KZNTR Mission Statement
Dear Trail Runners and Walkers,
Distance gives perspective, and that’s something I gained from being away from KZNTR for 2 years. It was very obvious that it needs to be run on passion to make a difference in peoples lives. If the events and ethos of the sport are not authentic and community driven, the lifespan is limited. So we need to pay attention to all sorts of things from our impact on the environment, to conserving wild spaces, to the youth and the poor or under-privileged. Then there are the higher level politics with how the sport is managed in the future. Athletics South Africa ultimately have to play a role going into the 2027 World Champs in Cape Town.
So with this is mind, we need a vision and structure of what we are about and where we want to go. Now KZNTR is a company, but equally is plays a strong community role and we feel that community should help guide us when putting together a mission statement. Below is a draft that we would love your comment and input on.
See you on the trails,
Andrew and the KZNTR Team
Amatikulu this Sunday
We’re heading just 1.5 hours north of Durban this Sunday for one of the most unique runs on the KZNTR calendar – the Amatikulu Trail Run running out of The Hatchery and into the Amatikulu Nature Reserve, one of KZN Wildlife’s beautiful coastal treasures.
Expect adventure on the longer courses: beach running, mangroves, forest, and open grasslands – all rolled into one wild coastal adventure. With 5km, 15km, and 25km routes, there’s something for everyone, from a relaxed coastal jog to a proper test of endurance. The 25km course in particular is a tough but rewarding challenge – the kind that earns serious trail cred.
The event is hosted at The Hatchery, a unique coastal venue where accommodation is available for anyone wanting to make a weekend of it (book directly with them).
There are already over 120 entries, and we’re capped at 200 – so get in before entries close tomorrow (Friday).
As always, you can expect the full KZN Trail Running vibe – great trails, great people, and a great atmosphere. Afterwards, enjoy local curries, a swim, or relax in one of the hot tubs we’ll have heated up for you. With the forecast looking cool and overcast, those hot tubs are going to be extra inviting!
Join us in supporting KZN Wildlife’s Amatikulu Reserve while doing what we love – running wild.
👉 Enter now before entries close Friday evening!
KZN Trail Running - Mission Statement
Our Purpose
KZN Trail Running exists to create a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable trail running community in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. We aim to connect people with nature through high-quality, safe, and accessible trail running experiences that showcase the beauty and diversity of our province’s landscapes.
Our Core Objectives
- Building Community Through Trail Running
We provide a platform for trail runners of all abilities to access and enjoy exceptional trails through well-organized, safe, and authentic events. At the heart of everything we do is a deep commitment to the trail running community – fostering a sense of belonging, adventure, and shared appreciation for wild spaces. - Creating Opportunities and Employment
We believe in using trail running as a vehicle for positive change. Our events create real work opportunities for young people – offering employment, skill development, and job experience for individuals from local communities, particularly around Pietermaritzburg. By hosting regular events, we aim to provide consistent income and professional growth for people who might otherwise struggle to find work. - Protecting the Environment and Supporting Conservation
Trail running depends on healthy ecosystems, and we take that responsibility seriously. We work closely with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, farmers, private landowners, and conservation partners to ensure our events support, rather than harm, the environments we use.
Our goals are to:
Minimize waste and carbon footprint at all events.
Raise funds and awareness for conservation initiatives in the regions we run.
Foster long-term partnerships that protect wild and rural landscapes for future generations.
- Promoting Access and Inclusivity
We are committed to making trail running accessible to all. Through partnerships such as with the Inanda Trail Running Club, we help runners who might not otherwise have the means to participate. We also strive for diversity in our participant base – bringing together runners from all backgrounds, regions, and countries to share in the joy of trail running. - Fair and Accessible Pricing
We believe that trail running should be both accessible and sustainable. Our pricing model encourages early commitment with reduced entry fees for advance entries while applying a small premium for late entries. This balance allows us to maintain affordability for participants while ensuring we can deliver high-quality events and consistent opportunities for our team.
Our Vision
To grow KZN Trail Running into a movement that strengthens communities, supports conservation, and inspires people to live active, connected, and environmentally conscious lives — all through the simple act of running wild in beautiful places.
NEW : HEBRON HAVEN – 30 NOV
We’re wrapping up November with something completely new! Join us on Sunday, 30 November 2025 (the last Sunday of the month) for the very first Hebron Haven Trail Run in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
This one’s special – it’s new, unexplored territory for trail running! Expect a mix of rolling hills, open grassland, forest patches, and all the charm of the Midlands countryside. We can’t wait to see what surprises these trails hold… but that’s half the fun of a brand-new event!
The venue, Hebron Haven Hotel, is a Midlands classic – full of heritage, now under new ownership, and buzzing with new life. We’re proud to be part of helping bring the vibe back to this much-loved spot.
So come for the run, stay for the Midlands magic. Whether you’re coming from Durban, Pietermaritzburg, or even further afield, it’s the perfect excuse for a scenic drive, a good run, and a great day out.
📅 Date: Sunday, 30 November 2025
📍 Venue: Hebron Haven Hotel, Midlands
🏃♀️ New Trails | Great Vibe | Beautiful Venue
