About the race
The Otter African Trail Run is a point-to-point trail race along a stretch of near-pristine coastline between Storms River and Nature's Valley. The organiser calls it "The Grail of Trail", and 2026 was the 19th edition.
History
News posts on the organiser's site credit the founding brothers John and Mark Collins and cover the race's origin story. Five-time winner Bianca Tarboton set the Classic Edition women's record in 2025, while Marc Lauenstein holds the Classic Edition men's record. A separate Retto Edition has its own record list, with Toni McCann holding the women's mark from 2022. Tarboton took a fifth Otter win in September 2026, according to the organiser.
The course
The Classic Edition is a marathon distance. The organiser says it includes four river crossings, more than 2,400 metres of elevation gain and 11 significant climbs. The organiser runs a prologue for seeding on day one and the 42 km race on day two.
Two events
For 2027 there are two separate events. The Otter Challenge runs on 29 and 30 September 2027 and has an 11-hour cut-off. The Otter Race runs on 1 and 2 October 2027 and has a 9-hour cut-off. Each has a prologue seeding day followed by the 42 km "Grail of Trail" day.
Entry basics
There are 300 places per event. Phase 1 opens on 26 October for everyone who registered for the 2026 Otter, whether or not they finished, and Phase 2 opens on 30 October to everyone else with remaining spots. The organiser publishes a compulsory kit list with kit levels, and policies and rules on its site.
Where to watch
The route runs along a protected coastline, and the organiser publishes live tracking on the race portal rather than listing roadside viewing points. Its Green Principles pages explain how the organiser tries to keep the environment in good condition for the race.
Weather
September is spring in the Southern Hemisphere, and the route follows an exposed coastline with river crossings. The organiser lists a compulsory kit with levels, so runners should plan for changeable coastal conditions and check the forecast as race week approaches.