Entries close: Friday, 7 August at 23h00 (or when entries sell out)
A glimpse of what we did in Joburg. Port Elizabeth will bring its own city stories, landmarks, and hidden corners on foot.
Get to Know Your City
Port Elizabeth is best discovered slowly, street by street, where heritage buildings, city viewpoints, and old civic landmarks still shape the way the city feels. This urban hike follows a route that connects some of Gqeberha’s most iconic sites, with pauses for stories, photos, and a few quiet surprises along the way.
A morning for curious minds, easy pace walkers, and anyone who loves discovering a city best on foot.
Why Join
Fresh air, city stories, Port Elizabeth energy.
Easy pace, with planned stops for photos and water breaks.
Historic landmarks, viewpoints, and hidden gems along the way.
Small group feel, space to wander and take it in.
Date
Sunday, 9 August 2026
Duration: ±2h30
±5km Journey
Time
Registration: 8:00 AM
Briefing: 8:45 AM
Start: 9:00 AM
Place
Lincoln Café
14 Lower Valley Rd, Valley, Gqeberha, 6007
Bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Phone/Camera
- Sunscreen & Hat
Walk . Snap . Explore
Harbour air. Point stories. New angles on foot.
Merrell Urban Hike
Stories of Durban - Durban Point
A Story Told on Foot
Join us as we explore the rich history and hidden gems of Gqeberha on this fascinating Urban Hike.
Our adventure begins at Lincoln Coffee on Lower Valley Road. From there, we head towards the historic Old Tramway Building, before reaching our first stop, the ruins of St Peter's Church, where we'll enjoy beautiful views while uncovering stories from the city's past.
We then follow Baakens Road, passing Wozani Arts, Crafts & Souvenirs, before continuing past the Old Newspaper House, once home to The Herald newspaper.
Our route takes us past the historic Feather Market before we begin a gradual climb up Castle Hill Road. Along the way, we'll pass St Augustine's Cathedral and the No. 7 Castle Hill Museum, two of Gqeberha's most treasured heritage landmarks.
At the top, we reach the High Court on Bird Street before making our way to Fort Frederick, where we'll pause to admire breathtaking panoramic views over Algoa Bay while learning about one of South Africa's oldest British forts.
From there, we visit The Athenaeum, renowned for its impressive collection of local artwork, before strolling past the historic Grand Hotel to the iconic Donkin Reserve. Here we'll take time to appreciate the spectacular views, the famous lighthouse, and the rich history that helped shape our city.
Our journey continues down the Donkin steps to the charming Little Opera House, before passing the historic Main Library and City Hall, the heart of Nelson Mandela Bay's local government.
We then visit the Prester John Monument before walking past the historic Old Post Office. From there, we make our way along Produce Street, cross the Red Bridge, and follow Lower Valley Road back to Lincoln Coffee, where our memorable urban adventure comes to an end.
This relaxed walk is the perfect opportunity to experience Gqeberha from a different perspective, discovering its remarkable history, architecture, culture, and hidden stories along the way.
About the Hike Leaders
Your hike leaders will be Juan and Sonja from Let’s Go Hiking Port Elizabeth. Depending on numbers, Jean Marc may also join to help keep the group supported and together. All hike leaders are first aid trained.
Event Snapshot
Duration: Approx. 2h00 to 2h30
Style: Easy pace, with story pauses and photo moments
Start and finish: Lincoln Café
Registration: from 08h00
Start time: 09h00
Distance: ±5km
Cost: R200
Group size: Limited spaces to keep it personal
- Coffee from Lincoln Café
- A goodie bag at registration
- A water table on the day
- Sponsor goodies from Merrell, ButtaNutt, and 32Gi
- Port Elizabeth locals who want to see their city differently
- Visitors looking for something more grounded than a standard tour
- Runners on a rest day
- Friends and colleagues who want a shared Sunday morning out
No racing. No pressure. Just moving together at a social pace.
After the success of Stories of Joburg and Stories of Cape Town, we’re bringing the same spirit to Durban, new streets, new textures, new stories.
These Urban Hikes are organised by Mountain Runner Events, created in partnership with Merrell, to help more people get outside and discover what’s right in front of them.
Join us
Entries are open. Numbers are limited to keep Stories of Port Elizabeth personal.
If this feels like your kind of morning, we’d love to walk it with you.