By: Mark van Houtan
I’ve been a trail runner for many years, and across that time I’ve had the privilege of running Mont Aux Sources five times, the Otter Trail five times, the Wild Coast, and now, Whale of Trail ten times. Add a few Comrades, Two Oceans, and about 45 Ironman finishes to the mix, and it’s fair to say I’ve covered a bit of ground. But Whale of Trail remains one of the most unforgettable experiences in all of that.
Some things are difficult to describe, and Whale is one of them. The beauty, the solitude, the unspoiled coastline, the sense of purpose among the limited field of runners, and the absolute privilege of being able to run in such a protected space. It gets under your skin.
How it Started
My journey with Whale began in 2014. That same year, I hiked the trail with my wife, son, and daughter – and we were hooked. It wasn’t long before we were back again, this time in 2021 with our closest friends, our children, and their partners. Between runs and hikes, I’ve now completed the full trail twelve times.
The Setback
In 2020, like many others, I found myself caught in the chaos of Covid. I clocked over 4,000 working hours that year, and in early 2022, I suffered a stroke. Running Whale that year felt nearly impossible. But with a bit of determination (and some convincing), I managed to recover in time to run the 35km. It was nerve-wracking for my family, who had to wait without signal or regular updates. But I finished.
A New Chapter: Running With My Daughter
Late in 2023, my daughter decided to take up running. By 2024, I had her convinced to join me on the 35km route. She loved it. So much so that she immediately set her sights on the 53km in 2025, and wanted me alongside her.
Fate had other plans. A torn hamstring the week before the race meant I had to short-course at Checkpoint 1. I knew I wouldn’t make the full distance, but I encouraged her to keep going. She did. She was an absolute legend, pushing through her first ultra almost entirely on her own, and finishing strong. Witnessing that from the sidelines was indescribable.
What Keeps Me Coming Back
This trail is more than a race. It’s an emotional and spiritual reset. It reminds me that wild beauty still exists, that the coastline can still stretch untouched, and that effort in solitude can be one of the most powerful experiences we get to have.
It’s also a kind of quiet reunion – with fellow runners, with the terrain, and with something older and deeper in yourself. Whale of Trail isn’t just well organised, it’s lovingly stewarded by an organiser who has an emotional connection to every inch of it. That matters. You can feel it.
For First Time Runners
If you’re considering running Whale for the first time, I’ll just say this: don’t tell anyone, but I think this trail might just fulfil your every ambition. 😉
And once you’ve run it, you’ll understand why so many of us keep coming back.
