A Trail experience in the lowveld
All routes are fully marked and do not require a GPS or self-navigation. Aid Stations are positioned along the route. Distances between aid stations vary from 7km to 14km. All routes on Day 1 Start and Finish at the Race Venue. On Day 2, the 20km Stage Race participants will be transported to the start point. All other routes start at the Race Venue.
The original and notoriously tough course quickly earned itself the reputation of one of South Africa's toughest stage races. Both days start and finish at Laerskool Mariepskop.
Day 1 takes place in steep mountainous terrain (Mariepskop and the Blyde River Canyon) with approx. 2300m of elevation gain.
42km, 2270m elevation.
4 aid stations (3 main, 1 minor), approx. every 10km.
Cut-off: 2pm (8.5hrs) at the 30km mark.
Men’s Record: 4:55:33, Johardt van Heerden, 2019
Women’s Record: 5:43:54, Nadia Jooste, 2023
Day 2 is much easier - flatter and easier terrain , but not to be totally underestimated on tired legs!
28km, 415m elevation.
The Marathon distance was added in 2017. Both days start and finish at Laerskool Mariepskop.
Day 1 is a tough 26km - it also climbs up Mariepskop Mountain, but does not go down into the Canyon, meaning it has considerably less elevation gain.
25km, 1440m elevation gain.
2 aid stations (1 main, 1 minor).
No cut-offs.
Day 2 runs through the scenic town of Kampersrus, into Moholoholo Mountain View Reserve.
18km, 370m elevation.
Introduced in 2023, its the perfect challenge for those unsure of their abilities on a stage race, looking for something shorter and perfect for the hikers. The longer courses have proven a real challenge, so the this shorter option is bound to draw new runners who want to be part of the vibe but felt intimidated by the challenge.
Day 1 will have the same opening climb as the other two courses, but the loop on top is smaller, but still seriously spectacular through the indigenous forest.
16km, 1080m elevation gain
1 main aid station.
No cut-offs.
Day 2 also runs through Kampersrus and enters Moholoholo Mountain View, for a smaller loop.
14km, 278m elevation
Added in 2024, the 20km Stage Race was instantly popular. Made up of 2 x 10km routes, this is the ultimate way to experience the Kruger2Canyon Challenge, without the pressure of climbing the mountain! Perfect for hikers.
Day 1 will still involve climbing, taking runners into the spectacular indigenous forest that clings to the slopes of Mariepskop Mountain, thick with towering trees, lush clivias and darting red duiker. With all the work being done early in the race, participants can then soak up the expansive views over the treetops and Lowveld below as the route then loops down to the finish.
Start & Finish: Laerskool Mariepskop.
10.4km, 552m elevation gain
Technical single track and dirt road.
Day 2 sees runners start at the gate into Moholoholo Mountain View, for a stunning loop through this stunning game reserve. Home to leopard, buffalo, hippo, giraffe and abundant plains game, Moholoholo Mountain View also boasts one of the best views back up at the mountain, allowing participants to appreciate the previous days efforts! On exiting the reserve, the route picks its way through the back roads of the scenic town of Kampersrus to the finish at Laerskool Mariepskop.
Start: Moholoholo Mountain View Gate 6 - transport provided from Laerskool Mariepskop.
Finish: Laerskool Mariepskop
10km, 230mm elevation gain
Jeep track, single track and short section of tar.
Depending on the weather forecast, items from the Compulsory Gear List may be removed by the organisers at Race Briefing.
For hygiene & environmental reasons, our aid stations are cupless. Please carry your own (collapsible) cup.
The race is hosted at Laerskool Mariepskop in the small mountainside town of Kampersrus, Limpopo, South Africa.
Dorm accommodation is available at the school hostel and camping is set up on the sports fields.
All stages start on the school sports fields, except the 20km Stage Race, Day 2 (runners will be transported from the school to the start). All stages Finish on the school sports fields.
You can book a runner's package and arrange your own food and accommodation.
Includes: race entry, race pack, R200 donation to the K2C Biosphere, fully marked routes, aid stations, medical and safety support, finisher memento, full race village.
Self-camping at the venue is an option at R230 pppn and dormitory bookings available at R300 pppn.
Includes race entry, race pack, R200 donation to the K2C Biosphere, fully marked routes, aid stations, medical and safety support, finisher memento, full race village, meals plus:
Tented Accommodation (suitable for 1 person + luggage) OR
Dorm Accommodation.
The meal package includes 6 meals over the weekend (valued at R900). *Vegetarian option available on request.
This is a family friendly weekend, with so many activities for all ages!
Adult Spectator Package includes:
- Onsite or Offsite options (onsite = Dorm Accommodation or Self-camping),
- Meals (6 meals over the weekend, Vegetarian option available on request),
- Race Pack (includes Versus Socks), and
- Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Tour.
Children's (u12) Spectator Package includes:
- Onsite or Offsite options (onsite = Dorm Accommodation or Self-camping),
- Meals (6 meals over the weekend, Vegetarian option available on request),
- Race Pack (includes Versus Socks),
- KidZone Access all weekend, and
- Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Tour.
You can enter for just one of the two days.
Includes: race entry, R200 donation to the K2C Biosphere, fully marked routes, aid stations, medical and safety support, full race village.
Entry does not include finisher memento
Limited Tented Packages (tent provided), Dorm, Self-camping, and Offsite accommodation options.
Tented Accommodation (suitable for 1 person + luggage) on the school sports fields. A mattress is provided - please bring your own bedding & towels. A basic Camp Kitchen is available (gas cooker, urn, wash-up area).
Dorm Accommodation in Laerskool Mariepskop school hostel. Rooms have 4 - 10 beds with mattresses. Please bring your own bedding & towels.
Seasoned campers can bring their own camping equipment and set up on the school fields.
Bring all your own equipment. A basic Camp Kitchen (gas cooker, urn, wash-up area) and shared electrical points (bring extensions) are available .
Self catering cottages and luxury tented accommodation, 1.3km from the Race Venue. A forest-lovers paradise!
Simple, neat 3 - 5 sleeper rooms with en suit bathrooms and tea / coffee facilities, fridge & braai area. Situated only 8km from the race venue, Day 2 runs through this reserve!
There is plenty of accommodation in the Kampersrus / Hoedspruit area. We recommend that you check travel time from your prospective accommodation to Laerskool Mariepskop on Google Maps, prior to booking.
Click Header for Offsite Accommodation suggestions.
70km Stage Race Entry
R200 Conservation fee
*Please note that accommodation and meals are not included in this entry
70km Stage Race Entry
Meals (Friday dinner to Sunday brunch, vegetarian option available on request)
Simple tented accommodation (sleeps 1), incl mattress (bring your own bedding)
R200 Conservation Fee
70km Stage Race Entry
Dorm accommodation in rooms sleeping 4 - 10 people, communal ablutions, bedding provided.
Meals (Friday dinner to Sunday brunch, vegetarian option available on request)
R200 Conservation fee
44km Stage Race Entry
R200 Conservation fee
*Please note that accommodation and meals are not included in this entry
44km Stage Race Entry
Meals (Friday dinner to Sunday brunch, vegetarian option available on request))
Simple tented accommodation (sleeps 1), incl mattress (bring your own bedding)
R200 Conservation Fee
44km Stage Race Entry
Dorm accommodation in rooms sleeping 4 - 10 people, communal ablutions, bedding provided.
Meals (Friday dinner to Sunday brunch, vegetarian option available on request)
R200 Conservation fee
30km Stage Race Entry
R200 Conservation fee
*Please note that accommodation and meals are not included in this entry
30km Stage Race Entry
Meals (Friday dinner to Sunday brunch, vegetarian option available on request)
Simple tented accommodation (sleeps 1), incl mattress (bring your own bedding)
R200 Conservation Fee
30km Stage Race Entry
Dorm accommodation in rooms sleeping 4 - 10 people, communal ablutions, bedding provided.
Meals (Friday dinner to Sunday brunch, vegetarian option available on request)
R200 Conservation fee
20km Stage Race Entry
Transport to the start of Day 2.
R200 Conservation fee
*Please note that accommodation and meals are not included in this entry
20km Stage Race Entry
Transport to the start of Day 2.
Meals (Friday dinner to Sunday brunch, vegetarian option available on request)
Simple tented accommodation (sleeps 1), incl mattress (bring your own bedding)
R200 Conservation Fee
20km Stage Race Entry
Transport to the start of Day 2.
Dorm accommodation in rooms sleeping 4 - 10 people, communal ablutions, bedding provided.
Meals (Friday dinner to Sunday brunch, vegetarian option available on request)
R200 Conservation fee
Travel information from Nearby Cities
Johannesburg / Pretoria – 450km with an ETA of 5 hr 15 min.
Hoedspruit – 30km with an ETA of 30 min.
Nelspruit – 155km with an ETA of 2 hr 21 min.
For a Google Map link, click HERE.
Travel on the R40 towards Hoedspruit. Shortly after the Orpen Gate turn off keep left on the R531.
After 15.2km turn left into Mare St and follow for 3.3km to Laerskool Mariepskop
Travel on the R36 towards Hoedspruit. After going through the tunnel and descending into the Lowveld take the R527 (still towards Hoespruit). Then turn right onto the R531, a few kms after crossing the Blyde River.
Follow the R531 FOR 14.2km past the entrance road to Kampersrus, and turn left into Mare St and follow for 3.3km to Laerskool Mariepskop
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