The Challenge

Get to the top of all 13 Peaks. That’s it. But, if you want that extra challenge then try completing it in 48 hours.

There are two different challenges: multi-day and 48 hour. You can choose either of the challenges. There are no prizes, not trophies just the satisfaction of climbing 13 amazing peaks in one of the world’s most beautiful places, Cape Town.

The route

Start & finish at Signal Hill and tag peaks 1 -13 in the following order:

Signal Hill
Lions Head
Maclears Beacon
Grootkop
Judas Peak
Klein Leeu Kop
Suther Peak
Chapmans Peak
Noordhoek Peak
Muizenberg Peak
Constantiaberg
Klassenkop
Devils Peak

The Rules

Don't be a chop & keep safe.
You must adhere to the South African National Parks rules and regulations.
There is no time limit on the route, and as a personal challenge, you don't have to submit proof. If you want to share your route, that's awesome, but it's about honesty, exploration, and the core of trail running.

The Challenges

Two day challenge

Complete the 13 Peaks in 48 hours. The clock does not stop when you leave the route. It is your continuous time.

Multi day / speed day challenge

Complete the 13 peaks in as many days as you like. For the multi day option your time stops when you leave the route and starts again once you start the route but you must re-enter the route at the same spot you left it.

There is no time limit on the route, and as a personal challenge, you don't have to submit proof. If you want to share your route, that's awesome, but it's about honesty, exploration, and the core of trail running.

Getting started

Recommended Gear

Download the 13 Peaks GPX file

Table Mountain can have all four seasons in a single day so please take sufficient cold- and warm-weather gear with you. Parts of the route are very remote so you should be as self-sufficient as possible.

Trail running gear and shoes
Waterproof jacket
Base layer
Warm and waterproof gloves
Waterproof pants or long tights
Spare pair of socks
Buff and/or Beanie
Hat
Suncream
Vaseline / Anti Chafe
Fully-charged Mobile Phone (take a spare battery, or only have it on when you need it)
GPS Watch with the 13 Peaks route on
First aid kit
Space blanket
Head torch and back-up torch

Safety tips

Running and hiking can be very slow moving on Table Mountain so please always take extra food and water with you. There are a few rivers on Table Mountain but in summer most of these will be dry. The town of Hout Bay between Peak 7 & 8 is a great place to buy food and water.
Run/hike with a partner and let someone know your route and expected finish time.
Have Wilderness Search and Rescue Number in your phone - 021 937 0300
Use a tracking app on your phone or carrying a tracking device like a Spot
Keep in mind where possible exit points off the mountain are.
Have fun out there but remember it is a big mountain and look after yourself.
Please adhere to the South African National Parks rules and regulations when doing the 13 Peaks Challenge.
Please note that Ryan Sandes, 13 Peaks or any of its sponsors and /or associates cannot be held liable for your personal safety during the challenge, and your participation in the challenge is entirely at your own risk.

Useful information

The base of Lions Head has a pop up coffee and food vendor but they are not always there.
The lower cable car station has a shop.
The town of Hout Bay (between Peaks 7 & 8) has a number of shops and restaurants to buy food and water.
There is very limited mobile phone reception in the Silvermine Nature Reserve (between Peaks 9 - 11) until you reach Constantia Nek.
There is a water tap in the Silvermine Dam bathroom (in the toilet) but this tap does not always have water.
Constantia Nek has a restaurant to buy food and water.