2019 has been an incredible year for trail running in general, so much seems to have happened already and so much is still to come. Then to think that in 25 days we will be gathering in one of the many beautiful spaces in South Africa to run (and talk, and eat, and play, and drink…) on a mountain (Mariepskop) and in a game reserve (Blue Canyon Conservancy), we get very excited just thinking about it!
So needless to say we are in full preparation mode for Kruger2Canyon 2019. It will be the 3rd of our Big 6 events for the year with DNT and Pondo now under the belt we are amped to deliver another high quality KZNTR event.
This email has information that will help you prepare for the event, not in terms of your training, but in terms of your logistics and needs over the event. Should you have any further questions please feel free to respond to this email.
If any of your friends or family are still thinking about running this year, there are still a few places available…
Know what your package includes...
There are a range of packages for the event. The full packages include meals, a tent and mattress. You must bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and towel.
The runner packages do not include accommodation or meals, but these can be booked as add ons.
Please check your email to see what package you purchased and book any meals or campsites you require.
Cell Comms at the race village are average
Cell comms for all service providers are a bit weak at the race village, but there are spots where it can be found for each of them. There is no WiFi service available.
Have all the compulsory kit....
There is a list of compulsory kit listed below that you will need to partake in the event. While we don’t do a formal check, we can do spot checks and won’t let anyone found short onto the course.
- 2.0L Hydration Capacity (Pack/Vest)
- Some basic nutrition
- Space Blanket
- Charged Phone
- Rain Jacket
- Base Layer (Long Sleeve)
- Headlamp for Day 1 start
If you are still in need of any equipment stated above or otherwise, check out Trail Shed which has a wide range of runners clothing and accessories.
Race Village Facilities
The race village is set at the base of Mariepskop Mountain, which is the most northern tip of the Drakensberg Range. With a forested mountain above and savannah plains below its hard to imagine a better setting. We make the campsite comfortable and have the following facilities available, please bring cash for purchases.
- Drinks Bar
- Coffee Bar
- Hydration Station
- Charge Station
- Kids Zone
- Dining Tent
- Chilling Tent
Local Activities
The local area has lots great activities, we’ve listed a few ideas below, but there are a lot more.
- Kruger National Park
- Maholoholo Sanctuary
- Blyde River Canyon and Swadini
- Local Town of Hoedspruit
- Adventure Activities with Blyde Adventures
Good luck with the final prep, there is still time to get a few hill sessions or a longer run in. The mountain stage on Day 1 is a proper challenge, but things do ease up on the game reserve day through the blue canyon conservancy.
We hope that like us you will be spending some time in the area either side of the event lapping up what the Lowveld has to offer.
Lastly we are very proud to be able to present this event alongside our partners Lowveld Trail Running and the K2C Biosphere. Part of your entry fee goes towards to K2C Biosphere in support of their effort to sustain the area from an environmental perspective. Both of these groups add considerably to the team that make this event what is it. We look forward to welcoming you all.
Warm Regards
Andrew and the K2C Team
