Cape Town Cannon Challenge logo

The Challenge

Ride or run

16 cannons – 160km – 2750m elevation

Challenge yourself to ride (or run!) this magical mixed terrain route. Do it in one day or over multi days. Do it solo or take the family. Do it in a relay team. Do it as a challenge to raise money for charity. It's the adventure and story that counts!

Complete the challenge, submit your time and win some amazing prizes and gear from East City Cycles and Jack Black Beer! Don't forget to tag @capetowncannonchallenge on Instagram and we'll feature your story!

A historical cannon along the routeA second historical cannon along the route

The Rules

  1. The route takes place over public roads and tracks, please don't be a dick and be courteous and polite when you pass other riders or runners.
  2. Sometimes the gates to the cannons or guns will be shut, please obey the rules and do not trespass.
  3. If you are attempting to go for the FKT (Fastest Known Time), you need to tag (touch) each cannon. If the gates are closed, then you need to tag the gate, i.e as close to the cannon as you can get. This is all based on the honesty system, so you can lie, but karma is a bitch.
  4. You must adhere to the normal traffic road rules for cyclists and runners as well as the South African National Parks rules and regulations.
  5. There is no time limit on the route and you don't have to submit proof to say you've completed it, it's based on an honesty system and is more about the enjoyment of riding your bike around the most beautiful environments in the world.

Suggested Kit

Have you got everything you need for a big day out? Cape Town and Table Mountain can be very unpredictable with its weather, so please take sufficient cold and warm weather gear with you if you think the weather is going to change or you are going to be out there for a long time. There are bike shops along the route and East City Cycles in town is highly recommended.

  • Waterproof jacket
  • Base layer
  • Warm and waterproof gloves
  • Waterproof pants or long tights
  • Suncream
  • Vaseline / Anti Chafe
  • Fully-charged mobile phone
  • GPS computer or watch with the Cannon Challenge route loaded
  • Basic puncture kit (CO2 cannisters, pump, tubes, tyre levers etc)

Safety Tips

Whenever you are riding or running around the Cape Peninsula, please always be aware of your surroundings and know that some areas of the peninsula may need extra caution and vigilance when riding or running through them.

  • Download the What3Words app to easily locate each cannon on the route.
  • Ideally, ride/run with a partner and let someone know your route and expected finish time.
  • Save the Wilderness Search and Rescue Number in your phone – 021 937 0300.
  • Use a tracking app on your phone or carry a tracking device like a Spot.
  • Most of the time you will be on public roads and have mobile phone reception, but there are sections where reception might be limited. Please keep in mind where possible exit points are when you head onto the mountain sections.
  • Please adhere to the South African National Parks rules and regulations when doing the Cape Town Cannon Challenge.
  • Please note that the Cannon Challenge or any of its sponsors and/or associates cannot be held liable for your personal safety during the challenge and your participation in the challenge is entirely at your own risk.