South Africa’s “Big Daddy” now has a smaller member in the family of trail-running with the introduction of a shorter version of this notorious foot-race in the Augrabies Falls area of the Northern Cape.
Following in the footsteps of the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon (KAEM) Big Daddy, which comprises a self-sufficient foot-race of 250 km over seven days and six stages, is the KAEM Ultra, a 160 km supported race over five days and four stages.
The Ultra will run together with the Big Daddy, starting and finishing at the Augrabies Falls National Park.
Big Daddy will commence on 30 September, with the Ultra joining the route that stretches through the Augrabies Falls National Park, adjacent private farmlands, and cultivated vineyards along the Orange River, on 2 October.
The race briefing and medical checks for participants of the Ultra will take place on the previous day, 1 October.
In contrast to the Big Daddy, the Ultra is a supported race where participants’ overnight bags will be transported from camp to camp.
Each participant of the Ultra will receive a goodie bag and will be allowed to pack up to 15 kg therein. This must include all supplies required for the five-day event – including a sleeping bag, mattress, clothing, food, supplements, and any other required items.
Participants will run or walk with a day-pack that should include a minimum of 1,5 litres of water, contained in bottles or a water bladder, and compulsory survival gear for the stage.
At the end of each stage, participants will collect their goodie bags and in the morning prior to the start of the next stage, will hand in their bags for transportation.
Manned checkpoints are positioned every 8 km to 10 km along the route, where participants will receive 1,5 litres of bottled water from a sponsor. At the finish of each stage, each participant will receive 5 litres of water.
Ultra participants will use the same overnight spots as Big Daddy participants, toughing it out in the same manner.
At overnight spots, KAEM organisers provide stretch tents for cover and to sleep under, as well as rudimentary toilet facilities.
Ultra participants have to provide and prepare their own food and sleeping gear. Hot water – up to 1 litre – will be available at camp for food preparation.
During these races, the day temperatures can vary from 25 °C to 45 °C, while the night temperatures are much cooler, varying from 5° C to 15° C.
The route is clearly marked, every 400 m, and maps are provided.
In a press release, the organisers of KAEM said they are honoured to have longstanding partners and sponsors that have been incredibly supportive for more than 20 years.
The Augrabies Falls National Park as part of SANParks, is the main partner and event host, allowing participants the exceptional privilege to run through the park.
With sound knowledge on presentation of KAEM, the organisers provide potential participants with information such as food requirements, suggestions on what to pack, as well as a list of compulsory items.
Entries are open until 31 August.
- For more information, visit kaem.co.za or contact Simoné Basson at simone@kaem.co.za.
