Entries for one of South Africa’s newest and most epic trail races, the Kruger2Canyon Challenge, have opened. The event is the second of five in the Old Mutual Wild Series, which is made up of four trail runs and one mountain biking challenge.
Hosted by the quaint town of Kampersrus, which is situated in the most northern tip of the Drakensberg escarpment (Mpumalanga/Limpopo), the venue offers easy access to both bushveld and mountain terrain. The first day of the Challenge is run along an ancient set of trails in the vicinity of Mariepskop; runners start with a gruelling climb up the escarpment, after which they descend into the Blyde River Canyon, mainly through indigenous forest. The second day takes place in the Blue Canyon Conservancy where all of the Big 5, sans buffalo, roam. Runners are treated to a unique route made up of game viewing tracks and are encouraged to look out for wildlife. Trails are all carefully monitored by armed rangers to ensure the runners’ safety. The day finishes with a fast, fun section of single track through the beautiful bushveld. At the finish, runners will be treated to a bushveld breakfast to complete their weekend and race experience.
Race organiser, Andrew Booth, who has been involved in establishing the race from its inception last year, expressed excitement going into the second year. “Kruger2Canyon is an amazing running experience. The journey through wild landscapes that include bushveld, mountain forest and the Blyde River Canyon make their mark on anyone taking on this epic challenge,” he said.
Two changes have been implemented for the second edition of the event. Firstly the date has been moved to 18 and 19 June, when the weather conditions are a lot more favourable. Secondly the longer, mountain day has been trimmed from 45km to 42km and will be run as the first stage of the event, allowing runners to get the bigger challenge out of the way first!
The Old Mutual Wild Series has grown a reputation as an outstanding host. No doubt the 2016 edition of the Kruger2Canyon challenge will be one to savour for all those who take it on.
Enter at: www.wildseries.co.za; For queries email ZandiM@localhost/import-data-post
WILDTRUST (registered as the Wildlands Conservation Trust - IT No: 4329/1991/PMB)