On the 20th – 23rd of February the Sunday Tribune Three Cranes Challenge saw 250 trail runners taking part in this intense race, which also raises funds for conservation in and around the Karkloof Nature Reserve. It is a 3 day challenge consisting of a 106km (Day 1-32km, Day 2-42km, Day3-32km) trail, well managed and mapped out by Wild Series Co-ordinator, Xanthe Holmes. The challenge was completed by only 188 of the participants, which is testament to just how tough this race can be.
After a massive down pour on Thursday night, the weather seemed to play its part and gave the participants fantastic conditions to run in, but as the Wild Series sweepers crossed the finish line on day 3, the heavens opened with 45mm of rain in 45minutes!
The challenge was won by Eric Ngubane with an almost 60 minute lead, chased by Frank Kienhofer who came in at second place. Tracey Zunckel came 10th overall, while still holding onto her 1st place spot in the ladies race, 9 minutes before Trish Bahlmann who took second place.
Funds raised from this event will assist with management activities in the Karkloof Nature Reserve. In addition, a portion of the funds will also be used by the Karkloof Conservancy, which actively supports and encourages conservation action in the Karkloof valley and areas surrounding the reserve.
“The Sunday Tribune Three Cranes Challenge is an amazing event, which not only unites the Karkloof residents through its activation, but also raises much needed funding to support conservation activities in this critically important midlands environment,” states Kevin McCann, Strategic Manager of Stewardship for Wildlands Conservation Trust.
“We would like to commend and thank sponsors like the Sunday Tribune, Powerade, the Karkloof Conservancy and the amazing land owners and community members for making it possible for us to run such events. The next challenge is the Somkhanda Rhino Run. This is an epic 50km 1 day trail run challenge which takes place in the Somkhanda Game Reserve in Zululand,” concludes Xanthe Holmes, Wild Series Co-ordinator.
The Three Cranes Challenge also sees the inspirational and educational ‘Big Day Out’ take place a few days before the main sporting event and focuses on the youth in surrounding community areas.
On 19th February, Wildlands Conservation trust together with Karkloof Conservancy held a ‘Big Day Out’ event at Bush Willow Park where 88 learners from 4 Karkloof farm schools participated. The day aims to give learners the opportunity to learn about environmental issues and be part of the fan-fair of the main event.
“The day started off with a 3km fun run challenge within the park, and the top boy and girl form each grade (grade 4 to 7) received a bicycle sponsored by Coca-Cola,” said Manqoba Sabela, Wildlands Manager of Green Leadership. “After the fun run children participated in leadership activities facilitated by Wildlands Conservation Trust together with volunteers from Karkloof Canopy Tours. Louine and Gareth Boothway conducted the water study where children used freshwater invertebrates to test the quality of water. The Crane foundation volunteered their time to teach the children about the importance of preserving the three Crane species through story telling. The children enjoyed the event and were grateful for the opportunity to learn,” said Sabela.
“The ‘Big Day Out’ event was made possible by N3TC (N3 Toll Concession) and Coca-Cola, a big thank you to them and also all the other individuals and organizations who volunteered their time,” concluded Manqoba Sabela.
WILDTRUST (registered as the Wildlands Conservation Trust - IT No: 4329/1991/PMB)