Champions, community & conservation shine at the 2025 Kruger2Canyon Challenge
Hoedspruit, Limpopo | 27 – 29 June 2025
The dust has settled on the 2025 Kruger2Canyon Challenge, but the spirit of the weekend still echoes through the mountain, bushveld and community that define this unique race.
Held over the weekend of 27–29 June, the K2C Challenge brought together runners, hikers, rangers, crafters, conservationists and a passionate community of supporters in a celebration of endurance, place and purpose. On the slopes of Mariepskop Mountain, the quiet town of Kampersrus was alive with activity as bright pink route markers and an influx of visitors appeared for the 10th year of this iconic event, that was later described by athletes as “something truly special.”
Across four stage race distances, 70km, 44km, 30km and 20km, trail runners and hikers of all experience levels pushed their limits on challenging terrain, through forest, escarpment and savannah. But the Challenge is more than a race – it is about the experience had out on the trails, absorbing the sense of place and enormity of being on foot in these lesser-explored parts of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere.
2025 Podium 1st men & women:
- 70km Stage Race: Theo Viallard & Kate Mapham
- 44km Stage Race: Koenraad van Craeynest & Jessica Edwards
- 30km Stage Race: Ruan Rademeyer & Lita Breytenbach
- 20km Stage Race: Janrich Cronje & Ansophie Olivier
Full results can be found at www.kruger2canyonchallenge.co.za/results/2025-2.
A Trail with Purpose
The Kruger2Canyon Challenge is deeply rooted in its home landscape – the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve. The event partners with the K2C Biosphere NPC, custodians of the UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve and whose work is at the intersection of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development across the landscape. The race offers more than scenic trails: it raises funds for the impactful work being done by the Biosphere and is a platform to highlight the conservation work taking place in the region, from anti-poaching units to recycling co-ops, sustainable agriculture to mentoring crafters.
This year saw powerful representation in the Ranger Challenge, with standout performances from Graeme Wuth (Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Fund) and three members of the incredible Black Mambas anti-poaching unit – Bongane Nkwinika, Remember Madike, and Nurse Molamodi. Day 1 also saw strong energy from the Siyafunda Conservation team. The participation of these groups reflects the heart of the event: a celebration of the incredible diversity of this region and those protecting these wild spaces every day.
Huge energy was also brought to the event by a group working in Mozambique, but hailing from all over the world.
Powered by Local Heart
Another highlight of the weekend was the growing involvement of local businesses and community partners. The event village buzzed with authentic, local flair, from farm-to-fork meals by Keystone Café, to AfiPlaas Bakery’s beloved “koffie koekies”, to engaging conservation demos by partner organisations. Adding to the atmosphere, locally made crafts and products were on display and for sale, many created by entrepreneurs currently being mentored through a small business incubation programme supported by one of K2C’s long-standing partner organisations. Their presence at the event reflects how the Challenge serves not only as a celebration of wild spaces, but also as a platform for local livelihoods and opportunity.
Organisers expressed heartfelt thanks to all sponsors and contributors, including:
ClemenGold and BBI, PURA Beverages, Hoedspruit Private Hospital, PnP Hoedspruit, Ultimate Mango Shop, Modern Athlete, and HFM Stream, among many others.
“There’s a special energy in that forest,” said Race Director Andrew Booth. “You could feel it vibrating through the trees on Day 1, and again as runners returned to the village – eyes wide and hearts full.”
As the final markers were removed from the trails, organisers reflected on a successful edition of the event, hoping that it tested bodies, soothed souls and inspired a deeper curiosity about the landscapes we traverse. Most of all, they hope participants left with a greater sense of connection to the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, and a renewed investment in the people and places that make it so extraordinary.
To stay updated and relive the magic:
- Browse race photos on @Kruger2CanyonChallenge on Facebook
- Explore how trail running meets conservation at: www.kruger2canyonchallenge.co.za