a new generation of trail athletes, many of whom are rising from rural communities to compete on global stages.

Their stories reflect a broader shift in trail running: one that is becoming more inclusive, more diverse and more representative of South Africa’s untapped athletic talent.

The introduction of a new 14km race at RMB UTD further supports this vision, opening the event up to beginner and leisure runners and lowering the barrier to entry into the sport.

Running above the extinction line

Beyond sport, RMB UTD also shines a spotlight on one of South Africa’s most fragile ecosystems.

Parts of the route traverse a critical high-altitude habitat known as an “extinction zone,” where endangered species such as the Bearded Vulture is under increasing threat. Through partnerships with Wildlife ACT and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, RMB supports ongoing conservation efforts in the region, including the Bearded Vulture Monitoring Project.

In this way, the race becomes more than a test of endurance – it becomes a platform for awareness, education and environmental stewardship.

Fuelling the mountain economy

With around 1,200 runners expected in 2026 – a significant increase from just 250 in 2017 –RMB UTD is playing an increasingly important role in strengthening the local “mountain economy”.

From accommodation providers and local guides to small businesses and event staff, the influx of athletes and spectators delivers a vital economic injection into the region.

“What really excites us is the ripple effect,” adds Edwards. “Destination races like RMB UTD, in one of the most beautiful pieces of environmental heritage we have to offer, bring global travellers into lesser-known regions, creating jobs, supporting small businesses and driving sustainable tourism in areas that need it most.”

An evolving world-class experience

With RMB’s continued backing, the event continues to scale and innovate which includes:

· A new Race Village at Sani Pass Premier Hotel

· The RMB Aid Station at Castleburn

· A demanding new 100-mile route deep into Lesotho

· A 14km route designed to welcome new entrants to the sport

Together, these enhancements reinforce RMB UTD’s position as a world-class trail running experience with a uniquely African identity.

Blending elite competition, grassroots development, conservation impact and community upliftment, RMB UTD is redefining what a sporting event can achieve.