Vrede, a peaceful town in the heart of the Eastern Free State, is surrounded by rolling hills and highland scenery. With a population of around 18,000, this unique hidden gem of a town is something that the residence wished more people in South Africa would see. A adventure & navigation rally that encourages you to escape the city this January and experience the beauty of the highveld and endless rolling hills.
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The course follows 150km journey on dirt roads, across bridges, through mud. You follow your route card, with undisclosed points along that route that serves as marshal points to allow you to record your time. Your time at the end of the rally will be collected and used for scoring who wins the title of the Vrede Padvat 4x4 King! ​
The time closest to the marshal time WINS!
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"Finding Inspiration in Every Turn"
Our Story
Vrede is a significant agricultural hub in South Africa's "breadbasket" province, known for its production of maize, wheat, wool, beef, and dairy. Beyond its agricultural importance, the town also has a rich history reflected in its architecture and boasts natural scenic beauty.
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The Padvat is a timed rally, meaning the purpose of the rally is about accuracy over speed. The idea was to bring eyes to the beautiful Eastern Free State area, following the road less travelled - which is all part of the adventure. The event takes place in January, just before the end of the school holidays, when the area is blooming, the grass is green and the bird-life is something to be seen.
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The Vrede Padvat event was created with the idea of generating an income from outside of the community into the community.
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Located only 2 hours drive from Johannesburg, the Padvat is the perfect way to get out of the city for the day, and still be able to get home before dark. Registration starts at 8am, and the route follows a 5 hour (180km) rally followed by a lunch on the route. Dinner will wait for you at the finish, followed by prize-giving and a cash bar to rehydrate you!
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The money that is generated from the event goes towards Avondvrede, The Home for the Elderly in Vrede. Avondvrede has in recent year experienced the financial turmoil of the south african economy and the idea Padvat idea was born to help alleviate some of these burdens. All proceedings go directly to offering support to the Vrede Old Age Home by filling the gap and providing the little things that make life a little bit brighter!​
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At registration, you will be given a route map, where you will have to enter the times that you reach each of the marshals along the route. There will be 10 sign boards placed along the route at various points, which will be the place that you will have to right down your times along the route. The car that arrives back at the finish at the most accurate time, according to the suggested speed, will win the title of the King of the Padvat Rally 2026!
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