Ladysmith Swartkop Challenge in Ladysmith

The Ladysmith Swartkop Challenge is an extreme sport event for teams of 20 + 2 leaders to draw a gun weighing some 1300kg up a hill of up to 1:1 over a course of some 130m.

The Swartkop Challenge is inspired by feats of arms in the South African War of 1899-1902 when heavy guns were repeatedly mounted on the top of kopjes and manpower was the only resource once the incline became too steep for draught animals. The Challenge duplicates Swartkop where 14 guns were mounted for the Battle of Vaalkraz - one of the several attempts to lift the Siege of Ladysmith which kept the British Empire on edge for 118 days. The origins of the Naval Gun Run Competition are based on the feats of the Naval Brigades during the defence and relief of Ladysmith for which 16 VC's were awarded.

This year there should be two British Army teams competing and four SANDF teams with Lesotho defending their record. An exciting day to look forward to!

The fastest team will receive the Perpetual Trophy of a working model of the long-range 12pdr mounted on its wooden trail.

Venue: Wagon Hill / Platrand Battlesite

Please Note: Dates for this event to be confirmed.