On the mountains this weekend? Cheer on the UTCT trail run competitors!

Sara-Jayne Makwala King is joined by Jeff Ayliffe for the Outdoor Report.

Thousands of runners are on the mountains across the Cape Peninsula this weekend, taking part in the 2024 RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town (UTCT), from 22-24 November.

The UTCT is known as one of the most competitive races anywhere, and attracts runners from all over the world.

Race director Stuart McConnachie has urged Capetonians to support competitors along the route.

Athletes are competing in races spanning six distances – 16km, 23km, 35km, 55km and the flagship UT100 (100km) and UTCT 100 mile (161km).

Competitors include some of the world's premier trail runners along with the cream of the crop in South Africa, says outdoor correspondent Jeff Ayliffe.

"It's the biggest event on the Cape Town trail running calendar. About 2 500 runners from all over the world will be on the mountains tackling six different and very challenging routes."

Jeff Ayliffe, Outdoor Correspondent

"We encourage all Capetonians to join us along the route. It's a major part of what the event is all about, the community coming out to cheer the athletes."

Stuart McConnachie, Director - RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town

While support is welcomed, be prepared to give way to the hundreds of runners you may encounter, cautions Ayliffe.

It's also an option to plan your hike to avoid the busiest areas, he says.

"On Saturday, the race covers Llandudno, Hout Bay, the Alphen Trail, UCT, and ends in the city... so you can avoid Newlands Contour this afternoon and into the early part of the evening if possible."

"Tomorrow, the 35 km race starts at 6 am  - they head up Kloof corner and Platteklip... and Newlands Contour Path at midday... Avoid these areas, but if you do happen to be on Platteklip please give way to the athletes."

Jeff Ayliffe, Outdoor Correspondent

And, of course, keep your dog on a lead if you do see runners approaching.

Scroll up to listen to the Outdoor Report, and click here for more info on the 2024 UTCT