WildSeries are already known for their fantastic races, and they recently announced a race that will capture the hearts and minds of trail runners across SA and abroad - the Kruger2Canyon challenge.
The new route takes you from the Kruger2Canyons Biosphere, amongst Rhino, Lion, Leopard and Cheetah, through to the top of the Drakensberg Escarpment. From there you head down into the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon. The Bushveld day (Day 1) is run in the Blue Canyon Conservancy which lies in the corridor between the escarpment and Kruger. This race covers 73km over two days with over 3000m elevation gain, and is sure to present a challenge to even the most seasoned runners.
At R2800 for solo entry and R5000 for teams of two this is a fantastic deal. Entries open on the 18th so be prepared! Find out more on their official site.
If you want to enter, head over to this link.
Full details below:
ENTRIES OPEN 18 MAY – 12 noon
Event Date: 3 & 4 October 2015
Registration: 2 October 2015, 4pm-9pm
Distance: 73km (Day 1: 28km and Day 2: 45km)
Format: 2-day Stage Race
Venue: Kampersrus, near Hoedspruit, Mpumalanga/Limpopo
Race Description
Day 1: The Kruger element takes place within the Blue Canyon Conservancy which lies adjacent to the Kruger National Park. The reserve has all the Big 5 animals other than buffalo.
Distance: 28km Start Time: 06:30
Description: The course follows jeep and single track on Madrid, a farm within the conservancy. The bush is fairly dense opening up in places. The course will include features such as rocky river beds, koppies, large trees and flat open rocks. The reserve is inhabited by the Big 5, excluding buffalo. Lion and elephant sightings are rare and tend to be more frequent on the far side of the conservancy. Rangers on vehicle and horseback are available to patrol before and during the race. The route will be circular and will end back at the starting venue and close to where game vehicles can be used to shuttle.
Day2: The Canyon element is to take place on the Mariepskop Trails in the vacinity of the Blyde River Canyon.
Distance: 45km Start Time: 05:00 (Headlamps compulsory)
Description: The course climbs almost immediately out the back of the school to the top of the escarpment where it joins the network of trails established around the Mariepskop Forestry Station. After following the trail around the edge of the escarpment it drops down to the main road leading to the station via the waterfall. The course then follows the road over to the picnic site located on the Blyde River. An old trail that will need re-establishing will then take runners back over Mariepskop to finish back at the school.
Entry Fees
R2800 per individual
R5000 for two entries (A discount for those who bring a friend along)
Trophies are awarded to individuals.
Should runners wish to stay at other local accommodation in the area, the same fee applies.
Included in your entry package:
- Pre-event registration dinner on Friday
- Dorm or individual tent accommodation for Friday and Saturday night
- Saturday: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Sunday: Breakfast and lunch
- 24hr Snack & Coffee Bar will be available in the Chill Zone
- Full medical support and back up
- Route maps
- Official race garment and a race pack
- Wild Series hospitality
Fund Raising:
Funds raised through this event support the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere project. View the Fundraising Page for more information.
Pre-Race Briefing:
A pre-race briefing MUST be attended by all participants and will take place at 19:00 during registration inside the marquee on Friday evening. Final instructions and a weather report will be given each morning 10 minutes before the start of the race. Race briefing dinner will take place after the race briefing.
*IMPORTANT
Make sure to book extra meals if your family and friends will be joining you at the race.
Weather: The race takes place over varied terrain and weather can vary considerably
Check points and Tables: You will find Coca-Cola, Powerade and water at all refreshment stations as well as something to eat, with a variation of jelly sweets, muffins, bananas, potatoes, sandwiches, etc. They are located roughly every 7km on the course.
Compulsory Kit:
- 2l Hydration capacity
- Hat/peak/buff
- Cell phone in waterproof bag (fully charged)
- Long sleeve thermal (Day 2)
- Wind breaker/ Rain jacket (Day 2)
