Celebrating 10 Years of the K2C Challenge
A Journey of Multi-Tasking, Team Work and Community
This year marks a major milestone for the Kruger2Canyon (K2C) Challenge as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, the event has become an iconic fixture in the trail running world, taking participants on a breathtaking journey through one of South Africa’s most biodiverse regions. As we look back on the evolution of the event, we remember the challenges, the triumphs, and the people who have made the 10 years of K2C so special.
From Humble Beginnings
The inaugural K2C Challenge, held in October 2015, was a learning experience from the start. The event faced unexpected hurdles, such as a heatwave in the Lowveld that left many runners requiring medical attention. The original course, which began with the shorter bushveld section, also proved brutal, as participants were forced to tackle the steep ascent of Mariepskop on fatigued legs. Despite the challenges, the spirit of the race prevailed.
In response to these early lessons, the event was moved to the cooler winter months, with the first day now dedicated to climbing Mariepskop. This adjustment, alongside the winter vegetation, made route preparation far more manageable. The race continued to evolve over the years, growing into a respected and eagerly anticipated event for trail runners.
A Race with Purpose
The Kruger2Canyon Challenge was founded under the WildSeries banner in partnership with WildTrust together with the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, custodians of this UNESCO-recognised conservation area renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity. However, in 2017, the series faced a significant setback when it lost sponsorship, putting the event’s future in jeopardy. In a bid to continue the race, founding race organiser Andrew Booth, sought approval from the event’s partners to keep the race alive as a standalone event. Thankfully, everyone agreed, and K2C has continued to thrive as an independent race organised by Booth and his wife, Lauren, ever since.
The Kruger to Canyons Biosphere has remained an integral partner, helping to ensure the event’s success while also supporting critical conservation efforts in the region. A portion of each race entry goes directly to funding the Biosphere’s work, which includes protecting vital water sources like the Blyde River and working to restore the local ecosystem.
Andrew Booth Reflects on the Early Days
Looking back on the early days of organising the Kruger2Canyon Challenge, Andrew recalls how their small team would juggle the multiple tasks that needed to get done. “With so many big and small details that needed doing, everyone had to be ready to get stuck in. I used to oversee the route marking, walk the tricky sections with the KZN Trail Running team – places where, as a runner myself, I knew could cause navigational challenges. Pretending to be a participant, I would run at the marshals and put them under pressure to give accurate directions,” Andrew explains.
Once the final touches to the route were complete, Andrew would rush back to the race village to MC, welcoming participants and preparing for the start. “KZNTR are still a critical cog in the event, but we have now brought in additional service providers to spread the load. Part of me misses the crazy excitement of those days though – it was such a rush,” he says.
A Family Affair
For the Booth family, K2C is not just an event, but a life-changing journey. Lauren Booth, who was juggling the demands of motherhood alongside event administration in the early years, reflects on the chaos and joy of those early days: “
“My kids were really little – Charlie was a newborn when Andrew first went to recce, 9months old at the race. He spent most of the race days in a plastic box full of water, the only happy person in that heat! Ben was two and went out with Andrew marking the routes, to give me a break & space to get admin done.” reminisces Lauren. “Little sleep, crazy days & wild eyes were the norm, but I wouldn’t change it for the world!” The Booths have since moved from KwaZulu Natal to the town of Kampersrus, Limpopo. Today, their sons are thriving in the local community, attending Laerskool Mariepskop, the venue that hosts the event.
The K2C Challenge uses top service providers, including the company KZN Trail Running who have 14 years experience managing trail running events. In those early days, everyone had to wear multiple hats, from marking routes to setting up trophies and cheering runners over the finish line. The hands-on experience created a deep understanding of every aspect of the event, making it the successful race it is today.
Wildlife Encounters and Safety
One of the most unique aspects of the K2C Challenge is its setting. Runners venture through a local Game Reserve on Day 2. The bushveld day has delivered sightings of lion, rhino, wild dog, antelope, hippo, giraffe, and even a honey badger over the years.
While the thrill of running in such a diverse ecosystem is undeniable, safety is always a priority. The K2C team conducts aerial surveys and has expert teams on the ground to ensure that participants remain safe while enjoying the incredible wildlife that makes this race so memorable.
The lion encounter was fairly exciting, as a lioness had become separated from her pride and was running to rejoin them as a leading female runner passed. “Our team of rangers were right on sight and were able to diffuse the situation, so both runner and lion could carry on unharmed” says Booth, remembering the incident. “For some of our team it was their fist ever lion sighting, and a rather dramatic one at that!”.
Growth and New Challenges
What started as a single 70km race has since grown to include multiple distances, offering something for runners of all abilities. Today, participants can choose from the original 70km route, a 44km, a 30km, or the more recent 20km option, which is split into two 10km stages. This growth has not come without logistical challenges, but reaching out to the Mariepskop school community has enabled the race logistics to remain as seamless as possible for all participants. School Grounds Manager and hero to all the children, Oom (Uncle) Marius, revs up the school bus to transport the 20km to their Day 2 start.
The Booths both feel that the race has reached its limit in terms of different route options, but if there is one thing that the 10 years of K2C has taught them, it is Never say Never!
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate 10 years of K2C, we’re reminded that the event’s success is built not only on the physical challenge of the race itself but on the people, memories, and passion that have shaped it. From rediscovering forgotten trails to the unforgettable moments shared between runners, crew and volunteers, K2C has become more than just a race – it’s a celebration of overcoming obstacles and challenging oneself in a beautiful environment.
Join us at the Kruger2Canyon Challenge to see what the 10th edition of the race brings – we can’t wait to welcome you into the K2C community!
Find out more on our Race Information page, or Enter Here.