Subaru Returns as Headline Sponsor for the 2026 Amohela MTB Challenge
Bloemfontein – Organizers have announced that Subaru Southern Africa will be the title sponsor of the Subaru Amohela MTB Challenge, returning for its third edition from 22 to 24 May 2026 in the picturesque Maluti foothills of Clarens, Free State.
This event, set in the charming village of Clarens, features high-altitude mountain biking, allowing riders to access trails that wind through private farmland, conservancies, and untouched landscapes along the border with Lesotho.
This area is renowned for its sandstone cliffs, vast valleys, and challenging trail conditions, with elevations soaring to 2,150 meters.
The 2026 edition features a variety of participation opportunities:
- Thaba e Kholo (23-24 May): A two-day MTB challenge covering 59 km (980 m ascent) on Day 1 and 52 km (1,080 m ascent) on Day 2.
- Thaba e Nyenyane (23-24 May): A two-day MTB adventure with distances of 49 km (650 m ascent) and 41 km (580 m ascent).
- One-Day Challenge (23 May): Participants can choose to complete either the Thaba e Kholo or Thaba e Nyenyane Day 1 routes as a standalone event.
The weekend kicks off with the Subaru Sunset Ride on Friday, 22 May 2026, featuring a guided 25 km ride starting from Clarens Golf & Trout Estate.
This route includes a stop at a breathtaking mountain viewpoint and acts as an introduction to the rugged terrain that characterizes the event.
All routes begin and end at Clarens Golf & Trout Estate, which will also serve as the central hub for registration and rider services.
The event welcomes both individual and team entries, and e-bikes are permitted.
Clarens offers more than just a venue for the Amohela; it truly enhances the overall experience.
“There’s something almost magical about this quaint village nestled in the Maluti Mountains,” noted Gavin Kearns, Production Director of the Subaru Amohela MTB Challenge.
“The sandstone glows during golden hour, the trails wind through landscapes that feel timeless, and each year newcomers arrive on Friday and leave on Sunday as friends.
“That’s the essence of this event, and it’s something we treasure greatly.”
Kearns added: “The partnership with Subaru and Amohela amplifies this.
“We genuinely believe that individuals flourish when exploring nature, seeking adventure, challenging themselves, and sharing that journey with others.
“This collective belief transforms our partnership into a friendship, making this pristine landscape the remarkable race it is today.
“It’s what keeps discussions about this weekend alive long after the dust settles and the legs recover.”
Subaru’s commitment to reliability, safety, and all-terrain capability has made it an ideal partner for this event over the last three years, matching the needs of a weekend that combines travel, outdoor adventure, and access to remote areas.
The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, standard across models like the Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, and WRX, is perfect for navigating gravel roads and varying conditions, assisting teams and riders traveling to and from Clarens.
“The Subaru Amohela MTB Challenge embodies the type of environment our vehicles are built for,” said Nteo Nkoli, National Marketing Manager at Subaru Southern Africa.
“Now in our third year of proudly supporting this event, it’s rewarding to see its evolution into a weekend that brings people together both on and off the trails.
“We see it as more than just a mountain biking competition; it’s a chance for riders to test themselves and for families to enjoy a weekend retreat, reconnecting amidst the stunning scenery of Clarens.
“It represents capability, reliability, and the confidence to explore new paths, and we are proud to be part of an event that embodies these values.”
Entries for the 2026 event will close on 9 May 2026, with substitutions also ending on that date.
Key event information:
- Dates: 22 to 24 May 2026
- Location: Clarens Golf & Trout Estate, Free State
- Sunset Ride: 22 May 2026
- Two-Day Events: 23 to 24 May 2026
- One-Day Event: 23 May 2026
For more details and entries, visit the official Amohela MTB Challenge website.