Bloemfontein – Organisers have announced that Subaru Southern Africa is the title sponsor of the Subaru Amohela MTB Challenge, which returns for its third edition from 22 to 24 May 2026 in the Maluti foothills of Clarens, Free State.
Hosted in the mountain village of Clarens, the event has become a showcase of high-altitude mountain biking, giving riders access to routes that traverse private farms, conservancies, and remote terrain along the Lesotho border.
The region is known for its sandstone formations, open valleys, and demanding riding conditions, with routes reaching elevations of up to 2 150 metres.
The 2026 edition includes multiple participation formats:
- Thaba e Kholo (23-24 May): A two-day MTB challenge covering 59 km (980 m ascent) on Day 1 and 52 km (1,080 m ascent) on Day 2.
- Thaba e Nyenyane (23-24 May): A two-day MTB adventure with distances of 49 km (650 m ascent) and 41 km (580 m ascent).
- One-Day Challenge (23 May): Riders can complete either Thaba e Kholo or Thaba e Nyenyane Day 1 routes as a standalone option.
The weekend begins with the Subaru Sunset Ride on Friday, 22 May 2026, a guided 25 km ride departing from Clarens Golf & Trout Estate.
The route includes a stop at a mountain viewpoint and serves as an introduction to the terrain that defines the event.
All routes start and finish at Clarens Golf & Trout Estate, which will also host registration and rider services.
The event is open to individual and team entries, and e-bikes are permitted.
Clarens doesn’t just host the Amohela, it breathes life into it.
There’s something almost magical about this little village tucked into the foothills of the Maluti Mountains,” commented Gavin Kearns, Production Director of the Subaru Amohela MTB Challenge.
“The sandstone glows at golden hour, the trails disappear into landscapes that feel untouched by time, and somehow, every year, strangers arrive on Friday and leave on Sunday as friends.
“That’s the soul of this event, and it’s something we never take for granted.”
Kearns added: “The partnership with Subaru and Amohela augments this.
“We all deeply believe that people are at their best when they’re out in the wild, seeking adventure, challenging themselves, and sharing that with others.
“That shared belief is what elevates this partnership into a friendship and ultimately this untouched landscape into the race it is today.
“It’s what keeps making this weekend something people talk about long after the dust has settled and the legs have recovered.”
Subaru’s focus on dependability, safety, and all-terrain capability has been a natural fit for the event over the past three years, aligning with the demands of a weekend that combines travel, outdoor exploration, and access to remote areas.
Its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, standard across models such as the Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, and WRX, is well-suited to gravel roads and variable conditions, supporting riders and crews travelling to and from Clarens.
“The Subaru Amohela MTB Challenge reflects the kind of environment our vehicles are designed for,” said Nteo Nkoli, National Marketing Manager at Subaru Southern Africa.
“Now in our third year of proudly supporting this event, it is rewarding to see how it has grown into a weekend that brings people together both on and off the trails.
“We see it as more than a mountain biking challenge. It gives riders the opportunity to test themselves, but it also gives families the chance to spend a weekend away, reconnect and unwind in the natural beauty of Clarens.
“It is about capability, reliability, and the confidence to explore beyond the usual routes, and we are proud to be part of an event that brings those values to life.”
Entries for the 2026 event close on 9 May 2026, with substitutions also closing on the same date.
Event details at a glance:
- Dates: 22 to 24 May 2026
- Location: Clarens Golf & Trout Estate, Free State
- Sunset Ride: 22 May 2026
- Two-Day Events: 23 to 24 May 2026
- One-Day Event: 23 May 2026
For more information and entries, visit the official Amohela MTB Challenge website.
