Hi everyone! My name is Jaco Duvenhage, and in June 2026, I’ll be taking on one of the biggest challenges of my life—the Namibia Crossing Race. The Namibia Crossing is a 5-day race covering 200km in the Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. This multi-day endurance race will push my physical and mental limits as I traverse the breathtaking yet unforgiving landscapes of Richtersveld and Namibia. But this journey isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about pushing boundaries, embracing adventure, and proving that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.
Running has always been part of my life. I grew up on a farm in the Kalahari and part of life on the farm is either running to do something or chasing a sheep or two. During school, I mostly did 100m and 200m in athletics, and then after varsity, I rediscovered the love for running, but this time the longer distances. Running became a way to destress, reset, and recharge after a day of hard work. Before long, running took me on adventures, and the rest, as they say, is history.
One of the questions I get asked a lot by non-runners (except for – Isn’t running bad for your knees?) is: What are you thinking about during your runs? As the weekly long runs on Saturdays can be as long as 3-4 hours and trail races lasting anything from 8 hours plus, you do have a lot of time to think.
The answer is a difficult one—you think of everything, from how leaves on a tree develop to random everyday thoughts. Then, there are moments when you don’t think about anything at all; you simply embrace nature and the freedom of running. And no – we don’t know why we are running; I am still looking for that answer!
This is a race I am doing to honour the memory of my late father, who died in a freak accident in 2022. His sudden death made me realise that you must not just dream of an adventure—you must do it as soon as possible. Tomorrow is never guaranteed; grab life by the horns and live it to the fullest.
For me, this race represents more than just a physical feat. It’s about stepping outside my comfort zone, testing my resilience, and embracing the spirit of adventure. The Namibia Crossing is known for its rugged terrain, extreme temperatures, and long distances—factors that make it one of the toughest endurance events in the world. But these challenges only fuel my determination. I want to inspire others to chase their goals, no matter how impossible they may seem.
To prepare for this ultimate test of endurance, I’ll be competing in several races leading up to June 2026. These races will help me build stamina, refine my strategy, and condition my body for the extreme conditions I’ll face in the Richtersveld and Namibia. My training race schedule includes:
Each of these events is a stepping stone to my ultimate goal, and I’ll be sharing my experiences along the way.
As someone who thrives on adventure and the great outdoors, I need a vehicle that complements my lifestyle while offering safety and reliability. The Forester is also the perfect family vehicle. With all the safety features, I know that we have the best shot at arriving safely at our destination, and my daughter loves the large windows of the car. She can see the whole world from the safety of her car seat while on our road trips. That’s why I chose the Subaru Forester as my everyday vehicle. It’s built for rugged terrain while maintaining comfort and efficiency on daily commutes. Some of its standout features include:
With the Subaru Forester, I can train, travel, and explore with peace of mind, knowing I have a vehicle that supports my endurance journey.
I’m incredibly grateful to have the support of amazing sponsors who believe in my journey and are helping to make this adventure possible:
Taking on a race like the Namibia Crossing comes with significant costs, from entry fees to travel expenses. I’m raising funds to help cover these costs, and any contribution—big or small—will go a long way in helping me get to the start line. If you’d like to support me, please visit my fundraising page and make a donation: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/crossing-namibia-2026
I truly appreciate any support, whether it’s financial, words of encouragement, or simply following my journey. Thank you for being part of this adventure with me—I can’t wait to take you along for the ride!
Stay tuned for updates on my training and races. Let’s make this journey unforgettable!
#NamibiaCrossing2026 #EnduranceChallenge #SupportMyJourney #trailrunning #SubaruLife #SubaruForester #SubaruSA
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