50 hours NON-STOP
A single-stage mountain bike race through beautiful Namibia.
16th May 2025 – 18th May 2025
(E-Bike Entries are welcome – T & C’s Apply)
OR 24-hour NON-STOP
For those afraid of the Dragon the 24-hour option
Chase your Dragon, and use these events to prepare for ALL MUNGA EVENTS in 2025!
THE ULTIMATE IN ULTRA ENDURANCE RACING
COUNTDOWN TO THE 2025 MUNGA GRIT LE DUR
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“LE DUR – THE STORY”
“Legacy of Love and The Munga Unite for Le Dur 2024 – A Test of Endurance for a Worthy Cause”
In a powerful collaboration, Legacy of Love and The Munga are set to host The Munga Grit Le Dur Namibia 2024, the renowned solo mountain biking challenge that has been pushing the limits since its inception in 2022. Translated as “The Tough One” in French, Le Dur is not just a race; it’s a testament to the indomitable spirit of riders seeking to achieve something extraordinary.
Established with the primary goal of providing participants with a monumental solo adventure, Le Dur unfolds as the longest MTB race in Namibia, demanding riders to conquer rugged terrains and complete the challenging course within a strict 50-hour time frame. It stands as a crucible for riders to overcome personal limits and emerge with a profound sense of accomplishment.
Beyond the pursuit of individual triumphs, Le Dur serves a secondary, yet equally crucial purpose – contributing to a noble cause. The funds generated from this remarkable event play a pivotal role in supporting Legacy of Love’s mission. These funds are directed towards hosting and facilitating Trauma and Grief Retreats, as well as other trauma projects initiated by Legacy of Love.
By merging the adrenaline-fueled adventure of The Munga with the compassionate initiatives of Legacy of Love, Le Dur 2024 transcends the realm of a typical sporting event. It becomes a beacon of hope, resilience, and community engagement, where participants not only endure the physical rigors of the race but also contribute to projects that make a meaningful impact on lives affected by trauma.
Le Dur 2024 stands as a testament to the synergy between passion and purpose, exemplifying how the world of extreme sports can become a powerful catalyst for positive change. As riders gear up to face the challenges that Namibia’s vast landscapes present, they carry with them the knowledge that every pedal stroke contributes to a cause greater than themselves – a legacy of love in action.
– Sybrand de Beer (Le Dur Founder)
what is the munga grit?
THE CRAZIEST, LIFE ALTERING EXPERIENCE YOU CAN HAVE ON A BIKE
HALF THE DISTANCE – LESS THAN HALF THE TIME
Over the course of the Munga’s history, it has become apparent that plenty of riders are motivated and intrigued by our unique race format and want to give it a ‘try’, but the distance is mentally challenging compared to most other South African & Namibian mountain bike races. Thus the idea of Munga Grit was born.
To offer a cross over or bridge if you will, to the main Munga event.
The basics 50 hours
The Munga Grit’s vary from race to race but you can expect roughly half the distance of the Munga MTB, some a bit more, some a bit less. But riders will only have 50 hours to complete the course
One of the most authentic and life changing aspects of the Munga, are our water points and race villages. So this core component of the Munga experience will be carried over to Munga Grit. Thus riders can expect two race villages and four water points manned by those beloved farmers! The WPs will be roughly 70 to 100km apart, with the two RVs roughly 200 to 250km apart. In addition, JoJo tanks with water will be placed halfway between each water point.
The basics 24 hours
The 24 hour option give Grit entries a chance to experience the format but in a smaller version. This race will start at the same time as the 50 hour Grit, but will follow a smaller course of roughly 230km to 280km, with three water-points but no race villages. WPs will be similar distances apart as the 50 hour version, and may share some of them.
LIGHT, FREE, FAST
WAKE UP FRIDAY MORNING BRIGHT AND EARLY, JUMP ON YOUR BIKE AND HEAD OUT ALONG REMOTE TRAILS AND TRACKS AS FAR AS THE SUN SETS. WITH NOTHING ON YOUR BACK EXCEPT YOUR SHIRT.
LIGHT, FREE, FAST MEANS YOU CAN GO SUPER LIGHT, FEEL EXCEPTIONALLY FREE, AND RIDE AS FAST AS YOU WANT… ALL IN THE PREDICTABLE RACE FEEL OF THE TRIED AND TESTED MUNGA FORMAT!
THE MUNGA GRIT LE DUR
THE MUNGA GRIT LE DUR 50-HOUR ROUTE
The Munga Grit Le Dur follow a circuit of five (5) different routes through Namibia. Each year we ride a different route, in a different region. In 2022 the Khomas (Central) route was done. In 2023 the Omaheke (Eastern) route was done. In 2024 we took the Erongo (Western/Coastal) route, with the Southern routes waiting for us in 2025 and Northern route in 2026. (Elevation 2270m)
Munga Grit Le Dur 2025 Route Description
Embark on the Munga Grit Le Dur 2025, through Namibia’s southern landscapes, starting and ending at Melrose, 25 km outside Windhoek. The route covers approximately 500 km, featuring diverse terrains and elevations.
Route Highlights:
- Remhoogte Pass: Known for its accessibility, Remhoogte Pass is the least steep among Namibia’s passes, making it suitable for riders to appreciate the surrounding landscapes without the challenges of steeper climbs.
- Solitaire: A quaint settlement in the Namib Desert, Solitaire serves as a nostalgic stopover for travelers. Its 1950s farmhouse accommodations and proximity to the Rand Mountains offer a glimpse into Namibia’s rich history and natural beauty.
- Gamsberg Pass: As one of Namibia’s highest roads, Gamsberg Pass provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Namib Desert. The pass is a highlight, offering a scenic route through the Namib-Naukluft Park.
This route showcases Namibia’s diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills of Remhoogte to the expansive deserts near Solitaire, culminating in the elevated vistas of Gamsberg Pass. Participants will experience the country’s natural beauty and cultural landmarks, making the Munga Grit Le Dur 2025 a memorable adventure.
*Note: the image is to give you a general idea of where the route goes. Don’t take it literally! It may change a bit here or there. The 2025 route will be added once finalised
THE MUNGA GRIT LE DUR 24-HOUR ROUTE
The 24 hour option gives Munga Grit entrants a chance to experience the format, but in a smaller version. This race will start at the same time as the 50 hour Grit, but will follow a smaller course of roughly 230-270km, with two to three Water-Points (WP) but no Race Villages (RV). WPs will be similar distances apart as the 50 hour version, and may share some of them.
*Note: Route image to follow, please note that the route images are to give you a general idea of where the route goes. Don’t take it literally! It may change a bit here or there.The 2025 route will be added once finalised – For now the image here is of the amazing Remshoogte Pass
GET UP AND GO
The Munga Grit Le Dur series has been designed with convenience and practicality as two guiding principles. We want it to be easy and cost-effective for you to get to the start and finish. The race will start at 07:15 AM on a Friday morning at Melrose. We will have the race briefing therefore on Thursday the at 19:00 at Melrose. This means you can wake up on Friday morning, have an early breakfast and start the race and smash yourself to pieces over 500km of the gnarly and remote Namibia, then roll back over the line before 09:15 on Sunday morning!
SOLO ENTRY FEES
50 HOUR – R5 500
24 HOUR – R2 800
EARLY BIRD ENTRY FEE
50 HOURS – R 4 750
(Early Bird Entries End Jan 2024)
24 HOUR
NOT APPLICABLE
(Early Bird Entries End Jan 2024)
TEAM ENTRY FEES
TWO PERSON TEAM
50 HOURS – R 8 000
EARLY BIRD – R 7 250
(Early Bird Entries End Jan 2024)
24 HOUR
NOT APPLICABLE
(Early Bird Entries End Jan 2024)
THREE PERSON TEAM
50 HOURS – R 12 000
EARLY BIRD – R10 500
WHAT DO I GET FOR MY ENTRY?
Great question!
- 4x fully stocked Munga Grit Le Dur water-points manned by friendly farmers where you can expect drinks, lots of snacks, race nutrition, and just plain love. Ask anyone who has done the Munga what our water points are like! NB:24 hour option will just be three wps
- 2x fully stocked race villages where you can sleep in a bed or tent with mattress, have a hot shower, a fresh and wholesome farm cooked meal and indulge in plenty of cold drinks (Only applicable on 50-hour format) NB: The 24 hour option has no race villages!
- Access to miles and miles of Namibian Wilderness tracks that no one else can get to!
- Full medical support like on the Munga
- A famous hand made Munga Grit Le Dur finishers medal
- Legend status for ever!
- A chance to earn your stripes!
EARN YOUR STRIPES
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Everytime you complete a Munga Grit in the time period, you receive a commission. Starting with a Lance Corporal, or one stripe, when you complete your second Munga Grit you get promoted to full Corporal, or two stripes. The next one is a Sergeant, or three stripes, and so on, and so on. Each Munga Grit recruit who crosses the finish line in the allocated time will receive his or her corresponding stripe to wear with pride. The Munga Grit stripes are a right of passage to be worn proudly by those who have earned them and been promoted. But they are also an incentive to stay in the fight against the ordinary.
We want you, to join the army in the fight against mediocrity!
REWARD PROGRAMME
The fact that there are ten levels of rank implies more than one Munga Grit event. Yup. That’s right. The intention is to roll out similar format Munga Grit races around the world where recruits can enter multiple campaigns (races) in a year and be promoted through the ranks. Actual rewards will be revealed over the course of the next few years, so watch this space.
BELOW ARE THE TEN LEVELS OF RANK IN THE MUNGA GRIT ARMY.
NB: 24 riders will also be able to earn a stripe but it will be a different set of stripes to the 50 hour version.
THE RULES
WE RIDE TO FIND A PART OF OURSELVES YET UNDISCOVERED.
Oh yes. There are rules. The Munga Grit Le Dur is a seriously tough race. This is not just a walk (or ride) in the park. We have to make sure that everyone on the route is safe, so every rider will be expected to follow these rules to the letter.
We don’t want to sound like stiffs, but any rider found breaking the rules, will be penalised or disqualified. So make sure you are familiar with the rules before setting out on your Munga Grit Le Dur journey.
rider f.a.q.s
Things Riders usually ask.
WHEN IS THE RACE?
The race takes place 16th May 2025 – 18th May 2025
HOW MUCH DOES THE RACE COST TO ENTER?
Please see the entry portal for current fees for the various Munga events.
ARE THERE DIFFERENT RACE CATEGORIES?
There are two separate race categories: Men and Women
IS THERE A LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF RIDERS THAT CAN ENTER?
Currently, the cut-off is 200 riders.
IS THERE A QUALIFICATION RACE?
There is no qualification process and is open to anyone who can ride a bicycle.
CAN I RIDE A TANDEM MOUNTAIN BIKE WITH A TEAMMATE?
CAN I RIDE A CYCLOCROSS BIKE
HOW TECHNICAL IS THE ROUTE?
It depends entirely on your skill level, but the majority of the route (more than 50%) is non-technical dirt roads.
WILL I BE ABLE TO SCOUT THE ROUTE?
Yes. For the most part the route will remain unchanged, however, it does cross private land so these sections will be impossible to scout.
CAN I RACE THE MUNGA GRIT LE DUR IN A TEAM?
The Munga Grit Le Dur does have a 2 & 3 person team entry option
DO I NEED A SPONSOR?
WHAT IS THE MUNGA GRIT POLICY ON DOPING?
We are strictly against doping in any form.
WHEN DO THE RACE ENTRIES CLOSE?
WILL THERE BE TV COVERAGE OF THE RACE?
WILL THERE BE TV COVERAGE OF THE RACE?
WILL THE ROUTE BE MARKED?
WHAT IS THE ASCENT OF THE RACE?
50 Hour – The ascent is roughly 2150 metres.
24 Hour – The ascent is roughly 1075 metres.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I'M ABLE TO FINISH THE MUNGA GRIT LE DUR?
You should be able to ride a mountain bike at 12 to 14 km/hr for 18 hours, but this is just a rough guideline.
CAN I LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE RIDING?
CAN I USE TRI-BARS?
WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT IS PROVIDED?
Medical support, fully stocked race villages and waterpoints.
DOES THE MUNGA GRIT LE DUR HAPPEN EVERY YEAR?
Yes, Munga Grit Le Dur will happen every year along with other identical format Grit races around South Africa
WHEN WILL PRIZE-GIVING TAKE PLACE?
Due to the nature of the Le Dur Series, there will be a formal Prize Giving on the Sunday at 09h30, or, once ALL podium placings have arrived across the finishline.
CAN I WORK FOR THE MUNGA?
CAN I INTERVIEW THE RACE DIRECTOR?
CAN I PHOTOGRAPH OR FILM THE RACE?
SPONSORS
title sponsor
The Munga Welcomes The Tshenolo Group of Companies as Official Main Title Sponsor
The Munga, renowned for its grueling ultra-endurance mountain bike races, proudly announces a significant partnership with The Tshenolo Group of Companies, naming them the Official Main Title Sponsor of The Munga events effective from August 1st, 2024. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment as The Munga celebrates its 10th Anniversary year with a new and esteemed partnership.
Founded in 2014, The Munga has established itself as a premier endurance cycling event, pushing the boundaries of human achievement across the rugged landscapes of South Africa. The partnership with The Tshenolo Group of Companies underscores a shared commitment to endurance, resilience, and environmental stewardship.
"We are thrilled to welcome The Tshenolo Group of Companies as our Official Main Title Sponsor," said Jack Black, co-owner of The Munga. "Their support comes at a pivotal time as we celebrate a decade of challenging the limits of human potential in endurance sports. This partnership signifies not only our shared values but also a commitment to fostering the spirit of adventure and sustainability."
As a leader in waste management solutions, The Tshenolo Group of Companies brings a wealth of expertise and a commitment to environmental responsibility, aligning perfectly with The Munga's ethos of pushing boundaries while respecting the natural environment.
The partnership between The Munga and The Tshenolo Group of Companies is set to enhance the event experience, further solidifying The Munga's position as the pinnacle of endurance cycling globally. Together, they aim to inspire athletes and spectators alike to embrace challenges and strive for excellence.
About The Tshenolo Group of Companies: The Tshenolo Group of Companies is a leader in waste management solutions, committed to environmental sustainability and community development.
gold sponsors
silver sponsors
bronze sponsors
