The Blanket Wrap

The Sani Stagger is known as ‘The Ultimate Endurance Race” and is an annual event run along the famous Sani Pass in the Southern Drakensberg.  A famous entry point into Lesotho from South Africa’s Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, the Sani Pass is also the location for the Sani Stagger endurance race. It comprises a tough 42km marathon and a more sedate 21km half marathon. Organised by the local Sani Athletic Club, under the rules of both Athletics South Africa and KwaZulu Natal Athletics, it has become a sought after and ‘must do’ race on any racers calendar.

The magnificent Sani Pass climbs through a narrow valley cut deep in the rock by the Mkhomozana River, steeply zigzagging its way up the face of the Drakensberg escarpment to an altitude of 2874m above sea level. The pass was originally developed as a bridal path in 1913, where it remains an important and historic trade route into the Eastern Highlands of Lesotho. The first vehicle negotiated the path in 1948, when it was no more than a boulder littered donkey track. It is now used for the most part by 4×4 vehicles and has become a highlight for tourists visiting the Southern Drakensberg. For runners it is one of Africa’s most unique athletic experiences. Read more