Race Route

The Nelson Mandela Bay Train Race runs between the Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage stations and is contested by individual participants or teams of 6 (5 runners and 1 MTB rider). 

This fun and unique duathlon relay event covers a distance of approximately 38km*, with an exciting mix of road running and Mountain Biking.

Route Summary

Do you use GOOGLE EARTH - click HERE for the map (note this has been placed in a zip file).

Check out the Google Maps version - click HERE

1st Leg - PE Station to Sydenham Station

Approximately 5km of flat road running, starting outside the PE Station which is 5m above sea level and this leg will rise to a height of just 7m above sea level. Change over station will be opposite the Sydenham Station. Running on RIGHT HAND side of the road at ALL times and where possible on the pavement.

Water table at corner of Broad Street & Paterson Road.


click map to enlarge

2nd Sydenham Station - Deal Party

Approximately 3.5km of road running with a gradual rise to 14m above sea level with the change over station situated just past the pedestrian bridge to New Brighton Station along Grahamstown Road in Deal Party. Running on RIGHT HAND side of the road at ALL times and where possible on the pavement.


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3rd Deal Party - Swartkops

Approximately 4.5km of road running with a slight decline to 5m above sea level to finish in the quaint village of Swartkops alongside the river to hand over to your cyclist. Running on RIGHT HAND side of the road at ALL times and where possible on the pavement.

Water table at corner of John Tallant Road & Grahamstown Road.


click map to enlarge

4th Leg - Swartkops to Azalea Park via Perseverance Station

This is the MTB stage for a cycle along the railway line, through the picturesque village of Redhouse and past Perserverance Station and into Azalea Park, a distance of approximately 12.5km. Initial 800m is on the road before heading off-road for a fairly easy course with some sections of loose stones. Obeying all road rules when on road. Finish is just 10m above sea level. 

No water table for MTB riders, please ensure you take your own refreshment - we will have Powerade available at Swartkops Change over so that you can take before you start your leg.


click map to enlarge

5th Leg - Azalea Park to Despatch via Despatch Station

Gently undulating road running of approximately 5km to finish 22m above sea level on the corner of Botha St and Dagbreek Street. Running on RIGHT HAND side of the road at ALL times and where possible on the pavement.

Water table outside the Despatch Station.


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6th Leg - Despatch to Uitenhage Station

From the Despatch change over runners will remain on the pavement all the way into Uitenhage and then onto Uitenhage Station. Please note that the last section of the run from Marconi Street through to the Station is being run on the LEFT HAND SIDE of the road (pavement).

Water table in Marconi Street.


click map to enlarge

^* Distances may vary by up to 500m depending on the exact location of the transition areas.