With its desert-like landscapes and contrasting parts, known as the Green Kalahari, and with outstretched grasslands, rocky outcrops and boulder-strewn koppies, the Northern Cape is progressively the chosen destination for extreme sports and adventure.
This year saw the 21st edition of one of the extreme sports events that the province first hosted on the international calendar; the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon (KAEM).
On Friday, 14 October, participants crossed the finish line after nearly 250 km. Due to extremely high day temperatures, especially on day three and day four, the initial distance was shortened slightly.
This self-sufficient multi-stage foot race exists of six stages over seven days and is known as the “Big Daddy” in trail and desert running circles across the globe.
South African born Ettienne Coetzer (39), originally from Upington and now a British citizen, was the first to cross the finish line. This former learner of the Duineveld High School is a pilot in the Army Air Corps.
Although they visited the Augrabies Waterfall as children, they never did any of the hiking trails in that area, Coetzer says. He however believes that knowing the typical terrain helped him to prepare for the race.
“I’ve never done trail-running, never mind a multi-stage race. The biggest thing that will stick with me when it comes to this race is the people. Wow, what an amazing bunch!” Coetzer says.
“You can’t fight that environment,” the 53-year-old Riana Henning believes. She was the first woman to finish the race and ended seventh overall. It was also this occupational therapist from Pretoria’s first time participating in the KAEM.
Seven years ago, she “started running seriously again” and always yearned to do a desert race.
“It exceeded my expectations. I entered with the mindset of seeing how it would go. Before the race I wondered about many aspects, such as my heavy backpack.
“But I ran with joy; free and without a burden.”
Henning says she ran very focused and calculated, but never pushed herself.
The “brutal beauty” of the environment and the big variety of birdlife contributed to her exceptional spiritual experience.
“Become one with what you are doing, and hand yourself over to the surroundings,” says Henning, who previously completed a few 100 Milers.
Soul-filling adventure
The KAEM is a challenge, physically and mentally, and demands proper preparation. Still, it is described as a soul-filling adventure.
“A test of mental and physical strength, with copious amounts of soul-searching throughout seven days. The discovery of the human body’s ability to adapt to the extreme conditions within a very limited time frame and continually adapt is profound!”
This is according to 51-year-old radio personality Gavin Buckle on the KAEM Facebook page. Buckle also finished his first KAEM.
Participants follow a route through parts of the Augrabies Falls National Park and private farmland. The varied terrain includes rocky outcrops, sandy riverbeds, boulder-strewn koppies and vast, outstretched grasslands.
KAEM is open to persons 21 years and older. Juniors 18 to 21 years must have written permission from a parent or guardian. Furthermore, participants must have a medical examination done.
Simoné Basson, a member of the KAEM management team, says it is mostly older persons who enter for this race.
“This is not a bucket-list event. It might start as one, but during the race physical and mental challenges present themselves. And suddenly you are part of a new family with amazing companionship.”
Participants must carry enough food to sustain themselves during the race. Water is provided at water points, but participants must carry a few litres of water with them.
The route is indicated with highly visible markings such as marking tape and boards for directions on-route. A road handbook and map further help to stay on route.
At night participants sleep under stretched tents, with no luxuries and no shower facilities.
A full medical team is in attendance throughout the duration of the event. This team, in participation with the race director, may withdraw a participant if it becomes clear that he or she cannot continue with the race in extreme conditions.
Daily distances vary from 23 km to 40 km, with 70 km the longest stage. This stage is partly done at night, requiring participants to wear headlamps.
KAEM was founded by Estienne Arndt, Nadia Arndt and Simon Kelly in 2000. The event is now managed by the KAEM management team under the Augrabies Extreme Marathons CC.
Basson says the race normally takes place in October – after the winter, and before the heat of the summer arrives. The moon phase must also be considered, as the race cannot take place during the dark moon phase.
The results of the five top positions are:
Men:
1. Ettienne Coetzer: 28:37
2. Andy Williams (UK): 30:22
3. Nicolas Creoff (France): 34:51
4. Christoph Bunse (Germany): 35:27
5. Niel Stander (South Africa): 35:58
Women:
1. Riana Henning: 36:37
2. Este Bezuidenhout (South Africa): 39:13
3. Daniela Ziegler (Switzerland): 42:03
4. Annie Dougall (UK): 48:52
5. Julia Boyd (Italy): 50:40
- Entries for KAEM 2023 will open shortly. For more information, visit the website kaem.co.za
- All photos taken by Hermien Webb of Hermien Webb Photography.
