
With just over 6 months to go before the 2023 KAEM, Race Director, Russell Nugent will be out double checking routes and while he’s at it, scouting new routes for future events.
If you’re entered for this year’s event or thinking about signing up in the future, you’re welcome to join him at the first KAEM “Training Camp”. ( 11 -13 August ) It will be the perfect opportunity to get in a bit of quality training, test equipment and ask any questions you may have.
You’ll be doing 3 stages (including a night stage) on typical KAEM routes. Stage distances will be 25km, 30km (last 15km in the dark) and 28km. Don’t stress if you can’t manage the distances – you’re welcome to pull the pin at any stage and get a lift to the finish. It’s not a race – it’s more like a “Trail Tour”
You’ll be spending at least one night out under the stars in the Kalahari under a stretch tent, where you’ll need to prepare your own dinner and breakfast using only boiling water (just as you would in the KAEM).
We’ll be kind and won’t expect you to carry ALL your gear for the 3 days. All you’ll need to carry each day is what you’ll need for the day’s run. ie water and energy supplements. We’ll take your overnight gear to the camp.
If you want to join us or have any questions complete the form below and we’ll contact you
Venue: Kamkhirri ( https://khamkirri.co.za/) and Augrabies National Park
DATES: 11 – 13 August 2023
COST: R5500,00
Includes:
- Accommodation at Khamkirri and Veld Camp
- Booze Cruise on Thursday Evening (Drinks on barge for own account) – River levels permitting
- Breakfast at Khamkirri Friday and Saturday morning
- Lunch at Falls (Friday) and Khamkhirri (Saturday and Sunday)
- Dinners at Khamkirri (Thursday and Friday)
- Entrance to the Augrabies Falls National Park and conservation fees
- Commemorative Event Hoodie
- Goody Bag
- Professional Medical Support
- Massage Service
Not included:
- Drinks
- Saturday Dinner and Sunday Breakfast at the Veld Camp – You will need to be self-sufficient at the veld camp. (To give you a small taste of what the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon is about)
- Airport Shuttle Service from Upington Int Airport
Thursday 10th
16h00: Arrive Khamkirri
17h30: Booze Cruise (Sunset is at 18h00)
19h00: Dinner at Khamkirri
19h45: Race Briefing
20h00: KAEM “round the fire” discussions
Accommodation:
Stretch tent on lawn in front of luxury camp sites
Own sleeping bag and mattress!!
Friday 11th
07h30: Breakfast at Khamikirri
08h30: Transfer by Barge and Lorry/Bus to Falls
10h00: Modified Klipspringer (30km) No Route markings – Self Navigation routes will be available via plotaroute for download onto device.
13h00-16h00 Lunch at Augrabies
Visit falls while waiting for everyone to finish
16h30: Transfer by barge/lorry back to Khamkirri
18h30: Dinner at Khamkirri
19h30: Run Briefing/Fines Meeting
20h00: KAEM “round the fire” discussions
Accommodation:
See Thursday above
Saturday 12th
08h00 Breakfast at Khamkirri
12h00: Lunch
13h00: Race briefing
15h00: Transport leaves for camp with runners’ bags
16h00: Night Stage 25km Walkers Start
17h00: Night Stage 25km Runners Start
20h00: Dinner
Accommodation:
Stretch tent in veld camp (amphitheater)
Own sleeping bag and mattress – Gets cold!!
Facilities Boiling water and Fires
Sun 13th
07h00: Breakfast at Veld camp (Self Sufficient) Boiling Water
07h30: Walkers Start 20km
08h00: Runners Start 20km
12h00: “Lunch/Prize-Giving” at Khamkirri
13h00: Go Home
FAQ’S
Will I need to carry everything I need with me for the 3 days.
No. This is a GENTLE introduction to self-supported multi-stage events. All you need to carry on each day’s run will be your compulsory equipment nutrition and water and other compulsory equipment. You WON’T be needing a big 30 liter pack. A “smallish” hydration vest will be good enough.
Will the route be marked?
No. You will be required to self-navigate. This will obviously mean that you need a GPS device to which you can upload a route and you’ll need to make sure you know how the darn things works. The routes will be available for download from plotaroute.com a week before the event.
Will there be aid stations?
Yes. There will be at least 1 aid station each day. The aid station will ONLY provide you with water to refill your bottles/hydration packs and medical support.
Do I have to complete the whole distance each day?
No – If your fitness levels are not where you’d like them to be you can get a lift to the end of the stage.
Will I be running at night? Will I need a headlamp?
Yes. Stage 2 starts late in the day, which means that you’ll be running the last few km’s in the dark. This obviously means that you’ll need a “proper” headlamp to find your way.
Where will I be sleeping? And what will I be needing
At Khamkirri (Thursday and Friday nights) you will be sleeping on the lawn under a big stretch tent. Just like you’ll be doing at the KAEM. No bedding/mattresses will be provided. This means that you need to bring your own sleeping bag, mattress and pillow. It could get quite cold so make prepare accordingly. You will at least have access to the “luxury” of showers and bathrooms at Khamkirri.
Where will be sleeping on Saturday night
The night stage will be finishing out in the veld on Saturday night. you will be “roughing” it and sleeping on the ground under a stretch tent. All that will be provided (besides the stretch tent) will be boiling water and a few fires.
What do I need to bring for the night out in the veld?
Besides your bedding, you will need to bring your own eating utensils (plate, cup, knife and fork), toilet paper and/or wet wipes and food. Remember that all we’ll be providing will be boiling water. You’ll need to bring food that you can prepare using these limited resources. We recommend freeze dried camping type food, oatso easy etc. You will need enough to cater for your dinner and breakfast. We will transport your overnight gear to the veld camp, so you won’t need to carry it. There is however a small catch – everything you take for the evening will need to fit into a small draw-string bag, which we will provide for you. (At the KAEM you need to fit a whole week’s supplies in your pack
Compulsory Gear (Needs be to be carried with you each day)
2 L water
Nutritional needs for 30km
Cell phone
GPS capable of uploading a route
Space Blanket
Whistle
Small mirror
Headlamp with new or fully charged batteries (needed for stage 2)