#3 Cecilia Sprint
An old favourite with shady trails, fresh forest smells and just enough climbing to keep you honest. Find your flow, chase your own time or give your mate’s leaderboard spot a little nudge. Sometimes a familiar trail is exactly what you need.
A little heads-up: You may encounter baboons along the route. Give them space and keep food packed away.
Route information
Last verified · October 2026
Why it made the challenge
Why we chose it
An OG of Cape Town trail running. We promised to take you beyond your usual routes, but sometimes an old favourite deserves a spot too. With shady trails, lovely forest smells and no quad-breaking climb, Cecilia is one to return to. Find your flow, improve your time or gently nudge your mate down the leaderboard.
Scenic highlights
- Runnable all the way, with a lovely downhill after the initial climb.
- Plenty of shade, fresh forest smells and proper forest vibes.
- Once that first climb is behind you, it's mostly sunshine and happiness.
Key challenges
- Baboons may be around. Keep this in mind if you're bringing your dog.
- A punchy climb comes early, but it's over soon.
Step-by-step navigation guide
- 0.0 km
Start
Follow the gravel road
Start your tracker at the trail information board and follow the white gravel road uphill. Settle into your rhythm and enjoy the forest.
- 0.9 km
Cecilia Stream
Turn left into the forest
Take the forest path to your left, following Cecilia Stream uphill. Don’t cross the stream, keep it alongside you as you climb.
- 1.1 km
Giant gum tree
Take the upper path
At the giant gum tree, you’ll emerge from the forest onto a wide gravel path. Take the upper path and continue left, follow the contour path all the way to the turnaround at 3 km.
- 3.0 km
Turnaround tree
Around the tree and head back
Go all the way around the big tree, then follow the path back. No cheeky shortcuts here: rounding the tree is part of the challenge route and helps your activity match correctly.
Enjoy the pleasant downhill, it’s a lovely stretch to find your flow.
- 3.7 km
T junction
Keep left
At the T junction, keep left and continue for another 1.2 km.
- 4.9 km
Gravel road junction
Keep right
Keep right, and the wide gravel road will take you back to the parking lot.
Stop your watch where you started. Don’t forget to publish your result to the Cape Trail leaderboard, and if you got some good photos out there, share them on Instagram or add them to the community photo folder below.
Important
- Route information is provided as a guide only.
- Conditions may change without notice.
- Always assess weather, trail conditions, route suitability, and your own abilities before setting out.
- Participants are responsible for their own safety and decisions at all times.
The record board for this route.
Verified completions only, one row per athlete using their best accepted attempt. Climb the board by returning and improving your time.
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Before you go
Practical details to help you complete the route safely.
Park in the Cecilia Forest parking area at the trailhead. Don't leave valuables visible in your car.
Baboons may be around. Give them space and keep food packed away. Check the weather, go with others, tell someone your route and carry enough water, layers and a charged phone.
No reliable drinking water on the route. Carry everything you need, especially in summer.
Patchy
Dogs are allowed with an activity permit. Baboons are sometimes around, so keep your dog close and under control.
Daylight hours only.
SANParks Emergency: 086 110 6417
From the Trail
A little glimpse of the route through the eyes of the Cape Trail community.
Got a good one? Share your photos with us and we might add our favourites to the gallery.
Your photos will open in our shared Google Drive folder. By uploading them, you're happy for Cape Trail to select and feature them on this website and our social channels, with credit where possible.
Safety & responsible trail use
Cape Trail provides guidance, not guarantees. Please read before heading out.
Water sources shown on routes are seasonal and may be dry. Never rely on natural water sources, always carry sufficient water.
Trail conditions may change due to weather, erosion, maintenance work, fire, flooding, or other environmental factors.
Route descriptions and photographs are provided as guidance only. Users remain responsible for navigation and route-finding decisions.
Mountain weather can change rapidly. Users are responsible for checking conditions before starting.
Users participate entirely at their own risk.
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#2 Magic Forest
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#12 The Groot Half
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