Farewell Dane...
Farewell and thank you to Dane Garvie
After ten years of dedication and service to KZNTR, Dane will be moving on
from the organisation.
Most of you will know Dane well. He has been one of those very special KZNTR
faces behind the scenes, on the trails, at the timing table, sorting logistics,
solving problems, answering questions, taking photos and quietly helping to
keep race days moving.
Over the past decade, Dane has given a huge amount to KZNTR and to the
wider trail running community. He has been a vital part of the team and is
adored by runners, colleagues and event partners.
Dane is such capable person with a broad skill set. He has a science degree,
strong self-taught IT skills, practical event experience, and the kind of problemsolving
ability that comes from years of working under pressure in a small team
where everyone has to turn their hand to many different things.
As with many long working relationships, there comes a point where people
need to look at where they are going next. Dane has ambition and is ready to
grow in a direction that is different from where KZNTR is currently heading.
While that is not easy after ten years, it is an honest and natural point of change.
Dane’s departure is a real loss for KZNTR, and he will be missed. At the same
time, we understand and respect that he is looking for the right next opportunity,
where he can grow his technical abilities, practical experience and steady
knowledge of events, systems and people.
This weekend’s Hilton College Trail Run will be Dane’s last event with KZNTR.
Dane has never been one for the limelight, so we will not make a big fuss, but it
is a good chance for those who know him to say farewell, thank him, and wish
him well for what comes next.
Words do not do justice to how grateful we are to Dane for everything he has
contributed both professionally and personally over the past ten years. His work
has formed part of many race days, many runner experiences, and special
behind-the-scenes moments away from the public eye that we absolutely rely
on.
KZNTR will now continue to move forward, thankful for the role Dane has played
in our story, and focused on the work ahead.
We wish Dane all the very best for his next chapter. Any organisation looking for
someone practical, capable, loyal and willing to learn would be fortunate to have
him on their team!
Back to Hilton College this Sunday....
The Hilton College Trail Run is anything but your average day on the trails and
we are so stoked to finally be running here again after postponing at the
beginning of the year to to Foot and Mouth.
Set within the spectacular Hilton College Private Nature Reserve, this event
offers rare access to a wild and beautiful part of the Midlands that is usually
closed to the public. Expect sweeping views, open grasslands, rugged bushveld,
rewarding climbs, and the winding uMngeni River far below.
The 20km and 12km routes venture deep into the 650-hectare reserve,
dropping into the uMngeni Valley before climbing back onto the plateau. Expect
flowing trails, aloe-covered hillsides, dirt roads, and expansive views stretching
towards Otto’s Bluff and Albert Falls.
Keep an eye out for the reserve’s wildlife too. Warthog, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest
and a variety of antelope roam freely here, adding to the unique experience.
The 7km route offers a more relaxed outing through shaded pine plantations,
delivering a cooler run while still showcasing the beauty of the Midlands.
Across all distances, Hilton College delivers stunning scenery, diverse terrain,
abundant wildlife, and rewarding trails that are guaranteed to leave a lasting
impression.
Online entries close Friday, 5 June at midnight.
QUICK INFO
Venue: Hilton College, Hilton
Date: Sunday, 07 June 2026
20km | 07:00 | R230
12km | 07:30 |R195
7km | 07:45 | R135
Discounts: Under 18s pay half price | Pensioners receive 25% off
Registration and late entries open from 06:30.
A R50 late entry fee applies to adult entrants.
Come for the event. Stay for the experience!
Crunch time for Kruger2Canyon Challenge 2026
ENTRIES CLOSE ON 17 JUNE…
Just as rivers slowly carve canyons from solid rock, the days are steadily being
worn away as we approach this year’s Kruger2Canyon Challenge (26-28 June).
Anticipation is building for what promises to be another unforgettable weekend
of adventure, endurance, and discovery in one of South Africa’s most
spectacular natural landscapes.
It is getting to crunch-time and the Tented Packages are all but sold out.
There is still space in the school Dorms or Self-camping though, for the full race
village-vibe!
The dorm package gives you the option to just rock up with your kit – bedding
and meals are included in the package for a fuss-free weekend!
Self-campers will be in the heart of the race village with views of the mountains
from their tent, the sound of lions roaring nearby. Proper!!
More than a race, K2C is an experience that combines breath-taking scenery,
physical challenge, conservation, and community into a memorable two-day
journey.
An Event with Purpose
K2C is about more than a finish line. The event supports conservation initiatives
within the UNESCO-recognised Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, helping to
protect and preserve one of South Africa’s most treasured natural regions. Every
participant becomes part of a larger effort to celebrate and conserve this
remarkable landscape.
It is a gathering of like-minded adventure-seekers who share a passion for the
wild spaces and places that make South Africa unique.
Supporters Welcome
With child-minders available on request, a kid-friendly race village and local
conservation organisations coming to demonstrate their work, supporters will
have plenty to do without leaving site. However the area is bursting with options
and experiences.
Additional dorm accommodation, camping and meal packages are available via
the Extra Services.
The countdown is on. The mountains are waiting. The trails are calling.
For more information and event details, visit:
Run the Midlands at Hebron Haven
21 June 2026
Returning to the historic Hebron Haven Hotel in the heart of The Dargle, this
event was an outright winner at it’s very first running, combining scenic trails,
local history, and oozing old-world charm. Dating back to the 1920s, the hotel
provides a unique setting for a memorable day on the trails.
The routes wind through plantations, towering forests, stretches along the
uMngeni River, and around peaceful farm dams, delivering a varied and
rewarding trail experience with plenty of Midlands charm.
For those wanting to extend the experience, accommodation is available at
Hebron Haven, making it easy to turn race day into a relaxing Midlands getaway.
With beautiful scenery, flowing trails, and a welcoming atmosphere, Hebron
Haven promises a trail running experience that is both memorable and
rewarding.
Online entries close Friday, 19 June at midnight.
QUICK INFO
Venue: Hebron Haven Hotel, Dargle
Date: Sunday, 21 June 2026
18km | 07:00 | R230
10km | 07:30 | R195
5km | 07:45 | R135
Discounts: Under 18s pay half price | Pensioners receive 25% off
Registration and late entries open from 06:30.
A R50 late entry fee applies to adult entrants.
Come for the event, stay for the experience…and the Hebron Haven scones!!!
