SANParks Honorary Rangers will be out in full force at their “water hole” refreshment station this year. The volunteer organisation is calling for Comrades Marathon runners to sign up for the Race4Charity to support conservation. Pic by Falcon de Wet from 2025 Comrades Marathon “Water-hole”.
Image: Supplied
The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Region of the SANParks Honorary Rangers (SHR) is aiming to raise R1.5 million through this year’s Comrades Marathon Association’s Amabeadibeadi Race4Charity campaign.
Last year, the Comrades Marathon community helped raise over R1.5 million for the SHR through the Race4Charity drive, funding critical conservation efforts across South Africa’s national parks.
Following severe flooding in Kruger National Park earlier this year, the park suffered extensive damage to roads, bridges, tourist infrastructure, and operational facilities. Several K9 unit kennels were damaged, placing additional strain on teams that rely on highly trained dogs to track poachers, locate contraband wildlife products, and support ranger patrols. These canine units are widely regarded as one of the most effective tools for protecting endangered species.
This year, the funds raised from the SHR Comrades Marathon Race4Charity and Amabeadibeadi campaign will continue to provide vital support for the various anti-poaching and conservation efforts in Kruger National Park and other parks managed by South African National Parks (SANParks), the organisation said.
Last year’s funds were used to renovate and upgrade anti-poaching facilities and K9 unit kennels, as well as to train new K9 anti-poaching dogs. Two new dogs—a Bloodhound called Yoris and a Bloodhound cross named Khargi—were purchased for tracking in Kruger National Park.
Wildlife monitoring and protection equipment was also purchased for Mountain Zebra National Park in the Eastern Cape. In the Western Cape, the K9 unit at Table Mountain National Park was renovated and upgraded, while Richtersveld National Park received security cameras to protect endangered succulents from poaching.
Funds were additionally donated to the Embrace National Project, which supports frontline rangers through trauma and stress management programmes and life skills training.
In 2026, Comrades supporters and runners can participate in several ways:
Runners registered for the Comrades Marathon on 14 June 2026 can sign up for Race4Charity and select SANParks Honorary Rangers as their fundraising charity, encouraging friends, family, and supporters to sponsor their run.
Supporters can sponsor runners directly via the Race4Charity website (https://charity.comrades.com/events/comrades-marathon-2026).
Other options include purchasing Comrades Toyota Win-A-Car Competition tickets for a chance to win a Toyota Corolla Cross, or buying Amabeadibeadi merchandise from SHR volunteer members.
“Every contribution helps to protect South Africa’s National Parks,” says KZN Region’s Committee Chairperson, Gavin Abel.
For more information about the SANParks Honorary Rangers, visit https://www.sanparksvolunteers.org/ or email Comrades@sanparksvolunteers.org to join the SHR’s Race4Charity team.