Take Up Nature’s Challenge

A Wildlands initiative (A Different.org beneficiary), the Wild Series, was established to profile South Africa’s spectacular natural heritage while raising funds for key conservation projects. These events provide participants with the opportunity of running or mountain biking through some of our most beautiful, wilderness locations and have raised millions for conservation in the process. From protecting the African Wild Dog and the Bearded Vulture to incredible adventures through awe-inspiring landscapes – the Wild Series challenges are about more than just sports.

Some of the events include:

THE THREE CRANES CHALLENGE

This 3-day track and trail run will see participants cover just over 100km in 3 days, staged out of a single base camp in the Karkloof area in KwaZulu-Natal. A Race Village will be set up, and each participant will be accommodated in his or her own tent for the duration of the challenge. You can expect nice hot showers, clean ablutions and a great atmosphere. Full catering will be available to all participants for the duration of the challenge, and will include a 24-hour snack and coffee bar. The run will incorporate roads in and around the Karkloof Nature Reserve, and you can expect easy off-road tracks through forests and grasslands, some trail running through beautiful misty forests and magnificent views as you run along the Gilboa escarpment. The night run will add a new dimension and adventure to this challenge and promises to bring out the adventurer in you!

The beautiful Karkloof valley is the breeding ground of South Africa’s endangered Cranes. Sadly, all three of South Africa’s Crane species are in decline due to man’s relentless exploitation of their delicate habitat. By running the Old Mutual Three Cranes Challenge you will also assist these beautiful birds.

IMFOLOZI CHALLENGE

This exciting and gruelling mountain bike challenge runs its course through the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, home of the Big Five and the African Wild Dog. With a limited entry field, this event must rank as one of the most sought-after entry events in SA. The iMfolozi Challenge forms part of Wildlands’ pledge to save the Wild Dogs of iMfolozi.  Sadly, there are fewer than 5 000 African Wild Dogs left in the African wild today. Threatened by habitat loss, snaring, poisoning and disease spread by domestic dogs, the “painted wolf” is now endangered. By participating in this amazing challenge, you directly contribute to the conservation of this beautiful protected species.

MONT-AUX-SOURCES CHALLENGE

This prestigious 50km trail run takes place in the Royal Natal Park, part of the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg World Heritage Site and home to the endangered Bearded Vulture. The Bearded Vulture once roamed freely from the Cape of Good Hope, along the eastern mountain spine of Africa, and into northwest Africa. Now it is thought that the only population left in the Southern Hemisphere resides in our isolated and rugged Maluti-Drakensberg highlands, and that there are less than 100 pairs left.

TO LEARN MORE GO HERE.