2022 Ambassadors

Patrick Rüegg

Age: 48

Hometown: Zurich, Switzerland

Occupation: Software Engineer

About me:

I started hiking as a kid and having hiked across Switzerland twice before being 10 years old with my father, this love for the outdoors never left me. Working indoors as a software engineer now, I spend my free time outdoors, walking and hiking with my parents dog, my father and friends. Growing up with wildlife documentaries it still took me almost 40 years to get to Southern Africa the first time. And I've been back multiple times since then.

Sporting bio:

None.

Reason for taking challenge:

Since my first time volunteering with Wildlife ACT in 2013 I've been impressed with the dedication and passion everyone I met has for the conservation and protection of endangered species. This not only changed my views, but also encouraged me to want to give something back for the opportunity I was given. I've followed the RPC as a virtual runner and donor the last years and feel incredibly honored to be given this opportunity to participate now. I also hope to create more awareness for the RPC in Switzerland and that I can motivate some to help out.

Roan Du Plessis

Age: 31

Hometown: Hoedspruit

Occupation: Nature Guide

About me:

Grew up in a small town close to Johannesburg but had the opportunity to go on a few safaris while growing up which sparked my interest and love for wildlife. Moved to Cape Town after school but have always been determined to go into the safari and hospitality industry once I've finished my degree. It was after University when I started working as a guide that running became a passion, especially in the wilderness areas of South Africa.

Sporting bio:

Kruger to Canyon 2019

Reason for taking challenge:

A friend told me about it and after a bit of research, the aim and reach of the conservation efforts speaks for itself. Why wouldn't you take the challenge? The opportunity to run with like-minded people in a pristine environment for wildlife conservation. Just ticks all the boxes.

Tammy Baker

Age: 38

Hometown: Pretoria

Occupation: Business Development Officer for The Endangered Wildlife Trust

About me:

I grew up in Pretoria and come from a family that loves Africa and loves to travel. I am lucky enough to work as a fundraiser for The EWT and am incredibly proud to be part of one of the oldest conservation NGO’s in southern Africa. I love being outdoors and enjoy running to stay healthy. I have a beautiful seven-year-old boy and I hope to instill my sense of hope and appreciation for our beautiful country in him.

Sporting bio:

Rhino Peak Challenge 2019, 2020, and 2021 :)

Reason for taking challenge:

RPC is a life-changing experience. The breathtaking mountain, the feeling of camaraderie, and the sense of achievement all make this a very special fundraising event. Last year we raised over R1,2million for conservation and I can't wait to see what we all achieve in 2022!!

Trevor Wilkinson

Age: 61

Hometown: Johannesburg

Occupation: Pro Sportsman

About me:

Endangered wildlife conservation has been a huge passion of mine for many years. When I'm not coaching, playing Squash, I like to give some time to wildlife conservation. I know, if a small percentage of the population gave a tiny bit towards saving our wildlife, and our planet, we would have a magnificent world to live in. I just do what I can, it makes me happy.

Sporting bio:

- 3 Times World Masters Squash Champion. - 3 Times S. African National Champion. - 2 Times Gold medal winner at World Masters Games. - Played on the World PSA Tour. - Won numerous tournaments, including, Scottish Open, Luxembourg Open, Zurich Open, Lausanne Open, Zimbabwe Open, Namibia Open, Mauritius Open, Botswana Open, Malawi Open, Zambian Open.

Reason for taking challenge:

I like to compete in events, in the sport and fitness arena, so I rhink if I can do events like the RPC , it's a wonderful way to give back and contribute to many incredible NGOs. The fight for the survival of our endangered wildlife is a never ending battle, and I'm happy and privileged to be able to help in my small way.

Warren Whitson

Age: 30

Hometown: Durban

Occupation: As my daughter would say " My dad is a worker" I'm the owner of a company that does the installation of security systems/general house maintenance and air bnb management. My wife and I run a food trailer business, I'm always kept busy.

About me:

a father to a beautiful young girl and such a gentle one-year-old boy. Married to an incredible lady who has stuck with me through all the bad and good and has passionately supported me in my journey. 4 years ago I chose the life of recovery, I was stuck in an alcohol and drug addiction life for 10 years, my wife found one of the most brilliant recovery groups for me, and from day one of meeting them I gave up. Now 4 years clean and sober. I started my running and fitness journey a month before the hard lockdown of covid in 2020. I grew an enjoyment of it and wanted to get better. When we were able to get back to the new normal I was able to experience and train at the AOT grounds and grew passionate about my fitness and health. I would say I am passionate about living in the now, focusing on my family and my goals.

Sporting bio:

OCR Athlete at AOT ( Adventure Obstacle Training) Athlete with AOT Running. Midmar mile 2022 Warrior 2.0 race 2022

Reason for taking challenge:

We often forget the beauty we have in our backyard. The Rhino was my late Grandparents' favorite view. Twice a year they went to Drakensberg Gardens. My family has been going there way before I was even born, some even worked there, and a few have hiked the Rhino peak many times. I had always wanted to summit the peak and in 2017 my wife and I tried and got close but did not succeed. In 2019 I and some family members hiked to the top, although it took 7h30min there and back, the view and tranquility were something out of this world. In 2021 I tried again and managed to do it in 4h30min. My goal is to now get around 2h30min.