Twilight Trails & Good Vibes
The MERRELL CPT Night Run Series is about moving through familiar trails in unfamiliar light. Three autumn evenings. Headlamps on. Footsteps soft on gravel and singletrack. This is trail running slowed just enough to notice the night.
Why Join
Night trails that feel familiar, yet new
Midweek runs that fits around work and real life
Easy going, welcoming community
Finish with food, drinks, and shared tables
Date
Wednesday
29 April, 6 May, 13 May 2026
Distances
3km, 5.5km, 8km, 10km
Time
Registration: 17:30 AM
Briefing: 18:40 AM
Start: 18:45 AM
Stay a while after…
Venue
Simon’s Restaurant,
Groot Constantia,
Cape Town
Safe Parking
Bring
– Headlamp
– Trail running shoes
– A sense of humour
– Friends or family if you can
Run . Connect . Stay a while
Vineyard trails. Headlamp light. Shared evenings under the Constantia sky.
After the Run
The finish line is only the beginning.
Simon’s Restaurant stays open late for runners, friends, and families. Think warm food, cold drinks, and the kind of conversations that only happen once the effort is done.
There will be lucky draw prizes, shared tables, and space to linger rather than rush off. You’re welcome to stay, eat, and make an evening of it.
As Crazy Colourful as You Can
The final night of the series, Wednesday 13 May, is our colourful one.
This is where the headlamps glow brighter, outfits get bolder, and the trail feels a little lighter underfoot. Dress as colourfully as you dare, lights, layers, and a touch of mischief all welcome.
Before the run, we’ll hand things over to the crowd. The most joyfully colourful runner will be chosen by crowd response and take home a lucky draw prize. No judging panels, no rules. Just shared laughter and a good way to close the series together.
Distances & Routes
Each evening has its own rhythm, with routes designed to be engaging without being intimidating.
5.5km Night Run
A welcoming loop that flows through vineyard paths and gentle trail sections.
The route is clearly marked, making it ideal for first time night runners or anyone easing into trail running.
8km Night Run
A slightly longer adventure that ventures deeper into the estate.
10km Quad Buster
Wednesday 6 May only
This one asks a little more of you. Short, punchy climbs come in steady waves, the kind that warm the legs and slow the chatter. With around 600 metres of ascent over 10km, it’s a compact route that rewards patience and grit. Finish under lights with tired quads and that quiet satisfaction that only a hard earned run delivers.
3km Kids Run
Wednesday 13 May only
A shorter loop designed for young runners and families. It’s playful, safe, and full of excitement.
A Little History
The MERRELL Night Run Series first lit up the trails at Groot Constantia in April 2013. What began as a simple idea, gathering after work to run as the light faded, quickly became a seasonal rhythm.
For years, the series marked both autumn and spring, with runners returning in September as often as they did in April. That steady cadence carried on until the end of 2019, when the world paused.
When the trails welcomed us back in 2022, the night runs returned too, first with both autumn and spring series, and then settling into a single autumn gathering from 2023 onward.
Since that first evening, the series has grown quietly and consistently. Nineteen series. Fifty seven races. One place. Always at Groot Constantia. Always under lights. Each run adding another layer to a story shaped by the same vineyards, the same slopes, and a community that keeps coming back when the sun goes down.
Black Diamond Headlamps
We’re proud to partner with Black Diamond, leaders in lighting and mountain gear.
A selection of Black Diamond headlamps will be available for sale at the event. If you’re new to night running or looking to upgrade, this is a good chance to chat, try, and choose something that suits your pace and comfort.
What Makes This Series Special
Running at night changes everything. The trail narrows. The noise fades. Your world becomes the circle of light ahead of you.
Each run in the series offers a choice of distances, making it easy for beginners, regular trail runners, and families to share the same evening, even if they run different routes.
Who This Event Is For
- Runners curious about night trail running
- Beginners looking for a supportive, low pressure introduction
- Seasoned runners wanting something social midweek
- Families who enjoy sharing outdoor time together
- Friends who like a run followed by a meal and a laugh
You don’t need to be fast. You don’t need to race. You just need to show up.
Safety & Night Running Guidelines
- A headlamp is compulsory for all runners
- Trails are marked and marshalled
- Stay aware of runners around you and keep left where possible
- Carry your own water if needed
- Listen for instructions at the briefing before each run
Night running is calm and communal when everyone moves with care.
What to Bring
- Headlamp with fresh batteries
- Comfortable trail running shoes
- Weather appropriate layers
- A sense of humour
- Friends or family if you can
Make an Evening of It
Groot Constantia is easy to reach, with ample parking available on site. Arrive early, register, settle in, and let the evening unfold.
If you’re visiting Cape Town, the Constantia Valley offers wine farms, walking routes, and relaxed restaurants that pair well with a midweek run under the stars.