6 Peaks
Information Pack

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Where It All Started

Where It All Started

The George 6 Peaks FKT started as a pipe-dream between two friends having a few beers after running the Knysna Marathon. Fast forward a few months, the idea was casually mentioned again over a breakfast: “let me know when”, followed by “how about Monday?” and without thinking too much, a commitment was made to tackle it 3 days later, on a Christmas day, 2017. The evening before D-day the route was discussed together with a few other logistical hurdles and I reckon we all went to bed thinking
“what did I just get myself into”.

After the first attempt, we were awestruck by the day’s achievement. We knew it was possible (judging from the stats on paper) but what we didn’t know was how possible. Having such an amazing experience we wanted to share it with people. We made a pact to run it every year at least once. Be it to try and set a new time or simply just paying our respect to the mountains, “Trail running tax” if you will. Only this time, we invite as many people as possible.

After the second year’s attempt we wanted to grow the concept even more and so the beginning of the George 6 Peaks FKT. We later introduced the George 2 Peaks FKT and launched the George FKT’S which includes a number of FKT’S in the Garden Route area. The first Double 6 Peaks have been completed by Jacques and Eddie Mouton, rules have been set and a Double 6 Peak can now be attempted by anyone!
The story continues…

Rules Of The Challenge

Rules Of The Challenge

This FKT entails summiting George’s most iconic 6 peaks in one day and moving on foot between the various peaks from the start to the finish. This is not a race; it’s you against the clock to set your own personal Fastest Known Time or just to enjoy a day out with a group of trail friends!

•Vensterberg– 1287m •Keurkop– 1199m •George Peak– 1337m •Cradock Peak– 1578m • Tierkop– 778m •Vandalens– 911m

Distance: 42km with Elevation gain of 3300m depending on your route choice. Additional 5km to Trail Kiosk where you parked your car.

Rules:

  • You must start at the top of the Outeniqua pass; at the Vensterberg trail entrance and finish at Vandalens (finish back at
    Vensterberg trail entrance for the Double 6 Peaks). Do your homework and plan your route beforehand.
  • You may only cross the main road on the Outeniqua pass when it is safe to do so.
  • You must run, walk or crawl on foot between each peak and NO vehicle (car, bike or any other form of transport is allowed).
  • Seconding provided by us and/or your own team on the day- contact us to sign up for a group attempt and support.
  • No sherpa’s allowed: You must carry your own gear, food etc at all times.
  • Your total time is taken from the moment you start your first ascent at the bottom of Vensterberg trail head, and ends when you reach Vandalens summit. Time spent at seconding points count towards your total time.
  • Use of our tracking App is highly recommended. This is for your own safety on the route, and so that you can be followed on the tracking website. You can hire a standalone tracker device from us. You can use 1 tracker if you are doing the FKT as a group running together.
  • At the start and at each peak, ensure that you take a selfie and a photo of your watch with your time displayed. This must be
    sent to the whatsapp group which will be created for your attempt. We need to track your progress.
  • Should you wish to abandon your FKT attempt, you need to inform us on the group or contact number we will provide. If doing the FKT unsupported, you must let us know when you are safely off the mountain and provide all the evidence to be
    listed as an official finisher.
  • Please respect the environment – no littering, no destruction of the natural fauna and flora.
  • If we find any person transgressed any of the above rules in any way during their attempt, you won’t be considered as an official FKT finisher
  • If you are supported by us, you must sign an indemnity form and complete the attempt form with all your details.

 

Compulsory Gear

Compulsory Gear

Compulsory equipment to be carried by each participant on route:

  • Running pack
  • Whistle
  • Tracker is compulsory if you are attempting to set a new FKT, highly recommended if we assist you on the day. You can use one tracker per group if you plan to run together. We supply the Tracker and it is included in support package.
  • Fully charged headlamp with spare batteries for the entire duration of the FKT
  • Space blanket
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Long sleeve base layer
  • Buff
  • Emergency food (eg: 2 x energy bars)
  • Basic first aid kit, including an electrolyte and a bandage
  • 1l water compulsory (2.5l liquid from Montagu pass to Tierkop)
  • Cup or spare 500ml liquid container eg: Soft flask or bottle
  • Cell phone (Fully charged with data and airtime)-recommended that you place in waterproof bag (small power bank highly recommended from Tierkop)
  • GPS watch with GPX file loaded to record your attempt, fully charged
  • Additional compulsory equipment based on poor weather conditions: (You will be informed 12 hours prior to starting) Gloves, Long pants eg: base layer or tights, and a beanie
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Sign Up For Your FKT Attempt

Sign Up For Your FKT Attempt

Please complete the 6 Peaks Attempt form on the following link: Sign Up – You will be added to a WhatsApp group where further arrangements will be discussed and we will set up a pre-attempt meeting to talk you through the logistics and route. We are available to support you on your FKT attempt. The Support Package is advised for all out of town runners and compulsory for group attempts. Please see fees on the signup page for the support and organizing of logistics. 2 Peaks and 4 Peaks options also available. Contact us if you are an elite athlete going for the FKT, so we can discuss special arrangements.

Our support includes:

  • Help with recommending the best accommodation options
  • Pre-attempt meeting to discuss logistics and route description in detail with runners, supporters and seconds
  • WhatsApp group to assist with planning and logistics
  • Be available at any time to answer questions before and during your attempt. Our experienced team will be out on the route
  • Transport to the start and from the finish back to your car or accommodation
  • Local runners to join and assist you on route.
  • Seconding and well stocked water-points at 3 points along the route. Coke, water, energy bars, Gel’s, Hydration/Fuel Mix, beers, Biltong etc. You can also provide your own drop bag for water-points and finish.
  • Update a partner/friend via direct 2 way communication during your attempt and assist your own seconding crew/supporters to various access points along the route.
  • Live tracking via our tracking app and website. Tracker included.
  • Media support and updates to our Facebook page and Instagram account on your progress as well as the use of our tracking app.
  • A professional photographer (subject to availability) to capture your attempt for big groups. On request for small groups at an additional cost
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Route Information

Route Information

You will be summiting the following 6 Peaks starting at the entrance of the Vensterberg trail at the top of the Outeniqua Pass/Sputnic

  • Vensterberg – 1287m
  • Keurkop – 1199m
  • George Peak – 1337m
  • Cradock Peak- 1578m
  • Tierkop – 778m
  • Vandalens – 911m

The distance is roughly 42km with an elevation gain of 3300m depending on the route you take. Still to be added to this is the 5 km downhill run, walk or crawl  back to Trail Kiosk after your FKT attempt finished at Vandalens– commonly known as the “Escape Route”

Most runners will underestimate this FKT route, please don’t make that mistake…..it’s tough…really tough… it will be tougher than you think. The weather in the Outeniqua Mountains can be very unpredictable – so please plan for that.

The current men’s FKT is held by Jacques Buys in a time of 5 hours 15 minutes and 55 seconds. The ladies FKT belongs to Rebecca Kohne in 6 hours 03 minutes and 25 seconds. You can expect to be out there for anything between 5 and 15 hours. The average time is between 10 and 12 hours. A permanent number will be issued after 6 successful attempts.

The Double 6 Peaks FKT is held by Bruce Arnet in 15 hours 32 minutes and Amri Williamson in a time of 19 hours 19 minutes and 41 seconds. A permanent number will be issued after 3 successful attempts.

A GPX file of the route will be shared on the WhatsApp group. We will provide you with a digital map on WhatsApp. The route’s GPX can also available on the website – Maps

Please read through this detailed route description. Detailed info will be shared on the Whatsapp group. Any questions regarding the route can be discussed in the pre attempt meeting or on WhatsApp.

Route Information

vensterberg (1278m) & Keurkop (1199m)

Route Information

vensterberg (1278m) & Keurkop (1199m)

The FKT Starts at the Vensterberg trail entrance located at the top of the Outeniqua Pass – 10km from George. Google Maps link – All the logistics like start time etc, will be discussed prior to your attempt.

The trails are in good condition and navigation is straight forward. After 800m into the trail you will reach a small cliff face, veer to the left and start climbing/scrambling the obvious route leading up the side of the cliff face.

Once on top, follow the trail and run in the direction of the saddle to your left. Straight ahead you will see a peak, this is not Vensterberg. Vensterberg will be in view to the right of this peak. The trail will lead you almost to the top of this first peak (1.3km from the start) follow the trail towards Vensterberg on your right. A short section of flat running on a saddle will be followed by the last steep climb and scramble to the top of Vensterberg.

Vensterberg has a few different approaches. Stay on the right hand side of the ridge for as long as possible and keep moving upwards and you will eventually get to the top. The last 50m to the summit has some dangerous cliffs and drop off’s, please be careful and don’t take chances. Take a selfie and photo of stopwatch time as proof that you have reached the summit. Go down the same way you just came up.

At the bottom you must cross the main tar road only when it’s safe to do so and run towards Sputnic; the microwave tower as indicated on the map.

At Sputnic check in with the marshall. Fill up at the Seconding Point 1.

Once leaving CP1 (Sputnic) keep the fence on your left. At the end of the fence, turn left and follow this trail up Bone Crusher. Keep going straight up until you reach the ridge line. Continue following this trail until you reach a rock wall. Look out for the orange paint marks. They will guide you up the rock face. Soon after this technical climb, you will reach Keurkop. Take your selfie and your watch time and enjoy the views!
Continue along the same trail in the direction of Montagu Pass. The trail will narrow, so watch your footing. Soon you will reach the sharp descent. Continue down until you reach the quarry and jeep track. Turn left along the jeep track and continue down until you reach the top of Montagu Pass (CP2)

If you are afraid of heights, cliffs, or drop-offs, you have the option to do the less technical route via Losberg. You may tag Losberg instead of Keurkop as your second peak.

Seconding point 2 (also referred to as Top Of Montagu Pass) is an important seconding/drop bag point. Fill up all your water containers and eat/drink enough. The total distance for this section is 10km with 1100m elevation gain. Time will vary from 2-4 hours to complete this section. This is your first cut off point. You must get to this point in less than 4 hours 15 minutes.

Strava segments for this section:
Start to top of Vensterberg: https://www.strava.com/segments/21243832
Vensterberg Up and Down: https://www.strava.com/segments/21243818
Start to Losberg/ 2 Peaks FKT: https://www.strava.com/segments/24445944
Vensterberg to Losberg: https://www.strava.com/segments/21751104
Strava segment for Leg 1: https://www.strava.com/segments/21237645

Route Information

George peak (1337m) & Cradock (1578m)

Route Information

George peak (1337m) & Cradock (1578m)
Copyright Bjorn Uys

From the Top of Montagu Pass follow the jeep track and turn right down the Montagu Pass. Run for about 200 meters and get onto the railway track where you have easy and level access from the gravel road. Get your headlamp ready, you will need it for the three tunnels you will go through while running on the railway track. Follow the railway line for 7.4km (18.5km total distance from start) and turn left onto the traditional Cradock Peak route. Turn off. Climb the steep uphill ascend for about 3km to the T junction at the saddle. This section is the toughest part of the 6 Peaks FKT. Look out for the fountain on the left of the trail just after the flat section and just before you get to the T-junction as this is the last place you can fill up with water for a while.

Turn Right at the T junction at saddle and follow the trail for 1km towards George Peak (1337) 23km from the start. Take a selfie and photo of your stopwatch time as proof that you have reached the summit.

Return the same way and carry on straight for 1.7km after the saddle T-junction until you reach Cradock Peak (1578) 25.8km from the start. Just before you reach the summit you will have to climb a rock face once you see it on your right (look for arrows painted on the rocks) Take a selfie and photo of stopwatch time as proof that you have reached the summit. Cradock Peak is the highest point on the FKT. Descend down onto the ridgeline towards Tierkop. This section is called “The Bruce” and it’s a steep downhill. There’s no clear trail to start off so you will have to follow your GPS or stick with a group. You will start to pick up the trail on the ridgeline. You will go over Skurwekop Peak 4.5 (please stop and take a selfie and a picture of your stopwatch time and send this to the WhatsApp group. This is to help us with logistics and safety) and join up with the trail that takes you all the way to Tierkop Hut

Long Route- At the nek, first tag Cradock Peak and return back to George Peak. Go straight down from George Peak towards George and the Cross (2.4km down) This section is called the George Peak VK and is a steep downhill. From the Cross you can either turn left and run along the Tonnelbos trail or carry on straight down on to the railway track(700m down from cross) and turn left towards the old dam wall and up to Tierkop.

Strava segments for this section:
Montagu Pass to Cradock Peak Trail on Railway: https://www.strava.com/segments/26448796
Montagu Pass CP2 to Cradock Peak via railway track: https://www.strava.com/segments/21750900
Railway track to Nek: https://www.strava.com/segments/16484383
Final climb neck to Cradock Peak: https://www.strava.com/segments/7446055
Start to Cradock Peak: https://www.strava.com/segments/25892827
Start to George Peak: https://www.strava.com/segments/25892863
Cradock Peak to George Peak: https://www.strava.com/segments/16486416
George Peak to Cross: https://www.strava.com/segments/19304785
Strava segment for Leg 2: https://www.strava.com/segments/21308417

Route Information

tierkop (778m) & Vandalens (911m)

Route Information

tierkop (778m) & Van Dalens (911m)
6 Peaks Tierkop

Long Route– The last section from the Cross to the finish is 17.6km and 1100m of elevation gain.

Distance from Cradock Peak to Tierkop Hut is 7.25km and can take you anywhere from 60min to 2.5 hours.

When you get to Tierkop Hut, check in with the seconding team and let them assist you with refilling your bladder and soft flasks. Make sure to eat and drink. Grab a drink and go tag the actual Tierkop Peak (778m) only 400m from the hut. Take a selfie and photo of stopwatch time as proof that you have reached the summit.

Return the same way down to the Tierkop hut. Only Vandalens Peak remains! The finish is only 7 Km away but keep in mind that you need to get enough supplies to get you to Trail Kiosk. Make sure you have a headlamp

From Tierkop hut, make your way down to the old George dam wall, also referred to as “The Wall” or “Leaky Dam.” Cross the dam wall, and be on the lookout for steel pegs sticking out of the cement. They can trip you up or cause serious injuries. At the other end of the dam wall, take the steel stairs to your right and follow the trail towards Tonnelbos. You will cross straight over an old Jeep track leading up to Tonnelbos.

At the DMC/Vandalens crossing, take the trail to the right. This is the start of the kicker, which takes you all the way to the top of Vandalens Peak. You will find ropes on the higher steeper final section of the kicker. Once you reach the plateau, you will run past the Vandalens cave with a gentle slope to the highest point and the finish of the 6 Peaks. Take your final selfie and your time and post this with your name to the WhatsApp group.

Strava segments for this section:
Long Route-
Cross to Tierkop: https://www.strava.com/segments/21742181
Strava segment for Leg 3: https://www.strava.com/segments/21742209
Bruce Route-
George Peak to Cradock Peak: https://www.strava.com/segments/25168547
Cradock Peak to Tierkop: https://www.strava.com/segments/25168625
Tierkop to Groenkop: https://www.strava.com/segments/25893160
Godfather Kaaimans River Plunge: https://www.strava.com/segments/21742268
Godfather to Groenkop: https://www.strava.com/segments/25893126
Godfather Kaaimans to Groenkop climb: https://www.strava.com/segments/25893051

Route Information

Vandalens To Trail Kiosk (Escape Route 5km)

Route Information

Van Dalens To Trail Kiosk (Escape Route 5km)

You have now completed the George 6 Peaks FKT!

You can take a rest while enjoying the view from Vandalens Peak before you start a new activity on your watch for the Escape Route (6 Peaks Parkrun) You only have 5km to go! to get to the trail kiosk, which is the easiest parkrun in the world with a decent of 650 meters and zero ascent😂

It should take you 90 mins to walk from Vandalens Peak to Trail Kiosk.

The GPX file will be shared on the WhatsApp group and can also be downloaded from the website – www.georgefkt.co.za

On the Day

On the Day

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Supported Attempt: If you signed up for the Support Package we will assist you with your attempt outlined in the
Support Package above. More info and Detail about your attempt will be discussed in the Pre-attempt meeting and on the whatsapp group.

We will meet at Trail Kiosk at the time discussed at the pre-attempt meeting/Whatsapp group. This will be where you will leave your cars as it is also your final finishing point at the end of the escape route. Hand in your two Drop Bags. We will provide two tog bag tags for the seconding points at Vensterberg/Tierkop and Montagu Pass/Finish.

Please remember to write your name and cell number on the tag. Make sure you have your tracking device that will be provided by us at check in. From here you will take a taxi to the start of your attempt. There will be quick briefing and start photo before we set you off.

Spectators are welcome at the following areas to support and encourage their runners.

At the Start by Sputnic, you will be able to see your runners off and again once they have tagged the first Peak and have made their way back down to CP1 (Sputnic).

Top Of Montagu Pass also known as CP2 –  This is the second aid station at about 10 km in for the runners. Most runners will take 2 to 4 hours to reach this station. Access to this area is via the Montagu Pass from Herold as the pass is closed from the George side. Please do not park in the small access road as this is where the aid station is situated. 

Trail Kiosk – This will be where the runners finish after their attempt. There is safe parking and food and drinks available to purchase while you wait for your runner. You will also be able to hike a section of the Escape Route in reverse if you would like to welcome your runner in on the trail from this point.  

We will provide Live Updates during your attempt on the George 6 Peaks FKT Facebook page and Instagram. You can follow us on social media- Instagram @George6peaksFKT, @GTRtrails and @GeorgeFKT Links on www.georgefkt.co.za

You are welcome to use the following tags on social media.

#George6PeaksFKT #GTRtrails #OuteniquaMountains #Time2Peak #FKT #GardenCity #GeorgeFKT
#GeorgeTourism #6PeaksFKT #MountCo #TheMountainCommunity

After your attempt we will arrange Tierkop drop bag collection and opportunity to buy some 6 Peaks merch at the MountCo shop!

Tracking website: http://tracking.georgefkt.co.za/6peaks/ Share this link to your supporters to follow your progress live during your attempt!

Unsupported FKT Attempt: Please let us know if you plan an official unsupported attempt. Send us a Whatsapp message with your plans at least 24 hours before your attempt. Take a photo and note your start time. Follow all the rules set out in this document. Let us know that you are off the mountain and back home safely. If you hired a tracking device from us, make sure you switch off the tracking device once you have reached Trail Kiosk. Please make arrangements to return the device to us.

Please note: Unsupported attempts can not be done on the same day we host a group run. Vehicle access is only allowed at Sputnic and Montagu Pass. All other areas are off limits, and seconding can only be done on foot. For safety and logistical reasons, we advise against self supported runs if you are out of town and have never done a 6 Peaks before.

If you are successful in completing the full route please send us all the necessary details and photos as set out in the rules and we will update your attempt.

Important Contact Details:

Important Contact Details:

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Medical Emergency Numbers
Metro Rescue - 044 805 5070
ER 24 - 084 124
Medical Emergency Numbers
Metro Rescue - 044 805 5070
ER 24 - 084 124

Make sure to save all the emergency numbers on your phone.

Your first contact would be to phone us if it’s not a life-threatening emergency. We always notify Metro Rescue in advance, so they will be aware of your FKT attempt on the day.

General and Route Enquiries: Jacques: 081 366 4394

Retirement of FKT attempt / Medical emergency: Clare: 061 422 6060

*Please note that you must take full responsibility for your own safety and understand that you are taking part in recreational trail running at your own risk. No members associated with this challenge can be held liable in any way or form. You agree to have the necessary compulsory kit with you at all times during your attempt. This is not an official race, but we encourage and promote safe and responsible recreational trail running in the Garden Route. We will not support or recognize any attempt as official if you haven’t signed the indemnity form before you start and filled out
the attempt form on the website with all your details.

Good luck with your attempt and we are looking forward to assisting you to make your FKT a successful one. Most of all we wish it will be a memorable experience and that you will enjoy what George, the Outeniqua Mountains and GTR Trail Community have to offer.

The George 6 Peaks Team