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ENTER HERE: http://3cc.entrysys.co.za/

The WILDSERIES 3 Cranes Challenge Trail base camp is at Bushwillow Caravan Park in the heart of the Karkloof in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands region. This 3-day ultra-trail stage event is a unique fundraising event which takes runners through indigenous forests and endless elevated views, Shawswood, the majestic Grey Mares Tail waterfall, Willies Magical Garden, Mbona Nature Reserve, Benvie Gardens, Karkloof Canopy Tour ziplines and Ancient Yellow Wood trees on UCL property. There is no better way to test your endurance while running for the conservation of the Cranes (Blue, Wattled and Crowned Cranes)

 

Event Costs:

  • Three Cranes Challenge R3400 (R2800 + R600 conservation donation)
  • 25km run R250, t-shirt is optional at R250
  • 5km run R150, t-shirt is optional at R250

Format:

  • 3- Day stage trail run

Dates and Venue:

10 March 2022:       Registration at Bushwillow Campsite

11 March 2022:       Day 1 – 34km

12 March 2022:       Day 2 – 43km and 25km (1 day run only)

13 March 2022:       Day 3 – 23km and 5km Colt run

Start Times:

  • Day 1 starts at 06:00am.
  • Day 2 starts at 05:30am with the 25km starting at 6:30am.
  • Day 3 starts at 04:30am with the short 5km starting at 7am.


 


 


 


 


 

Day 1 

Total Day km: 34km

Starting Time: 6am

Day 1 heads steeply up from Bushwillow Caravan Park through indigenous forest to the top of the mountain. It then meanders across grassland and down the “Giants Ridge Steps”, through pockets of forest and grasslands to a refreshing stream near the top of the Karkloof Canopy Tours. Here the path leads you into deep, pristine forest and then down into farmland, on forestry roads and back up to the plateau where you are greeted by spectacular views of the Karkloof Valley below.

The trail then heads down plantation roads to the at Karkloof Canopy Tours Time Out Zone where you can enjoy refreshments and a few zip lines at your leisure.

From the Karkloof Canopy Tours the trail takes you down along the bottom of the mountain, where you traverse farm lands along trails and dirt roads, back to the finish at Bushwillow Caravan Park.

A new route, through conservation areas, with world class scenery. Exposed in parts and tough but worth the effort.

Day 2 

Total Day km : 43km

Starting Time: 5.30am

From Bushwillow Park the road leads you across Shawswood, through plantations, up into the indigenous forests and grasslands of Mbona Nature Reserve. Here you will experience unbelievably stunning views and wildlife. The trail then takes you down through more forest and grassland, along the edges of dams to the Mbona exit gate. You will traverse more farmland, cross a swing bridge, run through a young Avocado pear farm and up through the infamous Avenue at Benvie where you will experience an Alice in Wonderland high tea in the beautiful gardens. You can take time to enjoy this as it is a Time Out Zone.

From Benvie the trail leads you up, up, up and across into the artists garden and then down to Twinfalls. From Twinfalls you will cross the river and run parallel to it, pass a small village and head into Willies Magical Garden. The trail zig zags through this magnificent garden and out along the Azalia and Hydrangea driveway to the plantations and through Shawswood with the majestic Grey Mares Tail Water fall as a back drop,  back to Bushwillow.

DAY 2 SPLIT OFF 25KM ROUTE

Start time: 6.30am

This route follows the day 2 route plan but splits off at Mbona Mountain. From here the path leads you through grasslands, along the edge of a mountain, down plantation roads to Willies Garden and then back through Shawswood to Bushwillow through plantations.

Day 3 

Total km: 23km

Start time: 4.30am

Day 3 takes you through Shawswood and Braco up to the top of the Grey Mares Tail waterfall. Where you can take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking views. Then further up to the top of Mt Gilboa. The highest point in the area – another spectacular view point.

The route includes a run along plantation roads, up an indigenous forested mountain, across  grasslands up to the highest point in the area, across the plateau and then back down on trails through Shawswood and Bushwillow forest. The descent is steep.

Upon finishing…a spectacular Sunday champagne brunch awaits your arrival.

 

Total Day km: 5KM COLT RUN

Start time: 7:00am

This run goes directly up into and along indigenous forest from Bushwillow into Shawswood and returns through plantations, skirting the edge of the magnificent indigenous forest.

By no means an easy trail run.

Three Cranes Challenge Package:

  • Race garment
  • A designated campsite (no tent) – bring your own camping gear
  • Sufficient refreshment tables
  • Dinner and breakfast from Thursday to Sunday

IMPORTANT NOTE:

  • You may purchase extra meal tickets on site – prices to be confirmed.

Fundraising:

All funds raised through this event will be used to enable the Crane conservation work being done by the WILDTRUST, Karkloof Conservancy as well as the Endangered Wildlife Trust.