One of South Africa’s original Gravel races, the King Price Race to the Sun, will enjoy an increased level of prestige next year after being granted the 2024 South African Gravel Championships status by Cycling South Africa. Here’s why the race has become so iconic in such a short period and why you should consider getting your entry in soon.
Paid partnership with Faces
After only three editions, the King Price Race to the Sun has already achieved iconic race status. With over 2000 entrants, it’s one of the country’s largest off-road races and consistently attracts the biggest names in South African MTB/Gravel racing as well as high-profile road cycling professionals.
The granting of Gravel National Championship status for the fourth edition on 11 May 2024 will boost the race’s profile even further and undoubtedly increase the depth of the field, which will comprise mostly amateur recreational riders as well as committed Elite and Age-Group competitors gunning for national titles and medals.
“I am truly honoured and thrilled to announce that Faces will be hosting the South African gravel bike national championship in 2024, as part of the King Price Race to the Sun. The event takes participants on a beautiful journey through the North West province and finishes at the spectacular Sun City resort. This is an area rarely cycled by most riders, so we look forward to welcoming riders from all corners of South Africa to this remarkable event,” said Fritz Pienaar, Managing Director of Faces, the organising company.
“The King Price Race to the Sun has quickly grown into the biggest gravel event on the South African calendar, and not without good reason. This event is a real team effort with the Faces team working with local authorities, land owners, farmers, businesses, and the communities, to cover a hundred miles over the varied landscapes. This scenery and amazing team effort make for a wonderful event that gives riders an unmatched experience. From the best water points in the business to well-manned road crossings, to exceptional venues and quality merchandise, Faces will have it all covered,” said JP Nortje, King Price Race to the Sun Race Director.
“We are delighted to be given the SA Champs status in 2024, as this will bring riders from all over to come and compete for the SA Champion stripes on this fast course, which is equally suitable to road and MTB riders. But the event is not only for serious riders, as the 100-mile race caters mostly to amateur riders, and it is the highlight of the year for many of them,” added Nortje.
A few reminders why King Price Race to the Sun already enjoys iconic race status:
It’s organised by Faces
Very few events have the credentials that Faces events have, because Faces seem to only organise the No. 1 events in various sporting codes. Faces currently own and organise the biggest running marathon in SA (The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon), the most sought after Trail Run (The Otter), the biggest mountain bike series (King Price Trailseeker) and South Africa’s leading Obstacle race series (Virgin Active Warrior) amongst others. The King Price Race to the Sun is already the biggest gravel race in the country, but Faces believes there is scope for further growth in 2024!
It’s a point-to-point race
There’s something about a point-to-point race that’s appealing. Yes, there’s a logistical challenge to be considered, but often, that’s what helps bring family and friends into the race experience. It involves them in your goal race and allows them to meet you at the finish and celebrate your success; or comfort you if you fall short of your goal…
It’s close to Joburg and Pretoria
There aren’t many high-profile off-road cycling events close to the big cities of Joburg and Pretoria. Most stage races and endurance events require taking some time off work for travel. But the start of the King Price Race to the Sun is just over an hour’s drive from South Africa’s two biggest cities, which means the largest segment of the MTB/Gravel market in the country can (almost) consider it a local race.
It’s an actual Gravel race
As the Gravel discipline begins to grow, so too do the number of events. Some events have found it difficult to create a route that’s an appropriate Gravel challenge, usually including sections that favour mountain bikes more. With an expansive mountain bike market in South Africa, this usually is met with frustration by competitors. The King Price Race to the Sun has just the right mix of tarred road and off-road with a couple of short bits thrown in to force good line choice.
It’s an authentic challenge
It’s not easy to complete 100 miles (165km) on a bicycle. It requires arriving at the start line having trained to pedal consistently for at least five hours (faster for the Elite racers). For many, especially those who work a regular 40-hour week, this involves early-morning rides in the dark or on the smart trainer and weekends spent getting some endurance time in the saddle. But that’s what makes the King Price Race to the Sun so appealing – it’s an authentic challenge that demands commitment and focus months before the race actually takes place. It’s also a good reason to enter soon as it gives you a confirmed goal to aim for…
It’s prestigious
Among the hundreds of cycling events on the calendar, few are as prestigious at the King Price Race to the Sun. There’s professional infrastructure at the start and finish with a route that’s been checked and double checked for safety. There are high-quality finisher medals, a race pack that contains useful product, live social media coverage of the top contenders, a post-race edited video, professionally shot photos of each entrant, fully stocked refreshment points on the route and at the finish; and a classy prize-giving ceremony to acknowledge the best performers who also get decent cash prizes!
It’s before winter
Everyone knows that training through winter is tricky. With a race date in early May, the King Price Race to the Sun is ideally timed to ensure participants can spend the entire hot summer and the most of the mild-weathered autumn preparing for the race. Time of year can never be an excuse at the Race to the Sun!
Establish your 2024 racing goal now and qualify for a discounted entry. More information and online entry for the 2024 King Price Race to the Sun here.
