
PLAISIR SHORT
Franschhoek, Western Cape
OVERVIEW
The Plaisir Short is your perfect introduction to the SwimRun format. Same stunning dam swimming and trail running as the Long, but shorter and more accessible. Three beautiful transitions between cool freshwater dam and scenic vineyard trails.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 6km SwimRun (3x swims, 4x runs)
- Torpedo SwimRun swim cap to keep
- Race course hydration and nutrition
- Water safety at every swim
- Finish line refreshments
- Plaisir Heritage day food and wine offering
- Torpedo SwimRun vibes
REQUIREMENTS
Additional requirements for athletes aged 13–18
- Ages 13+
- Swimming ability required
- Trail running fitness required
- Wetsuit optional but recommended
- Running Shoes + Whistle
Minimum age: 13
ROUTE MAP
Interactive Route Map
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RACE SEGMENTS
Trailhead
1.64kmTorpedo Race Hub → Dam 1
Starting from the Torpedo Race Hub at the Plaisir Food Barn, where both the long and short routes start and finish, and there are plenty of toilets, key drop, bag storage, and coffee to get the day going. The route heads up across open grass fields, sorting the racing snakes from the good-timers, before opening onto fast farm tar and dirt roads heading towards the first swim. Those wanting to be competitive will need to make sure they're upfront before a very steep, sharp climb up the dam wall and a short run along the dual track on top — the last jostling for positions before Swim 1.
The Cab Sav Swim
300mDam 1 entry → Dam 1 exit
A beautiful swim across fresh mountain water so clean you could drink it as you swim. Crystal clear and refreshing, with lifesavers on boards throughout. Welcome to Torpedo Plaisir.
Dam Wall Run
0.48kmDam 1 exit → Dam 2
A short scramble out of the dam and a quick hop along the dam wall to Swim 2. There's barely enough time to get your heart rate down — but for those taking it easy, there's a great view as you run between the two dams.
The Shiraz Surge
240mDam 2 entry → Dam 2 exit
Another crystal-clear farm dam swim across beautiful Plaisir mountain water. Fast, clear, and fully supported with water safety throughout.
Plaisir EasyUp · Akkerboom Kloof
2.27kmDam 2 exit → Dam 5
The Short course shares the start of this run with the Long — up the Plaisir EasyUp singletrack, a gentle gradient winding alongside the river. But where the Long course turns left to climb higher into the farm, the Short takes a hard right. A shortcut through open veld cuts away from the upper sections of the course and brings you into the Akkerboom Kloof singletrack, where you rejoin the Long course for the last flowing stretch of this beautiful trail — fast and downhill all the way to the final swim.
The Grand Plaisir Plunge
230mDam 5 entry → Dam 5 exit
All three courses — Long, Short, and Kids — reunite here for the final swim. The most celebrated moment on the course. Make it count.
Meulstroom
1.18kmDam 5 exit → Finish line
All downhill. The Meulstroom Trail winds through the Plaisir vineyards and delivers you straight back to the Food Barn. The finish line, Heritage day food and drink, and the bragging rights are waiting.
RACE PHOTOS




RACE DAY SCHEDULE
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Gear Provided
- —Torpedo swim cap
- —Torpedo race vest (to be returned)
- —Timing chip (to be returned)
Optional Gear
- —Wetsuit
- —Swimming hand paddles
- —SwimRun pull buoy
- —Swim goggles
Hydration Points
- 2 Hydration points on route