KAP sani2c is an annual mountain bike event that has become both popular and iconic over the past 20 years. With just over a month away from the 21st edition – and some entry spots still available – here are six reasons this is a one-of-a-kind mountain bike event.
Paid partnership with KAP sani2c
KAP sani2c stands out as an iconic three-day mountain bike stage race. Founder of the race Glen Haw is a dairy farmer from Ixopo in KwaZulu-Natal, known affectionately as Farmer Glen by returning sani2c riders.
The 2025 KAP sani2c will be its 21st edition. The Adventure is from Wednesday 7 May – Friday 9 May, and the ‘OG’ is from Thursday 8 May – Saturday 10 May (with a Prologue for UCI riders only on 7 May at 14:30 at Glencairn Farm).
Farmer Glen started sani2c in 2005 to raise funds for Lynford school where his children were being educated, and that original mission of community support remains a key feature of sani2c. Currently, 13 communities and 23 schools and charitable organisations benefit from the event in myriad ways.
Here are 6 key aspects that make sani2c a one-of-a-kind event:
Point-to-Point Event
KAP sani2c is renowned for its point-to-point format that takes riders on an exhilarating adventure from the mountains of the southern Drakensberg to the beach on the South Coast. Few mountain bike stage races are able to provide three separate, well appointed race villages along a diverse route that includes an extraordinary proportion of singletrack riding. Each stage of sani2c is meticulously crafted to showcase the stunning landscapes and a multitude of different terrains, creating a journey like no other.
Exclusive Route
The route of KAP sani2c has been planned and handcrafted over 21 years. The dedication and attention to detail has created a network of trails built and maintained by teams from the communities that the race travels through. There are 270 kms of trails across tribal lands, indigenous forest, nature reserve, farms, including sugar cane fields and commercial forests. The majority of these trails are accessed only during the week of sani2c, making the event a one-of-a-kind opportunity to cover vast, continuous trails from one end of KwaZulu-Natal to the other.
Challenging Stages
The three stages of sani2c are designed to challenge every rider, demanding significant training, preparation, and sacrifices. Participants must push their limits to achieve a level of fitness and mental fortitude that spills over into their everyday lives. The sense of accomplishment is profound, instilling pride and inspiring those around them – family, friends, and colleagues.
This is an important part of Glen’s vision for sani2c. He believes that the most valuable experiences in life are reached through hard work – and this is reflected in the Unitrans Iconic Climb of day 2! The toughness of the day is balanced by the incredibly rewarding descent into the Umkomaas Valley, where breathtaking scenery is available to those who are not racing down the ‘Umko Drop’.
Purpose-built Race Villages
KAP sani2c features three specifically designed race villages, where convenience, comfort and entertainment are all catered for. sani2c race villages are more than just rest stops. They are places where riders can relax, recover and prepare for the next day of riding – enjoying a beer while watching video and photo highlights from the day.
Glencairn Farm serves as the dedicated start venue and race village for the night before the start, and as part of the sani2c mission of uplifting communities, extensive facilities have been built and community members trained in bricklaying, building and tiling. Mackenzie Club in Ixopo houses riders after day 1. While a huge marquee is erected each year to function as the dining hall, permanent ablution blocks and other facilities have been built over the years.
Jolivet Farm near Umzinto, race village after day 2, was also purchased expressly to serve as a race village. Extensive permanent showers and toilets have been built to ensure all riders get a warm shower and enjoy a great lunch after their ride. Jolivet remains a working farm, and canvas tents are erected amongst the macadamia trees. A permanent structure houses a dining area for 1000 riders, ready for the legendary steak braai – which is why Jolivet Farm is also called ‘The Steak House’.
Family organised, community focussed
KAP sani2c is organized by a passionate family who pour their heart and soul into the event, their community, and their riders. The whole Haw family is involved, with daughter Tamika Gandar managing the bulk of the planning, marketing and sponsorships. Her husband Owen helps manage the sani2c Community Development Trust, ensuring the longevity of the assistance that sani2c provides to the communities along its route.
Son Murray is Glen’s right hand on the farms and in coordinating much of the sani2c logistics, while his wife TJ helps on many fronts, including designing visual elements that make up the sani2c brand.
Youngest daughter Bianca Haw runs Glencairn Farm as a wedding venue when it is not serving as the start venue and race village for sani2c. Bianca and teammate Hayley Preen finished third at the recent ABSA Cape Epic – she works as hard on the bike as she does when making sure your first night at Glencairn is comfortable.
Glen will tell you, however, that it’s his wife Mandy who keeps it all together to make it happen! And her sister Judy holds the fort at the office, helping riders with queries. Their unwavering commitment over more than 20 years ensures that every detail is taken care of.
Long-standing Relationships
sani2c’s relationships with riders, landowners, partners, and sponsors have been nurtured for over twenty years. The result is a deep trust built within the cycling community, and partnerships with people and businesses that align with the sani2c purpose of creating an extraordinary event for riders, the people along the route, and their partners.
2025 marks the tenth year of KAP’s title sponsorship of sani2c: “Having a sponsor who buys into our vision to the extent that KAP does, has been extremely rewarding. We are able to further develop the sani2c Community Development Trust to drive educational, job creation and skills development initiatives in the communities along the sani2c route, while ensuring that the ride remains the best three days you can have on a mountain bike,” says Glen.
KAP sani2c is not just a cycling event. It is a celebration of adventure, community, and a drive to achieve. The passion and dedication that fuels sani2c ensures its longevity. These unique features come together to give riders an experience of a lifetime.
Ride the 21st edition of KAP sani2c. Enter at www.sani2c.co.za
KAP sani2c Adventure: Wednesday 7 May – Friday 9 May.
KAP sani2c ‘OG’: Thursday 8 May – Saturday 10 May (Prologue for UCI riders only on 7 May at 14:30).
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