TRAIL RUNNING
The Mariepskop massif in the Lowveld is actually part of the Drakensberg
The Kruger2Canyon is sure to bring a smile to any trail runner ’ s face now everything aligned to make it an easy decision , so within minutes I had pulled the trigger and my entry was secured . Warren had not done so yet , but his next message read , “ Okay , I ’ m switching my computer on to enter .”
An hour later he was still having technical issues – not sure how , with a really simple entry process – but by the time he got that right , he was sufficiently flustered that he mistakenly entered his mother ’ s details as the entrant rather than the next of kin , so by the end of it he had successfully signed up his mom to participate in her very first trail run ! A day and a few emails later , and it was all sorted out , so it was “ Kruger to Canyon here we come !” Without Mrs Montano , who I have no doubt must have been hugely relieved at the news .
Weighing the Options
The Kruger2Canyon Challenge offers two options of distances in its two-day stage race format : A longer distance “ Ultra ” combination of 42km and 28km , or a more manageable 25km and 19km “ Marathon ” option . Both traverse the same route , but the shorter option cuts out some parts , and whichever one you choose ; you ’ re not going to escape the ascent of
Mariepskop .
The event is well packaged , and very well priced , something that made it so much easier to commit to without too much thought about logistics . I chose the full package , including a tent on the sport fields ( or a bed in the dorm ) of Laerskool
Mariepskop , which is the start and end point of both days , as well as all meals from Friday night dinner through to Sunday lunch . For ablutions , the facilities of the ‘ koshuis ’ were more than adequate , with plentiful hot water .
My adventure companions were Warren , a decadeslong friend , and Chris , a fresh acquaintance , who chose to stay in a nearby guesthouse – also a good option . Other running friends at the event included Ronald and his ‘ Band of Merry Friends ’ – serious competitors , but looking festive and relaxed . They had picked the dorm as their sleeping quarters , and were quite chuffed with their choice .
Not the Italian Way !
Mariepskop is some 30 minutes outside of Hoedspruit . From Joburg there were some stretches of road with potholes , but nothing we are not used to by now , so overall , an easy drive , and it was lined up to be a fuss-free weekend focused on just enjoying the running and the beautiful surroundings . The grounds of the school basically border on the Moholoholo Reserve , and by the time the sun faded over the horizon , the roaring started as the lions let everyone know who the king is . As the evening progressed into night , the lions were joined by the
Race accommodation options include a tent on the school field hyenas , jackals and bushbabies , making it a true bushveld symphony . There was no snoring to be heard above that cacophony , and at times I woke up wondering just how close the whole ensemble was .
The meals were dispensed by a food truck parked on the sport field – a well-run family outfit that produced a variety of tasty options , including pizzas , pregos , burgers and more . The organisers supplied vouchers that got you any choice of preference , and if you wanted more you could just purchase something else .
New acquaintance Chris seemed like a really nice guy , and clearly a competent runner . Having spent some pre-dinner time in casual chit-chat over a beer , he was an easy guy to like , a medical practitioner and resident of the same suburb back home , with a mild and friendly manner . However , the budding friendship took an unexpected turn for the worse just moments later when we went to order some pizzas for dinner . I ordered a regular margherita , and then quite without warning , Chris uttered that terrible word that Italians simply cannot tolerate : “ Pineapple !”
My embarrassment at being in such close proximity to this blasphemy was immediately noticed by the truck owner , himself a member of my tribe , and
Andrew Booth of KZN Trail Running
59