Runners enjoy new K2C race

Runners and organisers were treated to spectacular weather conditions over the three days from June 30 to July 2 with runners in residence at the race village at Laerskool Mariepskop in Kampersrus. While the emphasis at this event is on the challenge that it poses and a unique way to experience our natural heritage, the racing was fierce up front. Nadia Jooste delivers fantastic performances on both days. She makes history by being the first woman to win the 70km stage race outright, with a combined time of 8:25:21.

She crossed the finish line 15 minutes ahead of the first male runner, Ryan Hyde. He completed the race in 8:40:15. The 44km stage race was won by Barry Baragwanath in a time of 5:58:10 and the first woman to cross the finish line was Lindi-Jane Hawke in 6:11:45. The newly introduced 30km stage race was won by Mike Snyman in 3:50:02 with Linda van Staden taking second place overall as well as first place in the women’s division in a time of 4:15:50.

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“On the first day of the race runners shed blood, sweat, and tears climbing Mariepskop mountain, exploring this incredible floral hotspot that boasts many endemic plant and animal species,” says Andrew Booth, one of the organisers of the event. “In running terms, the 42km course on day 1 is considered one of the hardest in the country, thanks to its 2800m of climbing and very technical terrain. “There is also a 25km option and for the first time, a 16km route.

Both still climb to the top of this section of the northern Drakensberg range, so there is no escaping the elevation gain, but the new shorter route option was very well received,” said Booth. “Day 2 has historically been a much more moderate day of running, and this year the route took participants through the scenic town of Kampersrus and into Moholoholo Mountain View Reserve, before returning through the town to the school’s sports grounds.

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Moholoholo has buffalo, hippo, and leopard, as well as abundant plains game, making this day a big thrill. This year there was a 14km route option alongside the traditional 18km and 28km routes. The less technical and flatter running was welcomed after the brutal first day, and participants lapped up the tranquil bushveld and views from the base of Mariepskop and the surrounding koppies,” said Booth. Covering either 70km, 44km, or 30km over the two days, the Kruger2Canyon Challenge is a unique way to experience the diversity of the area.

Race partners, the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region, played a critical role in the event logistics and hosting, as well as being a beneficiary of the race. “This race would not be possible without the tireless work from the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region, who manage and conserve this biodiverse area, an example of conservation through education, upliftment, and engagement with stakeholders,” says Booth. The dates for 2024 have already been set for July 5 to 7, and the organisers look forward to building this trail race into an even bigger event within the local community and to the South African trail running community.

Race results:
30km stage race (men):
1. Mike Snyman 3:50:02
2. David Jones 4:15:57
3. Brendon Longhurst
4:20:49

30km stage race (women):
1. Linda van Staden 4:15:50
2. Benita Coetzee 4:17:59
3. Hendrina Helena Coetzer
4:21:09

44km stage race (men):
1. Barry Baragwanath 5:58:10
2. Darren Dunne 6:00:06
3. Helgard Redelinghuys
6:05:54

44km stage race (women):
1. Lindi-Jane Hawke 6:11:45
2. Ashleigh Baker 6:14:12
3. Nicole Fiolet 6:36:20

70km stage race (men):
1. Ryan Hyde 8:40:15
2. Richard Osborne 8:50:47
3. David Rose 9:08:06

70km stage race (women):
1. Nadia Jooste 8:25:21
2. Karine Bezuidenhout
9:26:35
3. Kate Mapham 9:27:00