An evening of moonlight trails, fireside chat and community
On 24 June 2026, Mountain Merchant officially launches.
To mark the arrival of Mountain Merchant, we invite you to join us for the inaugural Norsemen Midwinter Night Run — a limited-entry gathering in the heart of Stellenbosch celebrating trail culture, movement, community and the spirit of the outdoors during one of the longest nights of the year.
Hosted from the courtyard at Casa Cerveza on historic Dorp Street, the evening combines trail running, walking, food, drinks and fireside atmosphere into a uniquely social winter experience.
This is not a race.
It is an evening built around shared trails, cold air, good conversation and the people who call the trails home.
The Routes
Participants may choose between:
8km Night Run
A social-paced trail and street run through Stellenbosch, with two pace groups available.
5km Night Walk
A relaxed guided walk open to all fitness levels.
Both routes are designed to enjoy Stellenbosch after dark beneath the winter sky before returning to Casa for dinner, drinks and the evening gathering.
What Your Entry Includes
Your entry includes:
- Participation in the event
- Dinner
- Minimum of two drinks (beer, cider or soft drinks)
- Lucky draw entry (including a grand prize draw for a weekend in the Cederberg for four in September)
And after the event, the full value of your entry fee will be converted into a Mountain Merchant gift voucher for use online.
Theme & Atmosphere
Participants are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the evening with Norse or Viking-inspired attire.
There will be prizes for best dressed on the night
Event Details
Date: 24 June 2026
Venue: Casa Cerveza
Capacity: Strictly limited to 40 participants
Entry Fee: R385 per person
Pre-booking is essential.
Once entries are full, bookings will close.
The Beginning of Something
Mountain Merchant was never intended to simply be another online store.
It was built around the idea that the outdoors is ultimately about people:
- shared suffering
- long trails
- cold mornings
- campfire conversations
- trusted equipment
- and the communities formed along the way.
The Norsemen Midwinter Night Run marks the beginning of that journey.
We’ll see you under the winter moon.
The Launch
The evening will also mark the official public arrival of Mountain Merchant and showcase a curated selection of international and local outdoor brands joining the platform.
Announcements regarding selected retail partners and future Mountain Merchant projects will also be shared during the evening.
But above all else, this event exists to celebrate the broader trail and outdoor community that inspired Mountain Merchant from the beginning.
