Events

The Unveiling of the 2024 PONDO Trail Run

May 7, 2024

4 mins read

The 2024 PONDO Trail Run is an annual trail running event in Pondoland, raising funds for philanthropic causes like conservation and corrective surgeries for children with cleft conditions. The event is a celebration of adventure, camaraderie, and purpose, with partnerships with companies dedicated to environmental stewardship and societal obligation. The upcoming event also includes an initiative called ‘Gift of Warmth,’ encouraging participants to donate warm clothing and blankets for children in need. The event transcends being a mere sporting event and embodies resilience, spirit, and collective commitment to making a lasting impact on the world.

Man enjoying a beer at the 2024 PONDO Trail Run celebration in Pondoland — Photo: Pondo Trail Run (@pondotrailrun)

Woman and child at the 2024 PONDO Trail Run event in Pondoland. — Photo: Pondo Trail Run (@pondotrailrun)

What is the 2024 PONDO Trail Run?

The 2024 PONDO Trail Run, presented by Wild Child Africa, is an annual trail running event held in Pondoland, the northernmost region of the Wild Coast. It is a world-class event focused on philanthropy, with proceeds going towards conservation activities in Pondoland and corrective surgeries for children with cleft conditions. The event also features partnerships with various companies dedicated to environmental stewardship and societal obligation, making it a celebration of adventure, camaraderie, and purpose.

The much-anticipated 2024 PONDO Trail Run, presented by Wild Child Africa, is scheduled to kick off from the 22nd to the 26th of May. This annual spectacle of human resilience and tenacity will envelop participants in the stunning panoramas of Pondoland, the northernmost region of the Wild Coast. The event, celebrated for its world-class trail running and incomparable hospitality, serves as a vehicle for bringing about substantial, positive transformations in other people’s lives.

Group of people around a bonfire on a beach at sunset — Photo: Pondo Trail Run (@pondotrailrun)

Group of people walking on a sandy beach at Pondoland Coast. — Photo: Pondo Trail Run (@pondotrailrun)

A Philanthropic Focus

The event underscores the importance of its altruistic goals, firmly dedicated to directing the raised funds towards charitable endeavors. The Pondoland Conservation Trust and Cipla’s Miles for Smiles initiative are the beneficiaries of the 2024 event, expanding on the achievements of past years. The proceeds from the event will bolster conservation activities in Pondoland and finance transformative corrective surgeries for children with cleft conditions.

Paul Miller, CEO of Cipla South Africa, reinforces the company’s determination to effect significant positive alterations in individuals’ lives and local communities. His sentiments reflect the event’s philosophy: “We don’t have a strategy, we have a cause. We don’t have a vision statement, we have vision.” It is this harmonious alignment of objectives that has prompted Cipla South Africa’s partnership with Wild Child Africa.

Group of people hiking towards a majestic waterfall in a lush green setting — Photo: Pondo Trail Run (@pondotrailrun)

Group of people engaged in outdoor social activity at the 2024 PONDO Trail Run event. — Photo: Pondo Trail Run (@pondotrailrun)

Sustaining Partnerships and Promoting Conservation

Moreover, Sealand, a South African lifestyle brand, is extending its generous backing of the event. The mutual commitment of Wild Child Africa and Sealand to environmental stewardship and societal obligation makes Sealand a perfect collaborator for the PONDO Trail Run. Adrian Hewlett, Sealand CEO, voices his excitement about the alliance, emphasizing that their common mission will enable them to achieve more than they could individually.

Additionally, Devil’s Peak, a renowned local brewery, upholds its collaboration with the Wild Child Africa team for the 2024 event. Contestants can expect to be welcomed with chilled beers at the finish line daily, a deserving accolade for their exceptional efforts on the trail. Acknowledging Wild Child Africa’s extraordinary dedication to the area and its unique charm, Devil’s Peak shares that they are privileged to be affiliated with such an extraordinary event.

Man enjoying a soft drink outdoors at the 2024 PONDO Trail Run event — Photo: Pondo Trail Run (@pondotrailrun)

Man in red shirt running through water at the 2024 PONDO Trail Run event — Photo: Pondo Trail Run (@pondotrailrun)

The ‘Gift of Warmth’ Initiative

The upcoming PONDO Trail Run, in association with The Wild Coast Sun, launches an initiative named ‘Gift of Warmth.’ This charitable venture encourages participants to donate warm clothing and blankets for children. The donated items will be handed out by the runners during the trail run, directly extending warmth and kindness to children in need.

Wild Coast Sun’s general manager, Peter Tshidi, expresses the company’s commitment to deliver enriching experiences for guests while improving local communities’ lives and preserving Pondoland’s unspoiled beauty for future generations. His words highlight the synchrony between Wild Child Africa and The Wild Coast Sun in their dedication to the environment and society: “The 2024 PONDO Trail Run promises to be a celebration of adventure, camaraderie, and philanthropy, leaving a lasting legacy of warmth and compassion.”

The Convergence of Adventure and Purpose

Matt Botha, the founder of Wild Child Africa, sums up the essence of the PONDO Trail Run as a union of adventure and purpose. He invites runners to participate in this unforgettable journey, stating, “Together with our sponsors, participants, and partners, we are not only exploring the wonders of Pondoland, but also making a tangible difference in the lives of others.”

The 2024 PONDO Trail Run transcends being just a trail running event; it embodies resilience, spirit, philanthropy, and camaraderie. The event stands as a testament to the unity of purpose and commitment of everyone involved as they collectively traverse the awe-striking landscapes of Pondoland, each step signifying their commitment to making a lasting impact on the world.

When is the 2024 PONDO Trail Run taking place?

The 2024 PONDO Trail Run is scheduled to take place from the 22nd to the 26th of May.

What is the philanthropic focus of the 2024 PONDO Trail Run?

The 2024 PONDO Trail Run is focused on philanthropy, with proceeds going towards conservation activities in Pondoland and corrective surgeries for children with cleft conditions. The Pondoland Conservation Trust and Cipla’s Miles for Smiles initiative are the beneficiaries of the 2024 event.

Who are the sustaining partners of the 2024 PONDO Trail Run?

Sealand, a South African lifestyle brand, and Devil’s Peak, a renowned local brewery, are the sustaining partners of the 2024 PONDO Trail Run. Both companies are committed to environmental stewardship and societal obligation.

What is the ‘Gift of Warmth’ initiative?

The ‘Gift of Warmth’ initiative is an upcoming charitable venture associated with the 2024 PONDO Trail Run, encouraging participants to donate warm clothing and blankets for children. The donated items will be handed out by the runners during the trail run, extending warmth and kindness to children in need.

What is the philosophy behind the 2024 PONDO Trail Run?

The 2024 PONDO Trail Run embodies resilience, spirit, philanthropy, and camaraderie. It is a celebration of adventure and purpose, with a collective commitment to making a lasting impact on the world.

Who founded the Wild Child Africa and the PONDO Trail Run?

Matt Botha, the founder of Wild Child Africa, is the mastermind behind the PONDO Trail Run. He invites runners to participate in this unforgettable journey, stating, “Together with our sponsors, participants, and partners, we are not only exploring the wonders of Pondoland, but also making a tangible difference in the lives of others.”

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The Unveiling of the 2024 PONDO Trail Run