When it comes to bucket list runs, I’ve ticked off some wild and wonderful locations: the damp forests and slippery glaciers of Patagonia, the icy altitudes of the Alps and Rocky Mountains and the landmark-strewn streets of London and Paris. However, it was Mpumalanga’s Skukuza Half Marathon that provided the most thrilling run I’ve ever had – and I relished every moment.
On the eve of the race, we entered the Kruger Park from the Paul Kruger Gate and drove to camp along the Skukuza road. It wasn’t long before we saw the most elegant male leopard out for an evening walk – perhaps hunting now that the sun was low. Deep in the thick bush, we tracked him for ten minutes; his exquisite tawny coat flowing between the muddied backdrop of the Mopaneveld. We lost sight of him behind a huge acacia tree. There was no mistaking it: we were in the land of the untamed, with wild animals and the magic of the African bush.
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The next morning’s race started at 8:30, after a helicopter buzzed any potential threats away. As a safeguard, there were more than 40 armed rangers on the course to help provide a sense of calm. Elephants, hippos, buffalo, leopards and lions were all constantly being urged away from the route by the SANParks helicopter. At first, I mistook it for a TV camera heli, smiling and waving until I realised that every time it came close it was because there were wild animals nearby. Later on I confirmed with the pilot that they were indeed constantly leading buffalo, hippos and leopards away from the course.
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Oasis Water To Beat the Heat
Kruger National Park itself spans 19 455km and Skukuza Camp is just 280m above sea level, so there is no challenge of altitude, but the route is a tough one which many underestimate. Underfoot are mostly gravel roads with slippery corners in places and there’s about 8km of tarred roads, too, so it’s a real mashup with both road and trail shoes being an option. What’s most punishing, however, are the many short but very sharp hills. Overall elevation gain is 218m and it was a scorching 28ºC by 8:30am. This is where the Oasis Water availability throughout the full 21km was a complete game-changer. Not only was it stocked every few kilometres, but it was at a chilled temperature that tasted delicious with every sip and step.
There is no doubt this race is a unique, visceral thrill. It’s the real deal: running in the wild, sharing the space with Africa’s most revered game. It hit home hardest when I recognised the acacia tree from the previous evening. Just ten metres away. I did what I had never done before in a race: I stopped, ignored runners in front and behind me and peered into the bush, wondering if there was a leopard staring back.
For more information on how to enter, visit krugerparkmc.co.za. And for more details regarding Oasis Water’s dedication to sustainable and healthy living, visit oasiswater.co.za.