The Zululand Experience
Something completely different...
Dear KZNTR runners and walkers
We are so excited to share this new experience with you!
Join us on an adventure into Zululand to do what we love… run and race!
This time we are taking a different approach… It is something for the truly adventurous spirit!
Here is what we have in store…
We will be spending a weekend in the community of Ngwenya in Zululand. 25 runners will be hosted by local African families from Ngwenya. Imagine arriving into the vast and diverse landscape of Zululand, welcomed by our friendly hosts and then – after an orientation walk and talk with our guides – sitting around a fire, eating home-cooked traditional food, locally brewed beer, listening to the old Madala recount stories of his childhood… of how Zululand was when he was young, and of course exchanging some of your best stories! Imagine blending cultures. Imagine laughing, singing, maybe even dancing…
The next day we will race because that’s what we love to do! We will run a race with the community, experiencing it with them, step by step. Our group will be matched in number – 25 – by runners from the community. It’s not a usual race… it will be an Ngwenya style race with the combined skills of KZN Trail Running to create a COMPLETELY unique experience. The run will be a 20km combination of foot paths, animal trails and gravel roads… and if you didn’t know, Zululand has more than a few hills!
We will be partnering up with Rise n Fly Youth Project, an Ngwenya based NGO that has hosted many sports events in the community for the last ten years.
We will have a (very unique) prize-giving ceremony and enjoy those awesome post-race feels as we exchange stories of our race experience. We will then enjoy more local food and our last relaxing afternoon in the community.
The following day we will put on our running shoes again and do a final exploration ‘recovery’ run (short, and optional, after our race), say a huge thank you to our wonderful hosts, exchange high fives, wide smiles, maybe a few tears, and then head on our way.
We will experience the true feeling of community, the values of love and joy, family culture, the vast beauty of Zululand, the peace and simplicity of rural life.
The times we find ourselves in have led us to reflect on how we are contributing to the whole. We are aiming to create unifying experiences through a shared love of running and hopefully have a direct and lasting positive impact. It is a powerful feeling to know that you have contributed. It is energizing to notice a shift in perspective… to grow, learn, and love more deeply.
Why do you feel inspired to do something so different? Is it to be out of your ‘comfort zone’? Is it to remove yourself from the pressure of daily life? Is it to feel rejuvenated by a new experience? Is it to grow spiritually and emotionally?
This is a weekend that will change your perspective and grow the love in your heart (for both others and running) as we adventure into something totally novel!
The Itinerary:
Arrive Saturday 7 August 1pm at Ngwenya Community
Orientation walk guided by Ziggy, Vincent, and Myeli
Traditional home-cooked dinner
Sunday 8 August 7am race start
Prize giving 10:30am
Lunch 12pm
Afternoon relaxation
Monday 9 August (public holiday) final morning run
Depart
What does it cost? R3250 per person.
What is included? Two nights home-stay accommodation in the community, all meals (local cuisine) from Saturday lunch to Monday breakfast, two entries (one for yourself and one for a runner from the community), two race packs (one for yourself and one for a runner in the community), and a donation to our partner Rise n Fly!
I hope that you’re inspired to do something new!
Soutpansberg Mountain Marathon set to thrill with tough mountain course!
We’ve released the courses for the inaugural Soutpansberg Mountain Marathon and they are going to be incredible in more ways than one.
The full marathon course has 2000m of climbing! The half 1100m and the 10km a hefty 650m. There won’t be anywhere to hide, but the effort will be more than worth it- The Soutpansberg is one of RSA’s most diverse places!
Speaking of diversity, this event is hosted in partnership with the Endanagered Wildlife Trust (EWT). They have begun the very important process of protecting this rich biodiversity. By entering and participating you’ll be part of this process with 75% of the profit going to EWT project funds for the area.
NEW VENUE AND ACCOMMODATION
Schoemansdal Environmental Centre is an ideal venue nestled at the base of the mountain range. Both dorm-style and camping options that can be booked through our website. The greater area also has a number of lodge options within 30 minutes drive.
For Entries and More Information:
DNT 2022 Entries open on 1 July
DNT 2022 takes place on the first Saturday of March (The 5th to be exact)
This popular race goes into its 8th edition this year and will take place out of Alpine Heath once again.
40km, 20km, 10km and 5km courses are all on offer which means your whole family or group of friends can book in and enjoy!
Make sure you get both your entry and on site accommodation sorted quickly to ensure the best experience – we are running a 48hr special as always!
