The original Triple Trouble is the challenge as it began — Suther Peak, Judas Peak and Chapman’s Peak in a single outing, returning to Hout Bay beach between each.
Expect approximately 41 to 43kms of running and around 2200 metres of climbing, across a mixture of tar, mountain trails and everything in between.
There are no aid stations on the mountains, no marshals showing you the way and no arrows marking the course. You need to know the route, carry what you need, and be prepared to look after yourself in mountain conditions.
This is a self-sufficient mountain run.
This is a homegrown run, born simply from a love of running and a passion for the mountains.
The Triple is about appreciating life and good health, and celebrating a good day out in the mountains. It is tough. It is hard. But challenge is part of what makes us stronger.
There are no bright lights and big banners. It's how it is. Crafted on old-school values.
You and the mountain peaks. Simple.
The emphasis has always been on keeping the field small and personal, allowing space for solitude and peace along the way. Stop and take photographs. Make memories. Share in the highs and lows of those around you.
Most of all, go home at the end of the day having done yourself proud.
THE ANNUAL RUN
The traditional Triple Trouble takes place on the first Saturday of October each year, starting at 6:08am outside the Chapman’s Peak Hotel, at the Hout Bay Beach main parking area.
The annual gathering is deliberately kept small, with a maximum of 35 runners. That's very much part of the character of the Triple — a small group taking on a big day in the mountains. If you'd like to join us for that annual run in October, please get in touch beforehand to secure your place among the 35. The final field is confirmed before the day, so unfortunately we can't accommodate anyone simply arriving on the morning.
The challenge is straightforward:
Suther Peak → return to base → Judas Peak → return to base → Chapman’s Peak → return to base.
You must touch the beacon on each summit, in that order. The exact route you choose between them is up to you.
And, as history has demonstrated, some route choices are considerably better than others.
CAN'T MAKE THE FIRST SATURDAY IN OCTOBER?
While tradition dictates the first Saturday in October, we also understand life is busy. Work happens. Families happen. Weekends disappear.
So while the first Saturday in October remains the traditional annual gathering, you don't have to wait for race day to take on the Full Triple Trouble.
Run it at any time during the year that works for you. The challenge remains the same: start and finish at the traditional base, reach all three summit beacons in order and return to base between each peak.
Choose your day, choose your company — or your solitude — and make it your Triple.
Complete it, send through your run details and time, and we'll add your achievement to the record.
The Hout Bay Triple Trouble has always been a labour of love — or rather, an act of passion for the running community. It isn't a commercial event and there is no entry fee; just a small, homegrown mountain challenge that has been going strongly since 2005.
Runners who would like to help keep the tradition alive are encouraged to do so by either ordering a Triple Trouble trophy to remember their achievement, or simply making a small contribution towards the ongoing costs of keeping the Triple running.
Neither is expected, but both are greatly appreciated.
The Full Route
CHOOSE YOUR LINE
There is deliberately no prescribed route through the village. Finding your own efficient — or simply beautiful — line is part of the character of the Triple Trouble.
Once you're on the mountains, however, stay on established trails. No shortcuts and no bush-whacking.
If you're looking for something a little more interesting than finishing with approximately 5 km of tar, you can return from the Chapman’s Peak beacon via the upper contour from the saddle, into Blackburn and down.
Those who ran in 2023 already know that particular detour rather well.
PLEASE RESPECT THE MOUNTAINS
Always keep on the trails, DO NOT TAKE SHORTCUTS OR EROSION PATHS.
Particular care needs to be taken around the Karbonkelberg dunes. Please use official paths only.
If you don't know the route, do some recce runs beforehand. Don't bush-whack on the day looking for a shortcut. Follow an established route — or someone who knows where they're going.
These mountains and trails are shared spaces. Our ability to continue enjoying the Triple Trouble depends on runners treating them, the environment and the surrounding community with respect.
SELF-SUFFICIENCY
The Triple Trouble is not a supported mountain race. You are responsible for yourself.
Conditions in the mountains can change quickly, and what begins as a beautiful spring morning can become hot, cold, wet, windy or misty surprisingly quickly.
Carry appropriate clothing, sufficient food and water, navigation and whatever else you personally need to complete the day safely. Know the route before you start, understand your own abilities and make sensible decisions along the way.
The aim isn't simply to finish.
It's to finish safely, with three peaks behind you and a story worth telling.