Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon

The South African Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon, a unique race filled with adventure and determination, will once again be held in the beautiful and contrasting landscape of the Northern Cape’s “Green Kalahari”. The Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon is a self-sufficiency run held over six legs in seven days with set distances for each day, ranging from 28km to 75km. 

INTRODUCTION

The Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon (KAEM) is an adventurous and extreme, multi-stage marathon held annually in October in the breath-taking landscape of South Africa’s “Green Kalahari”. This extreme sports event is a 7 day, 6 stage, self-sufficient foot race, covering an approximate total distance of 250km. Known as the ‘Big Daddy’ in the South African running fraternity, KAEM is one of the most respected extreme multi-stage marathons on the International Trail Running calendar.

LOCATION

KAEM takes place in the Kalahari Desert in the proximity of the Augrabies Falls on the Orange River. The route traverses the Augrabies Falls National Park, Dabaras as well as private farmlands. This unique and contrasting environment with average day temperatures reaching in excess of 40 degrees Celsius and dropping to below 5 degrees Celsius at night presents a daunting challenge to the extreme athlete and determined adventurer alike.

DISTANCES

The 250km is divided into 6 stages, ranging from 25km to 48km each day with a long day covering approximately 75km to 80km. Daily distances are published approximately 10 weeks before the event and route details are only given to participants on the day of registration. In this way, there is no unfair advantage in planning. The route is clearly marked throughout the course with check points at every 8 to 10kms, leaving little chance for participants to get lost. Crew members also monitor the whereabouts and condition of athletes. Should any runner go off route or find themselves in trouble, help will be there within a matter of minutes.