Celebrate Nelson Mandela’s legacy of freedom and equality! Each year the demand for this scenic Midlands event grows, so enter now to secure your spot. Taking you through the KZN Midlands, it is as challenging as it is breath-taking! There are no late entries or substitutions for this event, so be sure to grab your entry on time! Each distance is limited to 250 entrants, and entries will close when sold out or midday on Thursday 22 August 2019.
Three distances covering stunning sections of the midlands, with a cracker hill at the beginning! The 4km and 8km are ideal for new trail runners, walkers and children, making for an epic start to your trail journey. The 15km will be a long run to freedom for athletes, it is not to be taken lightly with two steep climbs on course. If you’re new to the Mandela Day Trail Run, this event is one that will be etched in your memory. Vibes on the day make you realise the true beauty and warmth of our country! You have to be there to experience it for yourself. There won’t be a KidZone for this event, but all young ones are welcome to join in with the 4km!
Event Information:
- Venue: Nelson Mandela Capture Site, Howick
- Date: Saturday, 24 August 2019
- Distances: 4km | 8km | 15km
- Start times: R105 | R145 | R180
For More Information and Entries
It's World Ranger Day
Protecting our wildlife across Africa is no longer what it used to be. With the increasing threat of armed poachers and militia groups, over 1000 rangers have lost their lives in the line of duty in the past 10 years. According to records kept by the International Ranger Federation (IRF) and Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA), 54 African rangers have died since 31st of July 2018.
Just last year, 769 rhino and 72 elephants were poached in South Africa and often by sophisticated criminal syndicates. The brave men and woman working to protect these animals are under threat on a daily basis. They operate in extreme environments, and in their efforts to protect our natural heritage, face the risks associated with dangerous wild animals, sickness and community backlash.
“As rangers we pride ourselves in preserving our natural heritage, being the voice of the voiceless and taking care of the master’s creation.” Eric Madamala, who works in Limpopo Transfrontier Park – Mozambique and GRAA Executive member.
In Africa, a WWF survey conducted found that 40% of rangers were not covered by health insurance, 50% had no life insurance and 60% had no long-term disability insurance.
Biodiversity and thriving ecosystems provide both tangible and intangible benefits to society and rangers play a crucial role in ensuring healthy ecosystems. it is therefore of great importance that rangers receive all the support necessary to perform their duties within these challenging environments.
With this in mind, the GRAA partnered with SATIB Insurance brokers to create a unique product for rangers across Africa, offering cover 24/7, even when rangers are off duty.
Ranger Protect was launched and aims to garner financial support to ensure the well-being of Africa’s rangers and their families through the provision of adequate insurance cover in the event of injury or death. Medical evacuation cover also ensures rangers have peace of mind that should an emergency arise they will receive support.
“We recognise that for rangers to confidently perform their duties in the field, they need adequate insurance protection, knowing that if they are wounded in the line of duty that they will receive adequate support. Apart from their own welfare, rangers also seek to have their families supported, should an unfortunate event occur. We have been on a long road to develop insurance plans for rangers across Africa at a rate that rangers can afford.” Andre du Toit, Director – SATIB Insurance Brokers.
There are an estimated 30 000 rangers in Africa.
Record field and Record Times
This Sunday morning saw a thundering response by KZN’s trail community, with a record number of participants making this the biggest KZN Trail Running event yet. The 1000 Hills Challenge is one of KZN Trail Running’s Premier Big 6 events and has organically grown to gain a cult status.
Braving the morning chill, hundreds of enthusiastic entrants made their way to the breath-taking banks of Nagle Dam.
The morning buzz and energy was contagious, with runners and spectators engaging in friendly banter and many discussing the dos and don’ts of the trails.
Teasing runners with a number of uphill climbs, they definitely cursed the race director for making this one of their toughest races! Despite the challenge, our top finishers stormed through claiming their spots with Gijima Trust athletes breaking records and making their mark. The ladies represented equally strong with the top three females coming in minutes apart.
The vibrancy of the race village had everyone in high spirits with plenty on offer – craft meals and beverages, sports massages, stretch zones and so much more! With a great family vibe, beautiful trails and fantastic offerings it was an epic way to spend a Sunday morning.
Rarely seen by the public, the journey by foot is something that every trail enthusiast should experience! Till 2020, when the KZN Trail Running team welcomes the new and old to the mesmerising banks of Nagle Dam.
Mens 38k Results
- Perfect Dlamini (3:02:02)
- Skumbuzo Bhengu (3:07:27)
- Kwenza Ngubane (3:17:54)
Womens 38km Results
- Jodine Momberg (4:00:37)
- Nomthandazo Mlotshwa (4:03:09)
- Zoe Papadakis (4:04:21)
