The “Big Daddy” of extreme ultra-trail marathons, the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon (KAEM), will see the commencement of its 22nd edition on 30 September at the Augrabies Falls National Park.
With an exciting and growing line-up comprising strong and seasoned trail-runners from all over the world, KAEM 2023 promises to deliver an epic experience.
What continues to make KAEM an exciting and interesting race is that the 250 km route changes slightly every year. Also, over the past two years this area has had plenty of rain that brings exciting new challenges for participants.
KAEM is a seven-day, self-sufficient, extreme marathon that covers increasing distances with every stage, with day five a rest day along the Orange River.
The race starts and finishes at the Augrabies Falls National Park, and the route winds through some of the most beautiful and hidden sections of the park, where very few people ever get the opportunity to enjoy the arid desert landscape.
The route includes boulder-strewn koppies, outstretched grasslands, and dry sandy river beds and also stretches through adjacent farmlands, along the banks of the Orange River and through the famous Quiver Tree Forest before it makes its way back to the finish line.
The event attracts a host of stage racing junkies and adventure hikers from many countries around the world.
While it is a tough and demanding race, with the required preparation it is possible for trail runners and hikers of all abilities – fast, slow, young, old, men and women – to complete this race
Every participant has a personal goal when entering KAEM, but everyone walks away with an experience of a lifetime that brings them back again and again. Every year approximately 25% of entrants are repeat participants.
KAEM has enjoyed longstanding and supportive partners and sponsors for more than 20 years.
SANParks’ Augrabies Falls National Park is the main partner and event host, providing first class accommodation and allowing participants the privilege to run through the park.
The full event runs over ten days, from 28 September to 8 October, with the race commencing on 30 September at 8:00 from the day picnic area at Augrabies Falls National Park.
Entries are now open, and will be open until 31 August.
For more information and to enter, visit kaem.co.za, or the Facebook page Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon.
– Simoné Basson
