FEATURE
5 MINS 8 SECONDS
KRUGER2CANYON CHALLENGE-
A WILD AND WONDERFULLY SOUTH AFRICAN TRAIL EVENT
Welcome to the Kruger2Canyon Challenge, a wild, weird and wonderfully South African weekend of running, community and discovering just how many times one man in a COW suit can fall flat on his face.
I
was fortunate enough to take part in this inaugural event ten years ago and was stoked to be returning; this time, I took Isabel along for the experience. You know you’ re in for something special when the race briefing isn’ t about the elevation, the distance, or the suffering; it’ s about leopards.
SOME BACKGROUND- A RACE BORN FROM PURPOSE: This isn ' t your suburban trail run; this is where wild places meet unbreakable spirits and where one of the country ' s most formidable stage races continues to transform ordinary athletes into guardians of Africa ' s wilderness.
The K2C Challenge exists with a profound purpose, raising critical funds for the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere NPC, custodians of this UNESCO-recognised landscape, one of South Africa ' s most ecologically significant regions where conservation and community intersect. The race ' s environmental commitment runs deeper than fundraising. Aid stations operate cupless, requiring runners to carry their own reusable cup, and every last naartjie peel is carried out( citrus peel takes 6-24 months to decompose), meaningful gestures toward reducing the event’ s ecological footprint in this sensitive landscape.
WHAT’ S ON OFFER: 70km Stage Race: The original beast that earned its legendary status as one of South Africa ' s toughest stage races. Day 1 launches you into steep mountainous terrain around Mariepskop and the iconic Blyde River Canyon, featuring a brutal 2,270m of elevation gain across 42km. Day 2 offers the mountain ' s
30 ISSUE 179 177 | www. modernathlete. co. za gentler goodbye with 28km of flatter terrain, though tired legs might argue otherwise.
44km Stage Race: All the mountain magic with spectacular climbing while avoiding the canyon ' s extreme punishment. Perfect for those wanting transformation served with a side of sanity, this course provides a serious challenge without the full fury.
30km Stage Race: The newcomer ' s ticket to the tribe. Introduced in 2023, it ' s still serious, still spectacular, but perfectly sized for newcomers seeking their first taste of multi-day adventure and Mariepskop Magic.
20km Stage Race: Two perfect 10km doses of African adventure. Mountain forests and indigenous trails on Day 1, game reserve loops through Moholoholo on Day 2. No mountain conquest required, just pure Lowveld magic accessible to hikers and families.
RICHARD’ S MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE Of course, I chose the 70km Stage Race- go big or go home. Day 1: 42km, 2800 metres of elevation. That’ s like climbing
Table Mountain three times, with bricks in your pockets and a herd of angry goats chasing you. Okay, maybe not the goats. But the up and down the mountain leg of this two-day challenge certainly makes you rethink your life choices. From the moment the trail weaved into the thick, emerald forest, I knew I’ d be trading speed for survival. The flora on Day 1 was lush, humid, and resembled something out of a David Attenborough documentary. Think tropical rainforest, steep inclines, mossy rocks, and tree roots plotting your downfall like scheming government officials over a tender deal..