Plaisir Short
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PLAISIR SHORT

Franschhoek, Western Cape

Thu 24 Sep 2026
Individual
6km total
800m swimming (3x)
5.2km running (4x)

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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6km
800m

Click and drag to explore the route. Use scroll to zoom in/out.

RACE SEGMENTS

1
Run 1

Trailhead

1.64km

Torpedo Race HubDam 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.

2
Swim 1

The Cab Sav Swim

300m

Dam 1 entryDam 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.

3
Run 2

Dam Wall Run

0.48km

Dam 1 exitDam 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.

4
Swim 2

The Shiraz Surge

240m

Dam 2 entryDam 2 exit

Another crystal-clear farm dam swim across beautiful Plaisir mountain water. Fast, clear, and fully supported with water safety throughout.

5
Run 3

Plaisir EasyUp · Akkerboom Kloof

2.27km

Dam 2 exitDam 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.

6
Swim 3

The Grand Plaisir Plunge

230m

Dam 5 entryDam 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.

7
Run 4

Meulstroom

1.18km

Dam 5 exitFinish 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

Athlete celebrating in the dam with thumbs up, mountains behind
Athlete running on rocky forest trail
Two athletes running through Winelands fields with mountain backdrop
Two athletes smiling together in the dam post-race

ENTER NOW

Individual (includes R100 donation to Banhoek Conservancy)

R550

Enter on Quicket

RACE DAY SCHEDULE

Sunrise06:33
Registration Open06:30 - 09:00
Long Race Start08:30
Short Race Start09:00
Kids Race Start09:15

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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