Voet Van Afrika 2025:
The Toughest Race with the Warmest Heart
is Almost Here!
A Return to the Southern Tip: One Runner’s Voet van Afrika Story
You can read the original story by Stuart Mann by clicking here.
There’s something magnetic about the Voet van Afrika Marathon. Set in the southernmost reaches of Africa, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Overberg, this race has a way of calling runners back—year after year, stride after stride.
For one returning runner, it wasn’t just about chasing a medal. It was about legacy, connection, and rediscovering a route that starts on tar and ends in the soul.
Seven Years Later… The Voet Calls Again
After a seven-year break from the Voet van Afrika Marathon, Stuart Mann, known for his passion for documenting South Africa’s best races, returned to Bredasdorp in 2019 with a deeper motivation than just ticking off another finish line. This time, he was running in memory of his father, who had earned his permanent Voet number and inspired Stuart’s own love for the event.
That number—202—now belonged to him. A passing of the baton. A personal tradition reborn.
From City to Country: The Road Trip South
Like many runners traveling from afar, the journey to the start line is a race of its own. Flights from Johannesburg, a rental car dash through the Western Cape, and the classic pre-race scramble—this time involving a forgotten iPad at the airport—made for a fittingly dramatic lead-up.
But all roads eventually led to Bredasdorp, where the marathon magic truly begins.
The Race Starts Before the Gun
A crisp, overcast Saturday morning welcomed runners to the start line. With headlights piercing the early gloom, tractors rumbled to life, transporting marathoners to the base of Soetmuisberg—one of the many unique touches that make the Voet van Afrika experience unlike any other.
And then… bang! The race was on.
The route winds through farmland and fynbos, with shifting terrain that tests your legs and rewards your eyes. From flat stretches to punishing climbs, dusty gravel to open tar, the Voet is a journey through the best of the Overberg’s rugged charm.
Community, Camaraderie, and Climbing Mountains
As the climb to Soetmuisberg’s summit began, the day’s true spirit revealed itself. Encouragement flowed freely—especially from the half-marathoners who shared the course for a time, offering high-fives and humor as the full-distance runners dug deep into the dirt roads.
And just when the hills seemed endless, the reward came in sweeping vistas and downhill relief. The final stretch into town passed vibrant water tables, friendly faces, and the welcoming buzz of a community that rallies around its runners.
A Hero Among Us: Xolani Luvuno’s Inspiring Finish
Every race has its unforgettable moments. In 2019, one stood above the rest.
Xolani Luvuno—running on a prosthetic leg—missed the cut-off by just ten minutes. But when he crossed the line, the crowd rose. The medal was placed around his neck. He wasn’t just a finisher—he became a symbol of resilience and was named an ambassador for the race. That’s the heart of the Voet: effort is honoured, and spirit is celebrated.
Braais, Beer, and Bredasdorp Warmth
As the clouds gave way to sunshine, runners and supporters gathered for a post-race celebration the Overberg way. Local food stalls, live music, and the unmistakable aroma of boerewors filled the air. Whether you’d conquered 42km, 21km, or the fun 10km run, the day ended with full hearts and full stomachs.
Why Runners Keep Coming Back
The Voet van Afrika might not be the biggest race in South Africa. It might not be the fastest or the flattest. But ask anyone who’s done it—and they’ll tell you it’s one of the most memorable.
It’s the kind of marathon where the scenery moves you, the people inspire you, and the finish line feels like family.
Whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth, this is a race that stays with you long after the dust settles.
