The Colin Rushmere Memorial Challenge (CRMC) was initiated in 2019. The CRMC is an annual event hosted by Rushmere Noach Inc aimed at Trail Run and Mountain Bike enthusiasts. In 2023, Rushmere Noach Inc partnered with Big O Sports as its event organiser.
The CRMC is held at the scenic 3 Rivers Trails at Crossways Farm Village, situated 30km from Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth. With various route options available - 6km and 12km Trail Run / Walk; and 16km and 27 km MTB routes – lucky draw prizes, a kids fun zone, live music entertainment, food and beverages, the CRMC aims to cater for all with the emphasis being on a fun filled, family day with clients and friends of Rushmere Noach Inc.
The Legacy
The CRMC is named after the late Colin Rushmere. Colin is the son of Colin Rushmere (senior), one of the founding partners of Rushmere Noach Inc. Colin practised at the firm until his passion and love for conservation called him away. In 1998 Kariega Game Reserve was born out of Colin’s vision. Today, Kariega Game Reserve, set in 11,500 hectares of African wilderness in the Eastern Cape, is an internationally renowned Big 5 private game reserve, still family owned and operated by the Rushmere and Fuller families.
The CRMC is held in recognition of the late Colin Rushmere’s contribution to Rushmere Noach Inc and to support and raise awareness of the Kariega Foundation “Save the Rhino Fund”.
Kariega Foundation
The Kariega Foundation is a non-profit trust working in partnership with Kariega Game Reserve concerned with the upliftment of the local community, sustainable wildlife management and conservation; with a special focus on the “Save the Rhino Fund”, all of which are causes close to the hearts of all at Rushmere Noach Inc.
Thandi’s story
Kariega Game Reserve is home to Thandi. On 2 March 2012, Kariega Game Reserve suffered a horrific incident when one cow and two bull rhinos were poached. One bull was fatally wounded whilst the two remaining were severely injured, but showed a will to survive. Inspired by their bravery, the rangers named them Thandi (meaning courage or to be loved) and Themba (meaning hope). Unfortunately, Themba passed away towards the end of that month. Thandi continued to fight, endured numerous operations and made a miraculous recovery. Thandi became the first rhino to ever survive a poaching attack.
The difference ONE can make
Thandi has since given birth to five calves - Thembi (2015), Colin (2017), Mthetho (2019), Siya (2021) and Zolani (2023). Thandi’s second calf was born just days after the late Colin Rushmere’s passing and is similarly named in his honour. Much to our delight and a fitting tribute, Zolani (Thandi’s fifth calf) was born on 1 April 2023, the same day on which the CRMC 2023 was held. Thandi is also a grandmother to two calves born from Thembi in 2020 and in 2023.
Thandi has inspired, and continues to inspire, us and many across the World! She is a living testament that saving one rhino can make a difference. Saving Thandi has created a legacy of seven to date.
Join us to fight against poaching
Unfortunately, the fight against rhino poaching continues. It is hoped that the CRMC will raise funds and awareness to support the protection of Thandi and her crash so that we can leave a legacy by saving our rhino.
For more information on the Kariega Foundation and its “Save the Rhino Fund”, visit https://www.kariega.co.za/foundation/about-the-kariega-foundation
