RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg drives economic growth and community engagement in South Africa’s Southern Drakensberg by supporting tourism, conservation, and local participation through its diverse trail running events. Picture: Summit Events
Image: Summit Events
The growth of any sport is largely dependent on sponsorship. In a country where most corporations focus on the big three – soccer, rugby and cricket – the rest of the sports often struggle to get proper financial backing.
There are some corporate institutions, however, who dare to go where the proverbial angels fear to tread – their commitment driven by more than just the desire to get mileage and the usual RoI (return on investment). RMB is one of those.
Granted, trail-running is a fast growing sport not only globally but here in South Africa too. But it is not the kind of sport a sponsor is going to ‘coin it’ by backing as much as they would if they went into any of the big three.
Why then is RMB so ‘deeply committed’ to the sport through their sponsorship of major events such as the RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg? The answer is fairly simple really. They see themselves as supporting a platform that connects tourism development, environmental stewardship and community upliftment in South Africa’s Southern Drakensberg.
“For RMB, this is about far more than an endurance sport,” Michael Edwards, RMB Sponsorship Marketing Lead says, “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.”
This year’s edition of the RMB UTD takes place this coming weekend –from April 24 to 26 - within the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage site. Seen as more than just a race, the RMB UTD is a growing ecosystem where sport, conservation and local participation intersect to create sustainable economic and social value for the region.
As trail running grows, RMB UTD continues to play its part in the growth introducing new participants to a sport hitherto inaccessible to many as they offer races to first timers while catering for the seasoned athletes too.
For this year’s event, the organizers are introducing a 14km race to open the event up to the beginner and leisure runners. Talk about lowering the barrier of entry into the sport. It is all in line with RMB’s vision of ‘accessibility and transformation within the sport’ and they are proving this via the support of LIV2Run – helping nurture a new generation of trail athletes, many of whom are from rural communities to compete on global stages.
The LIV2Run athletes’ 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.
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.”
This year’s event will see some exciting innovations that include: 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.
RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg (RMB UTD) 2026 race line-up:
UTD Miler – 165km
UTD100 – 100km
GCU – 62km
SDR – 34km
DRJ – 25.5km
GXA – 14km