HOEDSPRUIT – Even though the dust has settled on the 2025 Kruger2Canyon Challenge, the spirit of the weekend remains to define this unique race.

Held over the weekend of June 27 to June 29, the K2C Challenge (K2C) brought together runners, hikers, rangers, crafters, conservationists and a passionate community of supporters in a celebration of endurance, place and purpose.

Hosted in Kampersrus, the town was alive with activity as bright pink route markers with an influx of visitors who came together for the 10th year of this iconic event.

“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,” said Lauren Booth of K2C.

Booth said 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, Remember, and Nurse. 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,” she said.

She said that 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,” said Booth.

The organisers thanked their sponsors and supporters, ClemenGold and BBI, PURA Beverages, Hoedspruit Private Hospital, PnP Hoedspruit, Ultimate Mango Shop, Modern Athlete, and HFM Stream, among many others.