Running Toward Empathy: Uniting for a Cause at Run For Rangers

Run For Rangers 2023 – Babanango Game Reserve

In it’s second year, a trail running challenge called Run For Rangers took place in Babanango Game Reserve last month – raising much needed funds for conservation while highlighting efforts of rangers on the ground in South Africa. The experience of pushing the runners’ limits alongside those who protect our natural heritage fostered a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by game rangers. It was an opportunity for the participants to walk, or run, in the rangers’ shoes, gaining a profound sense of empathy for the crucial work they do. This year the event unfolded at the picturesque Babanango Game Reserve.

Founded just over a year ago by former Hilton College pupil, Harry Bailey (19) Run For Rangers has become a truly unique annual event. The event in partnership with Project Rhino and the Sport For Lives movement, is not a race but a campaign in solidarity with our rangers and involves participants running 100km over two days through challenging Big 5 terrain.

Photo by Shannon Murphy

The event brought together 12 rangers and 17 official runners, each supported by their dedicated teams, and included four Hilton College pupils who were specially invited ensuring the legacy could continue at the school. These runners were not just athletes; they were ambassadors of empathy and unity. When it got tough, singing led by the rangers themselves echoed through the reserve, lifting spirits, reminding everyone that they are part of something greater than themselves. Collectively, the runners raised over R600 000 through the Sport For Lives platform, with only nine participants finishing all 100km of the grueling yet achievable run.

Endorsed by the International Rangers Federation & Game Rangers Association of Africa, the primary aim is to shed light on the remarkable efforts of game rangers not only in South Africa, but across the world. This year alone 148 rangers have lost their lives on the frontlines. The Run for Rangers beneficiary, Project Rhino, provides support and training to over 500 rangers throughout KwaZulu Natal.

“Empathy is a concept often talked about, but rarely explored deeply in our fast-paced world. Sport For Lives believes that stepping into someone else’s shoes, figuratively and sometimes quite literally, should be a way of life for all.”- Ncedo Koyana, Director of Relationships: Sport For Lives.

Photo by Shannon Murphy

Babanango Game Reserve, located in the heart of Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, is a showcase for one of the most ambitious rewilding projects in Southern Africa in recent years. Set among the breathtaking topography of the upper White Umfolozi River Valley, the reserve occupies a vast wilderness area of over 20,000 hectares that is steeped in Zulu history and layered upon geological features that date back to the beginning of time. The reserve incorporates a significant portion of land that has been invested by three community trusts from the region, whose commitment plays a crucial role in long-term conservation success.

The ‘Run for Rangers’ mission was clear: to raise both awareness and much-needed funds for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line daily, ensuring that future generations can also relish the sight of the magnificent big five and enjoy diverse fauna and flora. This event was not just about running; it was about building bridges, connecting people from diverse backgrounds, and answering the question, “Are you as tough as a ranger?”

Hosted by Babanango Game Reserve – a proud Project Rhino member and benefits from their support through training of their rangers, canine units on the ground, air support and community education programs.

Photo by Shannon Murphy

“The warm welcome, delicious meals, and tireless care from this world-class Game Reserve ensured that the runners had the energy and motivation to push through the challenging terrain. The reserve’s dedication and generosity in creating a memorable experience for all involved is truly commendable.” – Carlien Roodt, Director: Project Rhino.

Run For Rangers – 2023 is a poignant reminder that when diverse people come together for a common goal, extraordinary things can happen. It showcased the power of unity, empathy, and the ability of sports to bridge the divides in our society. The runners, support teams, and rangers became a family, bound by a shared mission. Finally, this event also highlighted the power of collaboration, without the partnership between Babanango Game Reserve, Project Rhino and Sport For Lives, as well as the valuable sponsors, none of this valuable work that was achieved would have taken place.