Sokoke Forest MTB Challenge
Three days of mountain biking through the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest in Watamu, Kenya.
Ride, race, and support education and conservation.
1st - 3rd of May 2026
Race Information
Main Race Overview
- 3 days of world-class mountain biking
- Total distance is 147kms
- Professional timing with incredible trails & atmosphere
- Open to competitive and amateur riders
Stage 1 – Time Trial
12km individual race against the clock
Stage 2 – Forest Loop
55km through the trails of Arabuko-Sokoke Forest
Stage 3 – Endurance
80km test of stamina and strategy
Race Types, Dates, Cost & Schedule
Family Ride | 15km Fun Ride - 1st of May 2026, Turtle Bay.
A family-friendly ride designed for parents and children to experience the trails together alongside other families. It offers a safe and enjoyable introduction to mountain biking while still retaining a light competitive element.
Participants ride a curated 15km route suitable for a range of ages and abilities, encouraging teamwork, shared adventure, and confidence on the trails.
This category celebrates participation and connection, making it a great opportunity for families to explore the forest, enjoy the outdoor environment, and be part of the race atmosphere.
But beyond that, it gives families an opportunity to be part of a bigger cause: supporting less privileged kids through school and conservation of Arabuko-Sokoke Forest & the Mida Creek
Registration Cost
- Per parent/guardian – KES 1,500.
- Cost per child – KES 1,000
Main Race Events
Stage One | 12km Time Run
1st of May 2026
The event begins with a high-intensity 12 km individual time trial. Riders will set off at timed intervals, racing solo against the clock. This stage rewards explosive power, efficient pacing, and precision handling.
Expect fast sections, technical features, and adrenaline-fueled racing as competitors establish their early positions in the general classification.
Key Focus: Speed, pacing and technical efficiency
Distance: 12km
Format: Individual Time Trial
Registration: KES 1,500 per person
Stage Two | 55km GPS Tracked Race
2nd of May 2026
Day two takes riders deep into the forest on a challenging 55 km loop. This stage blends endurance with technical trail riding, featuring flowing singletrack, climbs, descents, and constantly changing terrain.
Riders must manage their energy, nutrition, and focus as fatigue begins to set in. Smart riding and consistency will be key to maintaining a strong overall position.
Key Focus: Endurance, technical skill, and race strategy
Distance: 55 km
Terrain: Forest trails, climbs, and singletrack
Registration: KES 1,500 per person
Stage Three | 80km Endurance Challenge
3rd of May 2026
The final stage is the ultimate test, a 80 km endurance challenge designed to push riders to their physical and mental limits. Fatigue will be high, but the reward is greater.
This decisive stage will determine the champions. Riders must dig deep, stay focused, and give everything they have to reach the finish line.
Key Focus: Maximum endurance, resilience, and determination
Distance: 80 km
Objective: Final overall standings decided
Registration: KES 1,500 per person.
Key thing to note
Eligibility for cash prizes requires participation in all three race days. Winners will be determined based on the combined race times from all three stages.
Registration & Entry Fees
Single Race Entry
Stage One – Time Trial- KES 1500
Stage Two- GPS-based – KES 1500
Stage Three – Main Race- KES 1500
Full Race Entry
All three stages
Cost – KES 4500
Per individual
Group Registration
Must be a team of 5
Must register for all the three Days
Cost – KES 20,000
Recommended Cause Contribution - A Pledge
In addition to the entry fee, riders are encouraged to contribute a minimum donation of KSh 2,000 toward supporting conservation of the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and funding eco-bursaries for local students. This contribution is strongly encouraged but not mandatory, and importantly, it does not have to come directly from the rider. Participants are invited to share their participation with friends, family, and supporters who may contribute toward this impact.
Additional Information
Why We Race
Beyond competition and adventure, this event exists to support conservation and education around the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest. All the proceedings from the race contributes directly to conservation efforts and education support for students living around the forest through the Arabuko-Sokoke Schools and Eco-Tourism Scheme (ASSETS), which provides eco-bursaries to support access to schooling. When you register, or when friends and family support your entry, you are contributing to a bigger purpose beyond the ride.
Location of the Race: Watamu & Arabuko-Sokoke Forest
The race takes place in Watamu, on Kenya’s north coast, within and around the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, the largest remaining coastal dry forest in East Africa.
The forest lies just inland from Watamu and provides a unique racing environment with shaded singletrack, natural trails, and varied terrain set between coastal plains and the forest.
📍 Coordinates: 3°21’45.7″S 40°00’10.7″E
Watch our Facebook page, Instagram and emails for final route map information for each day.
Rider Information
As you prepare to join us, here are a few things that might be helpful for you:
- Recommended bike: Mountain bike or gravel bike
- Helmet: Mandatory
- Carry water and hydration
- Trail conditions may include sand and forest tracks
- Temperatures typically range between 25–32°C
Race Information
Find the breakdown of the race weekend here! With details of timing and locations for registration, rider briefing and start times.
Race Rules and Regulations
Please take a few minutes to review the Race Rules and Regulations as you prepare to join and participate in this fun and meaningful event.