RHINO. The Peak. 3.02

The world’s only peak over 3000metres named RHINO is secured for the benefit of rhino conservation.

Coinciding with World Rhino Day on 22 September 2015, a team of crack trail runners will challenge the mountain by running from a given starting point to the summit of RHINO, The Peak and back to set a new, certified Fastest Known Time (FKT).

The runners will follow a wilderness trail ascending more than 1200 metres through what is arguably the most spectacular and pristine mountain terrain in the world. The trail follows the Mlambonja river, past the famous Pillar Cave and up the precipitous Mashai pass to the edge of the Maloti-Drakensberg escarpment. From here they will run along the escarpment edge and reach the summit of RHINO, The Peak via a steep, rocky scramble. Welcoming them on the summit will be a team of hikers and rock climbers who summited the peak earlier in the day. The runners will return to the starting point and the one recording the fastest time over the distance will be credited with the first certified FKT.

The Challenge will be captured on video and by photograph to populate RHINO, The Peak web site and its social pages.

At the commemorative dinner sponsored by the Gooderson Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort, a GOLD Certificate will be awarded to the athlete who achieved RHINO, The Peak Fastest Known Time. Inaugural certificates will also be awarded to the supporting trail runners, rock climbers and hikers who successfully completed the RHINO, The Peak Challenge on the day. Accommodation for the athletes is also sponsoderd by Drakensberg Gardens Resort.

Following 2015 Rhino Benefit Challenge, dignitaries, trail runners and hikers from across the globe will be invited to register for RHINO, The Peak Challenge and contribute to rhino conservation. Its unique connection with its namesake and its natural beauty makes RHINO, The Peak a premier destination for international FKT athletes, hikers and tourists.

To further contribute to rhino conservation and wilderness trail maintenance, a mountain triathlon, named Rhino Revenge and a family challenge, named the Rhino Romp will be held in the shadow of RHINO, The Peak in 2016.

Part of the proceeds of every registered rhino challenge will be donated to rhino conservation and Maloti-Drakensberg wilderness trail maintenance.

Publicity pictures are available for download from the GALLERY page at www.rhinothepeak.co.za.