On 20 September 2025, the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) hosted its third consecutive Wildlife Ranger Challenge (WRC) Race Day as a regional hub, joining more than 170 teams from across Africa in this continent-wide celebration of rangers. Now in its sixth year of participation, the SAWC team once again represented the College with pride.Â
The day began in the early hours of the morning, with rangers arriving from across the region just after 04:00. Over coffee, muffins, and bananas, teams prepared for the gruelling 21 km run, had their backpacks weighed, and took team photos. By 06:00, with a cool mist hanging over the College, the race was underway.Â
Seven Ranger Teams, One GoalÂ
Seven official teams took part this year, including five from SANParks Kruger National Park – Marula South, Marula North, Nxanatseni South, Nxanatseni North, and the Special Ops & K9 Unit – along with one team from the all-female anti-poaching unit, the Black Mambas, and one representing the College. True to the spirit of the Challenge, all rangers ran in full field gear, with men carrying 22 kg backpacks and women 10 kg backpacks, a powerful reminder of the weight they carry on patrol every day.Â
Community Spirit on the CourseÂ
The ranger teams were joined by four Comrades community runners and nine SAWC staff members, who provided extra energy, motivation, and camaraderie along the route. The teamwork was palpable: when some of the rangers had issues with their backpacks, the teams slowed down to stay together. Songs broke out at key points, lifting spirits and encouraging everyone to push through the toughest stretches.Â
Race Results and RankingsÂ
Team SAWC was the first to cross the finish line, completing the 21 km course in 2 hours 54 minutes. The last team, the Black Mambas, came home in 4 hours 30 minutes – an achievement in itself, given the weight of their packs and the intensity of the run.Â
On the continental stage, Team SAWC ranked 52nd out of 104 verified results and secured 5th place in the Mixed Team category – a result that reflects their hard work and dedication throughout months of training.
Supporters and SponsorsÂ
A heartfelt thank you goes to our incredible supporters – Brand Monster, providers of branded banners, Guardian Angel Wildlife and Marine Trust, and MC Letoka Attorneys – who ensured that runners had branded gear, watering stations, fruit, energy bars, and drinks to keep them going.Â
Why We RunÂ
The WRC is more than a race – it is a statement of unity for rangers across Africa and a call to action for the world to support them. Funds raised through the Challenge go directly to SAWC’s Protected Area Integrity: Beyond Law Enforcement programme, supporting ranger training, aerial surveillance, and the K9 Unit.Â
It’s not too late to make a difference. The donation portal remains open until 30 September 2025, giving supporters the opportunity to help the College continue empowering rangers and protecting wildlife.Â