Subaru Rejoins as Headline Sponsor for the 2026 Amohela MTB Challenge
Bloemfontein – Organisers have revealed that Subaru Southern Africa will serve as the title sponsor of the Subaru Amohela MTB Challenge, returning for its third edition from 22 to 24 May 2026 in the scenic Maluti foothills of Clarens, Free State.
Set in the picturesque village of Clarens, this event showcases high-altitude mountain biking, offering riders access to trails that traverse private farmlands, conservancies, and untouched terrain along the border with Lesotho.
This region is famous for its sandstone cliffs, expansive valleys, and challenging trail conditions, with elevations reaching as high as 2,150 metres.
The 2026 edition offers various participation options:
- Thaba e Kholo (23-24 May): A two-day MTB challenge covering 59 km (980 m ascent) on Day 1 and 52 km (1,080 m ascent) on Day 2.
- Thaba e Nyenyane (23-24 May): A two-day MTB adventure with distances of 49 km (650 m ascent) and 41 km (580 m ascent).
- One-Day Challenge (23 May): Participants can opt to complete either the Thaba e Kholo or Thaba e Nyenyane Day 1 routes as a standalone event.
The weekend kicks off with the Subaru Sunset Ride on Friday, 22 May 2026, featuring a guided 25 km ride departing from Clarens Golf & Trout Estate.
This route includes a stop at a scenic mountain viewpoint and serves as a primer for the rugged terrain that defines the event.
All routes commence and conclude at Clarens Golf & Trout Estate, which will also serve as the hub for registration and rider services.
The event welcomes both individual and team entries, and e-bikes are allowed.
Clarens goes beyond merely hosting the Amohela; it truly invigorates the experience.
“There’s something almost enchanting about this quaint village nestled in the Maluti Mountains,” remarked Gavin Kearns, Production Director of the Subaru Amohela MTB Challenge.
“The sandstone radiates during golden hour, the trails weave through landscapes that seem untouched by time, and each year, newcomers arrive on Friday and depart on Sunday as friends.
“That is the essence of this event, and it’s something we cherish deeply.”
Kearns continued: “The alliance with Subaru and Amohela amplifies this.
“We genuinely believe that people thrive when exploring the wild, seeking adventure, challenging themselves, and sharing that journey with others.
“This shared conviction elevates our partnership to a friendship, transforming this pristine landscape into the race it is today.
“It’s what keeps conversations about this weekend alive long after the dust has settled and the legs have healed.”
Subaru’s commitment to dependability, safety, and all-terrain performance has made it a perfect fit for this event over the past three years, aligning with the needs of a weekend that combines travel, outdoor adventure, and access to secluded areas.
The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, standard across models such as the Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, and WRX, is ideal for navigating gravel roads and varied conditions, assisting riders and teams traveling to and from Clarens.
“The Subaru Amohela MTB Challenge embodies the kind of environment our vehicles are designed for,” stated Nteo Nkoli, National Marketing Manager at Subaru Southern Africa.
“Now in our third year of proudly supporting this event, it is gratifying to witness its growth into a weekend that unites people both on and off the trails.
“We view it as more than just a mountain biking competition; it’s an opportunity for riders to challenge themselves and for families to enjoy a weekend getaway, reconnecting in the stunning surroundings of Clarens.
“It represents capability, reliability, and the confidence to explore new paths, and we are honored to be part of an event that brings these values to life.”
Entries for the 2026 event will close on 9 May 2026, with substitutions also ending on that date.
Key event details:
- Dates: 22 to 24 May 2026
- Location: Clarens Golf & Trout Estate, Free State
- Sunset Ride: 22 May 2026
- Two-Day Events: 23 to 24 May 2026
- One-Day Event: 23 May 2026
For additional information and entries, visit the official Amohela MTB Challenge website.