“Healthy farms underpin food security, rural employment, and our economic vitality.”

These words from N3TC COO Thania Dhoogra underscore the difficult decision to cancel the 2026 N3TC Drak Challenge due to Foot and Mouth Disease risks in the Underberg region.

While N3TC and the Drak Challenge race organisers are exploring alternative ways to continue supporting the agricultural communities and welfare programmes linked to this event, it’s worth noting that the Southern Drakensberg region remains open to tourists. Visiting the area continues to play a meaningful role in protecting rural livelihoods and strengthening community resilience along the N3 corridor.

Read the full story