The Maluti foothills are preparing to rumble again with tyre tread and determination as the Subaru Amohela MTB Challenge returns to Clarens from 22 to 24 May 2026. Now in its third edition, the event has steadily carved out a reputation as one of South Africa’s most distinctive high-altitude mountain biking experiences, blending raw terrain, sweeping Free State landscapes and a sense of shared adventure that extends well beyond the trails.
Hosted in the mountain village of Clarens, the challenge unfolds across a network of routes that thread through private farms, conservancies and remote terrain along the Lesotho border. Riders are immersed in a landscape defined by sandstone cliffs, open valleys and thin-air climbs that push both endurance and focus, with sections reaching elevations of up to 2,150 metres. It is a setting that rewards resilience, but also invites pause, where golden light settles over rock formations and distant ridgelines feel almost otherworldly.
At the heart of the 2026 edition is a flexible format designed to welcome a broad spectrum of riders. The Thaba e Kholo two-day challenge delivers a demanding test of stamina, covering 59 kilometres with 980 metres of ascent on the first day and 52 kilometres with a further 1,080 metres of climbing on the second. For those seeking a slightly more forgiving but still immersive experience, Thaba e Nyenyane offers 49 kilometres and 650 metres of ascent on day one, followed by 41 kilometres and 580 metres on day two. Riders can also opt for a One-Day Challenge on 23 May, selecting either of the day one routes as a standalone ride.
The weekend experience begins earlier still, on Friday 22 May, with the Subaru Sunset Ride departing from Clarens Golf & Trout Estate. The guided 25-kilometre ride introduces participants to the terrain that defines the event, including a stop at a panoramic mountain viewpoint that hints at the days ahead. From there, all routes begin and end at the same estate, which becomes the operational hub for registration, rider services and the steady flow of pre- and post-ride stories shared between participants. Both individual and team entries are welcomed, and e-bikes are permitted, reinforcing the event’s inclusive approach to modern mountain biking.
Beyond the physical challenge, much of the event’s identity lies in its atmosphere and the relationships it fosters. “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,” said 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.”
He added that the partnership with Subaru has deepened that sense of shared purpose. “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.”
For Subaru Southern Africa, the alignment with the event is rooted in a natural synergy between terrain and technology. The brand’s focus on dependability, safety and all-terrain capability has proven well matched to an event that depends on access to remote landscapes and variable road conditions. Its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, featured across models such as the Crosstrek, Forester, Outback and WRX, is designed to handle gravel, uneven surfaces and unpredictable weather with confidence, supporting both riders and support crews travelling into 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.”
She emphasised the broader meaning behind the partnership, noting that it extends beyond competition. “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 Subaru Amohela MTB Challenge close on 9 May 2026, with substitution requests also ending on the same date. As anticipation builds, Clarens once again prepares to become more than a host village. For a few days in May, it becomes a shared starting line for endurance, exploration and connection, where the mountains do not merely frame the race, but shape it.
